Eyes glowing, the red-eyed tree frog appeared to jump off the pavement, his green legs poised for flight. The frog may have drawn with chalk on pavement, but mother-daughter artist-team Christine Pasadis, and Michelle and Jessica Fowler, managed to create one lifelike amphibian.

The artists and their works were part of New Technology High School's La Strada dell' Arte Napa Valley, a street painting festival held at Copia.

The eyes are important, said Pasadis, from Rhonert Park, "they really draw people in and give the piece character."

"It almost looks life-like," said one observer of the two dimensional tree frog.

While the festival is inspired by Italian artists of the 16th century, this group didn't stick to the old masters. While some sketched classical works, like the Alfons Mucha piece "Summer" by featured artist Joel Yau, others drew from modern inspiration including Wayne Thiebaud and some created original chalk images.

New Tech High junior Anna Jarschke, and freshmen Alena Nelson and Siban Orr worked on one of Jarschke's original designs, a colorful star drawing, featuring swirl effects and a poem.

"I love bright colors and this poem really meant something to me," said Jarschke. The artist said she started in the middle of her square to get her bearings, and worked out from there.

Joel Yau said he began on his Alfons Mucha piece Friday afternoon. While he normally draws quickly, Yau wanted to pace himself "to prolong the experience, so people could see the process," he said. "They're fascinated by the scale and the medium."

Betty Owen and Susan Lane are co-directors of the festival. There is no charge for artists to draw at the event, they said. Many return year after year.

"Once they get started doing it, they get hooked," said Owen. "People are falling in love with this festival."

More than 200 artists will fill more than 100 squares, sponsored by businesses and benefactors, and ranging in size from 2 feet by 2 feet to 12 feet by 12 feet. Each is supplied with a rainbow selection of square chalk pastel sticks.

Along with the street painters, the festival includes a kid's drawing area, henna tattoos, face painting, seed planting, food vendors and live music. Proceeds benefit New Technology High School.

La Strada continues today, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.