I love taking on a challenge. And, this commission certainly was that. It also was a joy. One of the amazing things about being an artist is that you get to create your own world, your own vision and your own story or in this case, someone else’s story. This painting was created in collaboration with a couple who live a blessed and adventurous life based out of San Francisco.

The idea was to include some of the major landmarks of the city, including their house in lower Pacific Heights and to show the juxtaposition of combined city and nature, which San Francisco is so notorious for. Andy Goldsworthy does this beautifully with his tree sculpture, Spire in the Presidio which does its own silent call and response to the Transamerica Pyramid which is visible from the site. Also included in this painting is Goldsworthy’s, Woodline located in the Presidio as well. In the top left corner there is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge leading out to the hills of Marin County where the couple has spent many glorious bike rides and wine tastings together. In the top right corner, there is the Bay Bridge lit up by 1000’s of twinkling, programed LED lights, an art installation designed by Leo Villareal. This leads towards the snow capped Sierras where the couple skis and vacations with friends and family. In the lower left corner is the Colorado River cutting through the Vishnu Schist, reminiscent of the couple’s Grand Canyon river trips. And in the lower right corner is a little splice of Costa Rica, another adventure dear to their hearts and worthy of including in this masterpiece!

How fun to create this story on paper and in my own way honor a few of the great artists and architects. Also an honor, was to share in some of these adventures, including Costa Rica, Grand Canyon and numerous days exploring, walking and driving around the fabulous city of San Francisco.