Celebrating the Heritage and Practices of Traditional Fine Arts Worldwide
August 20 - October 26, 2024 Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University 167 N. Atchison St. Orange, California 92866
This expansive showcase of over 180 paintings and sculptures is selected from hundreds of entries submitted by current qualified California Art Club members for review by a panel of art experts and leading artists. The final collection spotlights today’s most exemplary works by both renowned and up-and-coming artists.
This scene is on a ranch in Sonoma County that has been in one family for generations. I met the owner, Herb, in his 70’s, who rents out part of his land to sheep ranchers. I initially did three plein air pieces on his property—two old barns and a rose bower in front of their house. I love very big, very old trees such as these, and they are what drew me the most to paint this view. I also love the way the farmhouse is nestled into a beautiful glade among the trees. I enjoy painting greens, but the challenge for me in this piece was that it was basically all green. Variety is the key when faced with this, so I focused on mixing pools of many shades. The light blue of the house is a lovely counterpoint. Looking at this view, I want to be there, and I imagine I am.
I’ve lived in my home in Corte Madera since 1988, and this house down the street from me has belonged to a man named Steve for all that time. Every spring the front of his house bursts into a riot of color, and I’ve always loved that event. I have no idea why it took me so long to get around to painting it. There was a lot I wanted to squeeze in—the foreground flowers inside and outside the picket fence, but also the other layers going further back, culminating in the massive Cecile Brunner climbing rose over the curved window. I had to crouch down to get the shot I used as my reference, (not an ideal position to attempt a plein air piece). The ultramarine blue would seem to be too strong a color for a house, but somehow it works well on this one, especially in spring when the flowers’ colors engulf it. A delightful rainbow that was a delight to paint.
– Nanette Biers
Nikita Budkov
Winter Shadows
Oil on aluminum, 8" x 10", $1,000
There is a big gaggle of Canada Geese in Boise, Idaho, during the winter. One may find them in the most unassuming places. These birds were resting in the old Pioneer Cemetery in downtown Boise, which I found peaceful and amusing at the same time.
– Nikita Budkov
Cathey Cadieux
Behold the Eye of the LORD
Pastel on Pastelmat, 19" x 25", $5,500
I viewed this moonset from my balcony at 6:00 am, just at daybreak. The title is taken from Psalm 33:18, “Behold, the Eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.”
This is a piece done on a backpack trip to the Lake Ediza basin in August of 2023.
– Bill Cone
John Cosby
California Morning
Oil on linen, 30" x 40", $18,000
Gold Medal for Best Landscape
After I got out of school for the day I would jump on my bike and start exploring these canyons and hills. I am still drawn to them. There is so much hidden under those rocks and trees!
Moon Rise Reflection was inspired by a wetland preserve near my home in Marin County. I will often go out on the day before the full moon to watch the moon rise while there is still some daylight, and while the setting sun creates a warm glow on the landscape. To me witnessing a full moon rise is one of nature’s special gifts to those of us who take the time to observe it. In this painting, the moon’s reflection in the wetlands adds to the beauty and sense of serenity in the scene.
– Christin Coy
Steve Curry
Cloud Cover
Oil on linen, 15" x 12", $1,800
During certain times of the year, when the humidity is high, Mother Nature produces low lying cloud banks along the coast providing another layer of interest to these already beautiful vistas.
– Steve Curry
Karl Dempwolf
An Area Rediscovered, Pt. Lobos
Oil on linen, 27" x 33", $14,000
I had not seen this spot in the right light, but the over cast and high clouds made the vista mysterious and like so often getting excited about a vista, enough to want to paint it, depends on the time of day, the light, the clouds and the weather in general. The frame was hand carved and gilded in 22k gold by Petros.
Some slow, some fast, some big, some small, but all know the plan of the what and the how. With an inner drive, they rise through the tangle toward light, determined to be… to be ALIVE.
This painting captures the drama of Point Reyes Lighthouse atop a rugged cliff. Point Reyes is, by official records, the windiest and foggiest on the Pacific Coast. Therefore, on this rare occasion of a clear view, I was moved by the stark imagery of the lighthouse on the edge of a rocky cliff surrounded by great waves crashing around. It inspired me to create a composition that evokes a sense of both strength and vulnerability, as the lighthouse stands firm against the elements, a beacon of hope amidst the wild beauty of nature.
Eyes wide open, Moments of light weaving strands of shadows, Standing breathless in the midst of beauty, Holding it tight to gather its essence, I run up the hill, I kneel, bow and let the muse satiate my soul.
