I have been showing and selling my watercolor paintings since my first Marin Open Studios in 2007 – and teaching and leading watercolor groups since 2011. Life has shown me that teaching and creating supportive environments for artists is what I am made to do.

Twenty five to thirty artists paint in our studio space on a weekly basis. These artists – we’ve named ourselves the Magnolia Artists – have become a devoted and vibrant community. I also leads periodic weekend workshops for watercolorists of all levels.

As of February 2023 we have a beautiful new studio space under the tall valley oak trees at 250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd in Novato. Windows look out onto green space; it is quiet and has convenient freeway access and parking. Everyone who comes to paint or visit loves it there.

Check out my podcast! “Watercolor Conversations with Cara Brown”  The episodes are re-visits to posts from my online journal, made relevant to what life has in store now. I am also underway writing my first books – tentatively titled You as Artist: A Companion for the Inner Path and You as Watercolorist – A Practical Guide. It feels like I have never had more creative ideas – now just to figure out how to make them happen!

I was invited to show every year for a decade+ at the Sausalito Art Festival until it closed in 2020. The festival awarded me two First Place, Watercolor Awards, until the category was eliminated. I have exhibited regularly at the Marin County Fair’s Fine Art Exhibits, and have won dozens of awards, including First Place, Watermedia several times, as well as Marin County Artist of the Year. I have exhibited at the California State Fair in Sacramento, winning several ribbons there too.

I am a signature member of the California Watercolor Association and have won two awards in their annual International Exhibition.

The artists in my groups and I have had a number of successful group shows in the various Marin County Civic Center Gallieries. As well, I’ve had group and solo shows at galleries in the Bay Area and beyond. You can see all my work – original paintings and gorgeous reproductions in the studio in Novato. Iinvite you to come for a visit.  Send me a note, if you like.

Gallery Exhibitions

• California Watercolor Association – 55th International Exhibition – 2025, Award winner – “AmaZin”
• Sebastopol Center for the Arts – “The Art of Food and Everything About It” – November 2024
• California Watercolor Association – 54th International Exhibition – 2024, Award winner – “Broadway”
• California Watercolor Associaion – National Exhibition – 2022
• Marin County Civic Center – “A Decade of Watercolor Inspiration” Seventy five paintings, group show with the Magnolia Artists. September 2021 – January 2022
• California Watercolor Associaion – National Exhibition – 2020
• Bedford Gallery – “Off Menu” – Oct-Dec, 2019
• Bartolini Gallery at the Marin Center – “Walk in Beauty” Aug-Oct 2019 – Group show – Magnolia Artists

• UCSF Cancer Center solo show – August 2018
• Madrigal Family Winery Tasting Room, Sausalito – Solo Exhibition – May 30 – July 5, 2018
• Marin Masters – Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club – April 2018
• Marin Cancer Center, Gail Van Dyke Atrium Gallery – Solo Exhibition – January-April, 2018
• California Watercolor Association – National Exhibition, 2016
• Redwood Foyer, Veteran’s Auditorium – “Incredible Edibles” – 537 Magnolia Artists – 2015
• Marin Center, Bartolini Gallery – “Life in Full Bloom” – inagural show 537 Magnolia Artists (the artists in my groups) – 2015
• Redwood Foyer, Veteran’s Auditorium – Group Exhibition, 2014
• Mine, Gallery and Creative Space, Fairfax, CA – Group Exhibition, April 2013
• Superfresh Gallery, Novato, CA – Group exhibitions starting December 2012 – food-related art
• Allison McCrady Gallery, Berkeley and Orinda, CA – on going exhibitions, 2011 – 2012
• Anthony Miceli Gallery – Two Bird Café – solo show – January 3 – March 7, 2011
• Picture Perfect Gallery – 2 person show – March 2 – April 28, 2010
• American Women Artists, October 2009 – National Juried Competition
• North Bay Gallery, Yountville and Sonoma, CA – August 2009 – December 2010
• “Bloom” – The Village Gallery, Mississauga, ON, Canada – Spring 2009, Spring 2010
• Aurora Colors Gallery, Petaluma, CA – July 2008 – December 2009
• Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 4th Annual National Juried Exhibition, August 2007
• Marin Society of Artists, Open Juried Fine Art Show, July 2007