Our Artists
Once Upon a Canvas was created by a group of local artists who came together to provide a place to show their work, as well as the work of other artists within the community, to share their knowledge and experiences, and to have fun while doing it.
Linda Peonsin
Artist Original Owner and Teacher
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Happy customers!
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I come from a long line of artists in my family and had never thought I would actually join their ranks. But one day I finally put paint to a canvas and found the passion to express myself that had always been missing. I had long dreamed of having a place where I could pursue this passion, share my knowledge and learn from others. Once Upon a Canvas is that dream come true.
onceuponacanvasbenicia.com
Pam McMillan
Original Owner and Forever In Our Thoughts! In Loving Memory
Linda Schreiber
Artist Member
Artist Member
Linda Schreiber’s paintings and photos highlight her return to two longtime passions: painting and photography. In her 20's, Linda and her partner, Bill Allison ran a company called “Allison Wonderwalls,” painting album covers for record companies. If any of you walked or drove past Tower Records at Columbus and Bay Streets in San Francisco’s in the 70's and saw the paintings of the album covers outside Tower Records, chances are Linda painted some or all of those album covers.
After years of painting murals and billboards in the Bay Area, Linda enrolled at Mills College, where she minored in art and photography. Linda went on to earn a teaching credential. Using art to teach children concepts of our ancient world followed, along with teaching adults computer programs to develop their artistic abilities.
Retiring to Benicia four years ago brings Linda inspiration from the gorgeous local scenery. Patrons of Benicia’s Little Art Shop and art festivals along First Street have bought her work and Linda of “Once Upon a Canvas” encouraged her to return to painting, too. Linda now paints renditions of her photos and other picturesque scenery and hones her craft in Once Upon a Canvas’ painting classes.
After years of painting murals and billboards in the Bay Area, Linda enrolled at Mills College, where she minored in art and photography. Linda went on to earn a teaching credential. Using art to teach children concepts of our ancient world followed, along with teaching adults computer programs to develop their artistic abilities.
Retiring to Benicia four years ago brings Linda inspiration from the gorgeous local scenery. Patrons of Benicia’s Little Art Shop and art festivals along First Street have bought her work and Linda of “Once Upon a Canvas” encouraged her to return to painting, too. Linda now paints renditions of her photos and other picturesque scenery and hones her craft in Once Upon a Canvas’ painting classes.
Samantha McNally
Artist Member and Webmaster
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Samantha McNally studied Art at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ, Ridgewood School of Art in Ridgewood, NJ and The School of Visual Arts in NYC. Besides showing her art at Once Upon a Canvas Studio Gallery, Samantha’s paintings hang in the Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek, HQ Gallery in Benicia and in many shows around the Bay Area. Samantha McNally served as the President of the California Watercolor Association (CWA) from 2007 through 2010 and as Communications Director in 2011. She paints watercolor paintings en plein air and in the studio. Samantha is also the webmaster for this very website too.
www.samanthamcnally.com
www.samanthamcnally.com
Charles White
Artist Member and Teacher
Charles White is one of America's most prolific and popular artists working today. In the past 25 years Charles has produced and sold close to 1000 original oil paintings through major galleries and reproductions of his work on canvas and paper have sold in the thousands around the world.
His images adorn book covers, greeting cards, calendars, puzzles, plates and many other products across the U.S. and Canada. He has been the subject of many press articles and given many workshops and lectures around the country. He produced an instructional video and has written a book about his life and work called, "The Path Worth Taking" published in 2011.
His over 50 years of painting experience are clearly evident in his luminous, multi-layered oils that invite the viewer into a world of tranquil beauty and timeless elegance.
www.charleswhite.net
His images adorn book covers, greeting cards, calendars, puzzles, plates and many other products across the U.S. and Canada. He has been the subject of many press articles and given many workshops and lectures around the country. He produced an instructional video and has written a book about his life and work called, "The Path Worth Taking" published in 2011.
His over 50 years of painting experience are clearly evident in his luminous, multi-layered oils that invite the viewer into a world of tranquil beauty and timeless elegance.
www.charleswhite.net
Mary Parkerson
Artist Teacher
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Born into a family of artists in New Orleans, Mary had her own art school for children by the time she was a teenager. Later she studied painting at Foothill & De Anza Colleges in Silicon Valley and was tutored extensively by the late world-renowned artist Michael Linstrom. After earning her credential at San Jose State, she taught painting at Adult Education for years. She has exhibited in galleries and businesses in Silicon Valley, Carmel and Walnut Creek. The landscape Mary painted for the 2019 Benicia Plein Air Paint Out won 3rd prize. Whatever she is painting her intention is to deliver tender emotions or a sense of passion.
Find her artwork at: MaryParkerson.com
Find her artwork at: MaryParkerson.com
Bill Wages
Artist Member
Artist Member
I have been a professional photographer for 5 years, and my images are inspired by a passion for the natural world and my love of photography. By sharing these images, it is my hope that other people will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonders of nature and our beautiful world, as I see it through my lens.