This painting Spring Storm in Tahquitz Canyon depicts a massive thrust fault rock formation that through millions of years of tectonic activity has shifted and elevated a long ago, dried up, shallow ocean floor to about a 35 degree angle. Today it looms high above the desert floor of the Palm Springs region at the base of the Mount San Jacinto Mountain Range. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have called Tahquitz Canyon their ancestral home for thousands of years and is home to a spectacular seasonal 60 foot waterfall, ancient rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife and vegetation. The solid wood vintage frame is hand finished by the artist.
There is something mystical and lovely about the evaporation of early morning mists in a Mission Bay sunrise.
– Ken Goldman
Robert Goldman
Echo Cliffs Sunset
Oil on linen, 20" x 24", $4,000
In March 2024 I visited the Vermilion Cliffs area in Northern Arizona to paint along with other members of Plein Air Painters of America. Due to inclement weather the other artists departed early, but I decided to stay. Although it was cloudy, late in the day there was a break in the clouds toward the Western horizon. I drove out to a view looking toward the Echo Cliffs that my fellow ArtCenter College of Design colleague Ray Roberts had shown me many years ago. There I was able to witness this dramatic moment as the day came to a close.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I’ve ever visited. While it cannot compare to the feeling of standing there, looking up at the granite cliffs and tall boughs of the trees above you, I’ve attempted to capture some impression of the feeling of being completely surrounded by the natural splendor of one of Yosemite’s meadows.
– Meisha Grichuhin
Robin Hall
Cascading Light
Oil on canvas, 18" x 24", $4,500
As the sun begins to set in the desert, a saturation of colors begins to emerge until the drama becomes a brilliant display of contrasting chroma. Then in just a moment, they all fade to gray. This was that moment in the Anza Borrego, as the hills lit up and the floor of the desert cooled displaying that brilliant light as it cascaded into night.
– Robin Hall
Laurie Hendricks
Roman Sunset
Oil on canvas, 16" x 20", $2,775
While strolling along the Tiber in Rome one November evening recently, having crossed the bridge lined with Bernini sculptures away from the Castel Sant’Angelo, heading back towards our hotel, the sun began to set behind the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The beauty of nature and history seemed to converge in this moment that I knew I must capture in paint.
The view of the village was suffused with a warm glow. Just before sunset, the sky was filled with intense colors, the light reflecting off the rooftops below and casting streaks on the ocean beyond. I was intrigued by the subtle yet powerful way the land and sky blended together and wanted to capture that moment in time.
– Carolyn Hesse-Low
Paula B. Holtzclaw
Shimmering Tide
Oil on linen panel, 9" x 12", $2,100
The light from the evening moon dances across the tidal wetlands. Despite their importance to ocean and coastal health, humans, and the economy, our beautiful coastal wetlands are quickly disappearing. Threatened by development and agriculture they are one of the ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change on earth.
On the way up Hwy. 395 toward Mammoth Lakes I made a left turn at Tom’s Place. Hikers gain access to the Eastern Sierras from the parking lot at the end of Rock Creek Road. Nature laid this inspiration at my feet as I stepped from the car. The late summer grasses danced at the edge of the creek; reflections of sky and pines created the perfect complement.
Evening’s Respite was painted along 17-Mile Drive in Carmel just past Fanshell Beach looking towards the iconic Cypress Point Club. This scene is one of my favorite places to paint especially in the evenings when the sun is gently setting. I love capturing the beautiful warmth of the sun’s final rays against the cool notes of the ocean. It is a very peaceful and serene moment in time.
Two pack trips into Big Pine Canyon in the Eastern Sierras inspired this view of Sixth Lake and Mt. Alice.
– Gregory Hull
Richard M. Humphrey
Below the Falls, Yosemite
Oil on canvas, 30" x 30", $11,250
The sheer force and volume of water as it crashed through the rocks and trees created a heavy mist. As you stand next to it you can feel a palpable energy that suggests to you of something much larger than yourself and a creative order that is both beautiful and good.
My interest was in the layers of rugged bluffs, highlighted by the sunlight striking the distant bluff.
– Laurie Kersey
Sheryl Knight
Pacific Light
Oil on canvas, 20" x 25", $3,200
Sheryl Knight is an award-winning plein air artist painting primarily in oil, but also in gouache. She has earned the coveted status of Signature Member in five national art organizations and is an Artist Member of the CAC. Known for her expressive style and vibrant yet tranquil color palette, Sheryl Knight’s captivating oil paintings have earned accolades from prestigious fine art organizations, juried exhibitions, and major publications across the country. Having a passion for the landscape and just being outdoors has made Sheryl an artist who loves painting in the plein air tradition. Her individual style and paint application is a constant theme throughout her body of work, creating a consistency that is uniquely her own.
