Chinatown San Francisco

Out painting today in Chinatown with some school chums.
6 1/2 x 9 Acrylic in sketchbook.

Fountain of the Tortoises

Here is a study I did of the "Fountain of the Tortoises" in Huntington Park across from Grace Cathedral. Acrylic 6x8.

It's a copy of "La Fontana Delle Tartarughe" in Piazza Mattei, Rome.

The original was designed in 1581 by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Taddeo Landini. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to restore the fountain in 1658, and as part of the restoration, Bernini added the tortoises.

In the early 20th Century, a Roman company produced exact reproductions of the original. William and Ethel Crocker purchased one for their estate in Hillsborough. The Crocker children donated the fountain to San Francisco in 1954 for installation in Huntington Park across the street from the site of the original Crocker mansion, now occupied by Grace Cathedral.

More great history! There is a story behind everything we encounter in life!

Train Museum

Here is an acrylic study 8x11 sketchbook, done at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. Some really fascinating history! There is one gentleman in particular who sits in one of the old mail trains, who told me all about it's history. Can you imagine a real train robbery like right out of an old western. Man! Cool stuff!

Sometimes I wish I would have focused more on history growing up. Over the years I've come to realize how important it is to know where we've been as a people. It helps inform our artistic vision and choices. I can see that research done before a project will do alot to make your story, film, illustration ring true for the audience. Authenticity and Integrity! It's more work, but well worth it.

more borders cafe

Just a few more sketches I pulled out of my book.