My images are printed, matted and framed by me, and are available in other sizes and media, including canvas, metal or acrylic. Commissioned photography is available by request, and custom framing requests can also be accommodated, per requirements.
More images can be seen on my Facebook page at Bill Wages, and at my website:
Billwagesphotography.com
My images are printed, matted and framed by me, and are available in other sizes and media, including canvas, metal or acrylic. Commissioned photography is available by request, and custom framing requests can also be accommodated, per requirements.
More images can be seen on my Facebook page at Bill Wages, and at my website:
Billwagesphotography.com
Caitlin Douglas
Artist Member
I have always felt more at home in nature than anywhere else. It was no surprise to me that my art would evolve to that same passion. I draw on the personality of the animals or scene and try and capture that within the confines of a square canvas. I had tried to be tormented and modern with my work, harness the bad in my life to create art, but I was always drawn to the simple yet beautiful moments in life, especially those outdoors.
I was born and raised in Fairfax, CA with my three siblings. I was lucky enough to have a mother who nurtured and supported each of us in our own path. I started painting at the age of four and quickly realized that I always felt better when I was creating something. I continued with painting through all my schooling and went on to earn my BFA with an emphasis in painting from Sonoma State University. Unfortunately, life got in the way of painting for many years after graduating and it wasn’t until the birth of my son Malcolm that I felt the drive to put paint to canvas again. Since then I have been trying to find my new voice as an artist, mother and wife. I have been competing in local art competitions and earned a Best in Show at the Solano County Fair. I have had shows in San Francisco, San Rafael, Berkeley, Vallejo, Benicia and Sebastopol.
Please contact me at me@caitlindouglasdesign.com
Custom Commission Paintings Available
Find me on my website, CaitlinDouglasDesign.com. I can also be found on Facebook and Etsy at Caitlin Douglas Design.
I was born and raised in Fairfax, CA with my three siblings. I was lucky enough to have a mother who nurtured and supported each of us in our own path. I started painting at the age of four and quickly realized that I always felt better when I was creating something. I continued with painting through all my schooling and went on to earn my BFA with an emphasis in painting from Sonoma State University. Unfortunately, life got in the way of painting for many years after graduating and it wasn’t until the birth of my son Malcolm that I felt the drive to put paint to canvas again. Since then I have been trying to find my new voice as an artist, mother and wife. I have been competing in local art competitions and earned a Best in Show at the Solano County Fair. I have had shows in San Francisco, San Rafael, Berkeley, Vallejo, Benicia and Sebastopol.
Please contact me at me@caitlindouglasdesign.com
Custom Commission Paintings Available
Find me on my website, CaitlinDouglasDesign.com. I can also be found on Facebook and Etsy at Caitlin Douglas Design.
Tina Hariu
Artist Member
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I am a freelance artist and Professional Geologist living in the beautiful waterfront town of Benicia, California. As an artist and geologist my work is heavily influenced by the beauty that surrounds us. Mother Earth has provided an unlimited supply of subjects for my realistic artwork!
My specialties include:
• Nature paintings (florals, animals, scenes, still life, and yes, paintings of rocks.)
• Portraits (painted and sculpted)
• Figurative sculpture
• Murals (trompe l’oeil and children’s rooms)
• Jewelry (I collect rocks, cut and polish my own cabochons, and do wire-wrapping for a 100% hand crafted art piece)
• Sculptural cakes
In my paintings, I work in various media, but tend to prefer oils because of their amazing flexibility with blending and their vibrant colors. Most of my original paintings can also be purchased as giclees for a more affordable piece of art. I do much of my work on commission and work closely with my clients to ensure I am fully encompassing the concepts they wish to display in their personal spaces. Examples of my work can be found at:
www.tina-hariu.com
My specialties include:
• Nature paintings (florals, animals, scenes, still life, and yes, paintings of rocks.)
• Portraits (painted and sculpted)
• Figurative sculpture
• Murals (trompe l’oeil and children’s rooms)
• Jewelry (I collect rocks, cut and polish my own cabochons, and do wire-wrapping for a 100% hand crafted art piece)
• Sculptural cakes
In my paintings, I work in various media, but tend to prefer oils because of their amazing flexibility with blending and their vibrant colors. Most of my original paintings can also be purchased as giclees for a more affordable piece of art. I do much of my work on commission and work closely with my clients to ensure I am fully encompassing the concepts they wish to display in their personal spaces. Examples of my work can be found at:
www.tina-hariu.com
Claudia Bennett
Artist Member
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My love for art started when I was a child when my brother, sister and I would enjoy watching our mother paint her beautiful watercolors with my aunt’s ever inspiring acrylics. Both were the artists in my family that contributed to my creativity as they would help us paint our own paintings that left me with so many fond memories.
