Michael has lived in Pinolo since 1970. Vickie moved here when they married 20 years ago. "We love Pinolo. It's a beautiful, friendly town, with a wonderful climate and close to the most beautiful bay in the world." Northern California, especially the Bay Area, has unsurpassed opportunity for artistic inspiration. Water, bridges, rolling green hills, country life…you name it, it's somewhere close by.

Michael started painting about 15 years ago. Inspired by Hawaiian artists who painted in the "two world" concept, he began painting underwater scenes of marine wildlife. Dolphins, whales, and colorful fish are his favorite subjects. He recently joined his other passion of airplanes with art by completing a painting of a WWII Corsair fighter plane in a combat scene.

Vickie painted as a teen and took a few classes in college, but put her paints away until about three years ago. She started with toll painting, but found it too confining. "I can't stay in the lines," she said. She found painting on canvas more freeing and expressive, and soon began taking other classes in adult school. Vickie loves painting landscapes, gardens, flowers, and weaving baskets.

After so many years in the cleaning business, the couple find art an exciting, satisfying outlet. What started as a hobby is now officially "RESSO STUDIOS." Michael does matting and framing and he recently completed a course in professional porcelain restoration, adding this feature to the services offered.

Having two artists in the family can be a real bonus. "We understand the need to paint and all that comes along with it." It sometimes means staying up late when inspiration strikes or when a commission deadline is close. It sometimes means panicky thoughts of "What am I doing? I can't paint," in the middle of the night. It means side trips, looking for scenes to paint. And it sometimes means browsing art supply stores wanting to buy more brushes, more tubes of color. "We support each other in this passion. We can totally relate to this challenging side of being the spouse of an artist."

We also critique each other and make suggestions when we are working on a piece. Having another artist is very helpful. Sometimes, you're just too close to a painting to see what's wrong with it.

But boundaries are important, too. "We each have our own studio, and we rarely share supplies. But it's great having my own professional framer," says Vickie.

The Martinez Arts Association Spring Show recently awarded Vickie two blue ribbons. One for first place in the acrylic category, and one for baskets. Michael scored big with first place in oils and Best of Show for his acrylic of "Humpback Whale." You can see the Resso's art at the Fourth Street Studio in Berkeley.