Cows, Cars, and Driftwood Houses - Oh My There's Lots to See!

by Jayne Behman

It is an unseemly sight to see paintings of palm trees in Central Coast fine art galleries; not so strange for galleries in Palm Springs or Hawaii where the palm grass plant is iconic.  Wyoming galleries boast of cowboys, and Indians are the art-lure in New Mexico. So, it is quite befitting that our galleries tout quaint and colorful street scenes, unusual shaped trees, cows roaming hillsides, the local birds feeding in our estuary, big and small fishing boats, and many more images that make Morro Bay, Cayucos, and Los Osos picturesque towns.

It's very difficult for artists to choose thumbnail views from our many expansive vistas. Morro Rock is such a well-liked subject matter we see it in hundreds of different settings and depicted in photographs, paintings, drawings, and in writings. The Rock is Morro Bay's identifying monument.

The Central Coast has so many wonderful landscape artists.  And, it is refreshing to see a growing number of nonobjective and abstract artists making a splash in the Central Coast art-scene.  Congratulations to the Dolphin Bay Resort Hotel that gives focus to the contemporary movement in its exhibition space.

Pre-tsunami I took my two very energetic black Labradors to the dog-friendly beach, a strand along a Cayucos beach. As we three sauntered down the sandy pathway heading west towards the breaking waves, we were met by a very surprising sight. Before us stood a house made of driftwood.  It was more than five feet high and five feet wide, and the wood pieces were woven together so that the structure appeared to be very sturdy.  It was a fascinating sight. After a thorough investigation by the three of us, we continued our usual stroll northbound.  As we rounded the first sand dune we saw another. but different, driftwood structure. I looked up and beyond, excited to see a line of additional driftwood buildings lining the beach, and in varying sizes.  How clever the person or persons were to use the driftwood to make such marvelous natural sculptures.  Together they made an inspiring sand-landscape. 

Porsche

500 classic cars roll into to Morro Bay the early part of May.  Highly polished chrome bumpers and large toothed grills can make for very elaborate and inviting works of art.  There are artists who specialize in intricate auto detail painting while other artists specialize in replicating the image on canvas or paper.  The display of custom paint jobs is astonishing.  "Cruzin Morro Bay," May 5th through 8th, offers three full days to artists to take in this cult. This is ample time to sketch hundreds of different scenarios as well as be engulfed by people watching.

So, how about that Tiger Woods!  The season for outdoor sports is here. You don't need to wait for a kite festival to fly a kite.  Kites can be handmade or store purchased. What's next for me?  I'm working feverishly on the mosaic bench commissioned by Cottage Hospital.  Here's a picture to document my progress. It's a slow go and tedious work.    Don't forget to come in to visit me in my studio. No scheduled hours, just drop in when the door is open.     Happy May mark making!