I continued to take art classes throughout my summer breaks and throughout my teaching career and finally retired after 23 years in public schools to pursue other interests.
In 2017, I renewed my passion for painting after taking Charles Whites classes at Once Upon a Canvas where I learned many new acrylic techniques that has helped me to grow into a more confident and talented artist. Also, being involved with Benicia’s artistic community has been instrumental in nurturing my art and creativity that I enjoy combining with my travels, nature, photography and growing flowers in my garden which are my favorite subjects I like to paint.
I continued to take art classes throughout my summer breaks and throughout my teaching career and finally retired after 23 years in public schools to pursue other interests.
In 2017, I renewed my passion for painting after taking Charles Whites classes at Once Upon a Canvas where I learned many new acrylic techniques that has helped me to grow into a more confident and talented artist. Also, being involved with Benicia’s artistic community has been instrumental in nurturing my art and creativity that I enjoy combining with my travels, nature, photography and growing flowers in my garden which are my favorite subjects I like to paint.
Nathan Groves
Artist Member and Teacher
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Although dabbling in photography much of his life, Nathan started taking it more seriously about seven years ago, after picking up an old Minolta film camera from a thrift store. Years of self-teaching has lead him to try out many different genres, including portraiture, landscape, bird, street, and architecture. He can often be seen trudging through marshes or taking long hikes through urban environments capturing elements of nature or mankind’s conquest of it. He is just now striking out into the world of the photographic professional, and desires to focus primarily on teaching, whether in person or through YouTube.
“Nathan is one of the most gifted teachers I have encountered during my long path as an artist and teacher myself. He has a unique ability to perceive and articulate exactly what students need to hear. Extremely knowledgeable, thorough, personable and inspiring, Nathan creates a learning experience that is very rewarding.” Mary Parkerson
YouTube channel: Forgotten Cameras
IG: anothernatedogg
“Nathan is one of the most gifted teachers I have encountered during my long path as an artist and teacher myself. He has a unique ability to perceive and articulate exactly what students need to hear. Extremely knowledgeable, thorough, personable and inspiring, Nathan creates a learning experience that is very rewarding.” Mary Parkerson
YouTube channel: Forgotten Cameras
IG: anothernatedogg
Kymberli Brady
Artist Member
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Kymberli Brady is an award-winning author, journalist, photographer, and graphic designer. She earned her degree in commercial art technology and worked in the television industry in Los Angeles for over 30 years before moving to the Bay Area in 2000.
Photography has been her passion since childhood and she made a career of it in San Jose, shooting architecture, special events, corporate head shots, and photo journalism, before opening a gallery and diving into the world of fine art photo realism and macro photography.
Kymberli fell in love with the artistic community in Benicia in 2020 and now lives here with her rescue pup Puddles. The two can be seen wandering around town, catching images of everything this beautiful city has to offer.
https://kymberlibrady.smugmug.com/
Photography has been her passion since childhood and she made a career of it in San Jose, shooting architecture, special events, corporate head shots, and photo journalism, before opening a gallery and diving into the world of fine art photo realism and macro photography.
Kymberli fell in love with the artistic community in Benicia in 2020 and now lives here with her rescue pup Puddles. The two can be seen wandering around town, catching images of everything this beautiful city has to offer.
https://kymberlibrady.smugmug.com/
Valentina Aernas
Artist Member
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Originally from Chile, Valentina received her Bachelor in Fine Arts in 2007 in Santiago, Chile. After graduating, she traveled to Japan to research Japanese traditional art at Hokkaido University. The year in Japan had a great impact on Valentina’s artwork, especially because of the emphasis on the natural world in Japanese culture. The nature-infused imagery inspired her to produce a series of watercolors and ink paintings of grass, leaves, and flowers that she showed in two solo exhibits on her return to Chile.
Around that time, she started teaching a Color Theory class at the university and opened a studio in Santiago where she gave private lessons on drawing and painting.
In 2013, she moved to California, got married, and become a mom of two girls.
After settling down in the Bay Area, she opened a studio in Benicia in which she taught painting and drawing primarily to young learners.
The pandemic brought the change back to her life, as she is back at her home studio and dedicated to her paintings as well as accepting commissioned works. Valentina continues to find inspiration in nature, with a special passion for gardens, portraits, and farm animals.
For more art and information go to: www.pintalibre.com
Around that time, she started teaching a Color Theory class at the university and opened a studio in Santiago where she gave private lessons on drawing and painting.
In 2013, she moved to California, got married, and become a mom of two girls.
After settling down in the Bay Area, she opened a studio in Benicia in which she taught painting and drawing primarily to young learners.
The pandemic brought the change back to her life, as she is back at her home studio and dedicated to her paintings as well as accepting commissioned works. Valentina continues to find inspiration in nature, with a special passion for gardens, portraits, and farm animals.
For more art and information go to: www.pintalibre.com
