Westlake Vista
Oil on Panel 8×10″
I painted Westlake Vista when visiting friends north of LA. Having grown up in very flat Illinois and spending the past twenty-five years amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, California is non-stop “[gasp!] [wow!] Look at that view!” Both Virginia and California have their mountains, but Virginia’s are laden with the green of trees and grass, whereas California is red, and more wide-open. Virginia’s local palette is greens, blues, and violets. California calls for reds, orange, yellows, violets. For an artist like me, it’s like having two favorite ice cream flavors (which I do- dark chocolate and mint chip). Like the ice cream, I just can’t get enough of either.
While painting Westlake Vista, a woman came up to me and pointed out a home on the far mountain on the left. She said she loved growing up there, and her mother lives there still. She said the painting brought back many wonderful memories and happiness and asked if she could obtain a copy of the painting to share with her mother. It’s enriching to find that there is a story behind so many views and paintings.
California is endless inspiration for me, as is Virginia. I look forward to my next California excursion!
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