I am excited to share my work is in the

National Geographic History Magazine!

Native American Heritage Month has extra special meaning for me because I have worked with our regional Chumash and have learned so much more about their culture, heritage and their living presence. I have had the opportunity to share some of their stories through painting their portraits.

Click Here to go the the article

I’ve created two different paintings of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island ( a.k.a. Karana from the book, Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell) . One painting of the Lone Woman resides at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and large diorama at the new Chrisman California Islands Center in Carpinteria, CA.

This brave woman is from the Tongva Native Americans based in the Los Angeles area, also named Gabrielano by the Spanish.

I am so excited that National Geographic History Magazine is sharing The Lone Woman’s story in their latest edition, November/December 2022.

Diorama of the Lone Woman at new Chrisman Caliornia Islands Center in Carpinteria, CA.

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Here are other Chumash portraits I have had the joy of creating

with links to read more about their stories.

Luisa Ygnacio

One of the last Chumash speaking Native Americans…

click here to read more.

Ernestine De Soto

Last living Chumash to hear the Chumash language spoken. Granddaughter of Luisa Ygnacio (above).

read more here…

Kathleen Marshall

Living member of the Santa Ynez Chumash and speaks the Samala language of Chumash.

Learn more here….

Mike Lopez

Living member of the Santa Ynez Chumash, working as a representative of a modern Native American ensuring the economic vitality of their community and continuity of Samala traditions.

Learn more here…

Are there more clouds this summer, or is it me?  I do have clouds on my radar.  They became a symbol for a conversation about water during The River’s Journey Project. 

There is a lot to talk about in regards to water these days. I’m doing my best to cut back on our water consumption. Meanwhile, I’m working away on my “89 Clouds” Series.

Based on Mark Strand’s poem, 89 cloudscapes are under construction. Stay tuned for more!

This summer we have avoided some of the record heat due to our cloud cover.  Hallelujah!  We may get some of that heat later in the year, but I am grateful for our cool temps considering I work in a barn with a metal roof.  And I don’t envy my friends and family who are experiencing those triple digits across the nation.

Low tide strolls have offered more inspiration.