Paul Kratter
Swirling About
Oil on linen panel, 20" x 24", $3,600
This studio piece was from the 2023 Granite Group trip to Lake Ediza in the Eastern Sierras. On the hike in, the weather was quite overcast and a bit rainy at times. The Minarets in the background were at times completely obscured by the clouds and at times they were revealed. The moody scene and chance to work with a variety of grays made this an exciting and challenging painting.
It was a spring afternoon when I looked for a subject to paint. I feel these oaks are very appealing when they are backlit. The saturated foreground grass contrasting with the light purple grey backdrop becomes a so inviting spot to me.
Triptych pastel on archival board, 16.5" x 40.5", $11,900
The allure of the setting sun along the cypress trees in San Francisco’s Lands End. Inspired by plein air painting along the wild and often windy trails that offer spectacular views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate and the occasional super bloom of wildflowers.
Serenity of the land inspires tranquility of the mind and spirit.
– Jennifer Moses
Charles Muench
The Call of the Hawk
Oil on linen, 9" x 12", $2,600
The Irvine Museum Award
Expanses of land and atmosphere as a hawk patrols his territory in the remote regions of the Tejon Ranch.
– Charles Muench
Charles Muench
Eastern Sierra Majesty
Oil on linen, 24" x 32", $9,800
Deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, above Ediza Lake and off of the faint trail to Iceberg Lake, is a truly magical view -- Ritter and Banner holding court, presiding over their kingdom of beauty.
– Charles Muench
Vicki Pedersen
Sierra Sunrise
Oil on linen panel, 18" x 24", $4,200
The luminous morning light hitting the Eastern Sierra as the sun rises over the Inyo Mountains.
Color that expresses the light key of nature can make any subject strikingly beautiful. Under the guidance of my teacher, Henry Hensche, a renowned colorist, I’ve dedicated over 35 years to refining my craft. Residing in Sonoma County, I’m surrounded by abundant subjects and endless inspiration. This painting showcased in the Gold Medal Exhibition was inspired by a photo I captured at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Rather than simply replicating the image, I drew upon my extensive experience painting en plein air to infuse it with depth and emotion. My aim was to capture a tender moment frozen in time.
In Memoriam (1947–2024) Signature Artist Camille Przewodek was a trailblazer in the contemporary California plein air movement. Her legacy endures, illuminating the art world and inspiring future generations.
This painting is about the vivid colors one can see on a sunny day in the spring in Southern California. The early California landscape painters were mocked by East Coast critics for their use of bright colors. I take pleasure in pushing the brilliance of watercolors to the edge of gaudiness (and hopefully not all the way there) to express this glowing place.
– Robin Randall Purcell
Gerald D. Rahm
Ocean Beach Bluff
Pastel on museum board, 30" x 40", $18,000
Morning light settles in on San Diego, bathing the roughhewn shoreline and the rutty hillsides with splashes of color.
Springtime here in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada; trees are leafed out, pastures are still green, temps are warm in the afternoons and occasionally you’ll get a field of golden poppies.
– Ray Roberts
Junn Roca
River Rush, Merced
Oil on linen, 40" x 48", $30,000
The mesmerizing beauty of Yosemite coupled with the energetic water flow of the Merced River I felt have to be captured on canvas.
In midsummer, the colors of California have transformed from vibrant spring greens to the dry hues of our golden state. This painting is an exploration of that golden glow across the Ojai Valley.
Cattle Ranching is a way of life in the Owens Valley that dates back to the late 1800’s and the first homesteaders. Today, there are fewer ranching families, but it’s still very noticeable if you drive up Highway 395 on your way to the Eastern Sierra. Cowboys are seen here moving cattle as the sun sets on the Inyo Mountains near Lone Pine.
A view I’ve seen a thousand times while hiking at sunrise. It is never the same and it is never disappointing. The East Bay Hills offer countless trails like this one, leading us up and away from our busy, city lives.
– Cleo Vilett
Keith Wicks
Blue Shadow Point Lobos
Oil on canvas, 30" x 30", $5,500
Warm morning sun lights the craggy cliffs as the blue shadows slowly recede from the point at Lobos State Park.
In the heat of summer, these sandstone cliffs offer more than just a respite from the sun. These towering cliffs, combined with blooming violet wildflowers, showcase some of the most graphic shapes and bold colors of the American Southwest.
– Mason Williams
Xiaolong Zhou
Pasture in the Morning
Oil on canvas, 20" x 24", $2,400
The pasture in spring seems to be covered with a large green carpet. I used the curves formed by the cloud projection and the embellishment of the cattle to make the picture more vivid and beautiful.
