Where is CC?
(#1) Where in the Central Coast is CC the opossum?
Monthly Archives: July 2014
Central Coast Downtown
You know where we are, right? A city on the coast and framed by mountains; Santa Barbara is beach volleyball, downtown shopping, Spanish-style houses and year-round vermillion bougainvillea. Arlington at Sunset, an oil painting by local artist Sharon Schock, displays the hazy effect of the Pacific sunset in downtown Santa Barbara. The Arlington Theater on State Street was built in 1931 and restored in 1976. The inside of the theater is designed make you feel like you are sitting in a Spanish plaza; complete with houses, porches, and stairways,. It’s not your typical theater venue for watching Star Trek. Sharon is a prolific painter who brings to life the colors of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and other nearby communities on the Central Coast. Regarding her inspiration for this piece Sharon says; “I think what drew me to this scene was the way the light was hitting the tower of the Arlington. I loved how golden it was, and how it contrasted with the purple shadows.”
Los Alamos, The Invisible Town
Between Santa Maria and Buellton, you can’t see it from the freeway, but it’s there. A historic yet vibrant town of great restaurants, art galleries, venues, wine bars, and antique stores in antique buildings. Los Alamos (Spanish for “cottonwoods”) was founded in 1876 by two ranchers from San Francisco. Back in the day it was a stop on the stagecoach route, as well as the narrow-gauge Pacific Coast Railway. Today you can still walk down Bell Street on wooden plank sidewalks. One local character, Los Alamos photographer Jeffrey Bloom, avidly captures his town via the Visit Los Alamos Facebook page; and a published book called Characters, which includes photos of many of the residents. Recently Connie Rohde at The C Gallery in Los Alamos invited us to peruse the pages of her Characters copy and explained how the community uses the book like a school yearbook, signing each others’ books next to their pictures. The next time you’re in these parts, veer onto Hwy 135 for a glimpse of something special! The local characters are proud of how they keep their town 138 years young.
http://jeffreybloomphotography.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VisitLosAlamosCA
Fog at McVay Falls
Monterey Cypress trees profiled in fog could be the ultimate logo for the California Central Coast. Fog is a frequent visitor here, and an opportunity for even the most bedraggled cypress to appear mystic and noble. McVay (or McWay) Falls is probably the most photographed beach in Big Sur, but photographer John Goldberg didn’t brave the shrouded twists and cliffs of Hwy 1 to shoot the 80 foot falls, he aimed for the view through the vapor. Says John; “I enjoy making black and white images of scenes with fog or smoke that showcase the natural textures and tonalities of a location. McVay Falls often has fog and few people take advantage of the opportunity to photograph this well-known place in a totally different way. McVay is usually photographed on clear days highlighting the falls themselves. I prefer to make an image from a view that others don’t see.” Especially during the summer months, our friend the fog bank hovers over the ocean horizon during the daytime, and moves in to cover our streets and houses in the evening through mid-morning. It’s the main reason we have windshield wipers on our cars.
California Oaks
The California Central Coast chaparral is home to several varieties of native oak trees. The oak acorn first sends a deep tap root into the ground, then a lateral system of roots, all custom-configured to best survive the specific environment of it’s home. The land over the oak’s lateral roots must remain undisturbed. Once an oak tree’s root system is established, it cannot tolerate the addition of top soil and irrigation. The drought-tolerant characteristics of the oak make it a favorite of knowledgeable landscapers who understand how to engineer it’s minimalistic needs into an environment. This painting, Oaks Near Corralitos was created by Santa Cruz artist Aaron Johnson. Aaron captures many types of California trees in oil paintings and woodcuts, typically focusing on a face-to-face view of the branching out areas. Aaron explains: “I am fascinated by the structure and natural geometry of trees, and take care to preserve their shapes and gestures.” If you’re looking for some leafy shade on this hot 4th of July weekend, take refuge with more of Aaron’s California trees on his website below.
Hey You With the Camera!
Do you have any neat photos you have taken of wildlife here on the Central Coast? Coyote, bear, birds, deer, wild cats, varmints . . . I am looking for photos to use for future posts. If your photo is chosen you can guest-post if you like. I can’t wait to hear your stories and see your photos!
Central Coast Impressions 