Remembering Ernestine De Soto — A Light in the Portraits of the Central Coast

This week our community says goodbye to Ernestine De Soto — a woman whose grace, humor, and quiet strength will continue to echo far beyond her years. I was blessed to know her not only as a Chumash Elder of this Central Coast story we share, but as one of the beloved subjects in my Portraits of the Central Coast series. I hope you will visit the page, read her biography and hear her voice to learn about her life of service.

When Ernestine sat for her portrait, she carried with her a lifetime of memories: the last generation to hear the Chumash language used by her elders, the rhythms of family gatherings, the perseverance of a generation that preserved so much history with determined hands and open hearts. I remember how her eyes held both mischief and wisdom, and how easily she laughed (or made me laugh!) when I asked her about the moments that had shaped her life. She told her stories with the ease of someone who understood that ordinary days become sacred when lived fully.

Painting her was less about capturing a likeness and more about honoring a presence. Ernestine represented something essential about this place — resilience rooted in kindness, tradition braided with change, accountability through a lense of grace. She reminded me that the true subject of any portrait is not paint or canvas, but the invisible thread that connects one life to another.

As artists, we often hope our work will outlast us. Ernestine understood something deeper — that it is love, not longevity, that makes a life enduring. I feel honored that her image and spirit are woven into this ongoing project, and I will carry that responsibility with tenderness.

To her family, friends, and all who were touched by her light, I offer my deepest condolences and gratitude for sharing her with us. Her memory will continue to bless this coast she called home. Services will be held at the Santa Barbara Mission, Tuesday February 10th, 2026

With love and remembrance and profound gratitude,
Holli

Hello there!

I’m sticking my head out after our winter, just like the gophers in my garden. I’ve got flowers bloomin’ and botanicals bursting all over the place. As I write this, the sun is shining after the rain, my garden is happy and I am back in the studio at last.

Let me tell you what is blooming in my corner of the world.

#1.

I am teaching a cyanotype workshop with White Buffalo Land Trust. Get your creative energy flowing with hands-on Cyanotype printing at the breathtaking Jalama Canyon Ranch! Join us and immerse yourself in the art of sun printing as you create stunning botanical prints using delicate grasses and vibrant wildflowers. Plus, savor a delicious lunch while soaking in the beauty of the season.

Blueprints of Nature

This Saturday March 22, 2025. 9-2 pm.

Space is limited - a few spots left!

Sign Up Here

An “in process” view of a cyanotype developing in the sun!

2.

StoryTellers Exhibit

Dont miss it! Up through March 24th.

Sullivan Goss 11 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A day was spent scouting out the flower fields in Lompoc. We were greeted by a crew of women yelling "gritos" while blasting Mexican Folk music. I thought of the history of the many women who had worked in the fields of California. I found my Califia muse in the flower fields.

30x30”, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

#3.

Spring Salon 2025 Sullivan Goss

More is blooming ! March 25- May 26th, 2025.

Matillija Poppies, 20x20, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

And on a final note, I have my first grandbabies! Identical twin girls born on Valentines Day.

Charlie ( Charlotte) and Frankie ( Francesca) Harmon, 1 week old….

As always, I’d love to hear about what is blooming in your world. Your replies are cherished!

Holli