By Clyde Noel

If you think local seniors spend most of their time at senior centers playing bingo, think again.  Many have a calling in the visual arts.

Dr. Mel Russi, a retired urologist from Los Altos Hills, is taking an acrylic and oil painting class for beginning artists at Mountain View Senior Center.

Class instructor Bob Magneson has 23 older adult artists in his class,  They range from advanced students to beginners like Rossi.

“I try to teach them design, color and how to frame and work in a professional manner,”  Magneson said,  “It’s a relaxing atmosphere and not threatening for seniors, but it is hard work.”

Magneson, a San Jose State University graduate in arts and graphics, has been teaching for 3 years.  He has about 70 of his recent paintings displayed on the Internet.

One of the class’s more experienced artists is Betty Latta of Los Altos.  She Started painting 10 years ago and has finished more than 20 oils.  Most are displayed on the walls of her home or her son’s place.

“I can’t sell my paintings to my family, can I?” she ashed.  “Right now I’m doing a painting of gardens outside of Amsterdam during the bulb season.”

Latta said the classes are stimulating and wonderful for the seniors.

It’s a social outlet for the seniors.  They make friends with each other and talk away with everone,”  she said.  “Most importantly for the class, the teachers don’t baby sit,  They really teach us.”

watercolor at Hillview Community Center with Los Altos seniors.  For the last 24 years, she has been an art docent for the Los Altos School District.

Magneson said even if seniors have never painted before or would like to learn to paint,  he can offer technique that will make the experience valuable and enriching.  For a view of his work, visit www.bobmagneson.com.

Los Altos Town Crier