By Ellen S. Jamieson
 Special to the Town Crier Baumgartner demonstrates the art of floral arrangement. |
Jeff Baumgartner, co-proprietor of the floral shop Just For You Florist & Plants, demonstrated his mastery of floral design July 30 at the Los Altos History Museum. Using works from the museum’s first set of “Los Altos Impressions” paintings as inspiration, Baumgartner connected the floral and painted arts.
The museum presents its summer exhibit, “Los Altos Impressions,” in two sections. The current show, running through Aug. 20, features more than 45 original works by 23 local artists depicting local scenes. On Aug. 24, a second set of paintings by artists in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, with no subject limitations, will be on view through Oct. 15.
Baumgartner selected five paintings from the collection for the flower arrangement challenge - how to create a floral design piece to highlight or complement paintings in the home.
The canvas, “Sunflower Triptych” by Edith Smith, with colors reminiscent of a dreamscape, was one of the most challenging artworks said Baumgartner. Although he incorporated two species of sunflowers for part of the rendition, he said he doesn’t attempt to create arrangements exactly like the artwork, preferring to suggest “nuances and the feeling that you see in the art.”
For his floral interpretation of “Eucalyptus in Afternoon Light” by Robin Dossky, Baumgartner took a bold departure. He elected to construct a large, horizontal panel base, layered with eucalyptus bark to build a piece that was “textural and sculptural as opposed to traditional.”
Jeff Baumgartner and co-owner, Randy Ellis, bought their floral business in the Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center more than 2 years ago. He has been involved in the industry for more than 15 years. His florist shop creates unique arrangements for giving or home enjoyment.
The Los Altos History Museum, open noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, is located at 51 South San Antonio Road. For more information, call 948-9427 or visit www.losaltoshistory.org.
Just for You Florist & Plants is located at 668-B Rancho Shopping Center, Los Altos, 948-7002.
