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Petaluma Creek ca. 1896

This extreme miniature water color is one of the works of which I am most proud. It is the most finely detailed work that I have ever done and at a mere 4"x 6", it is one of those works that every time I look at it I can't believe it was clumsy old me that actually painted it. The reason I am so impressed with the amount of control I exerted was that I had developed seriously crippling cervical spinal problems that were beginning to interfere with the control of my hands arms, and legs. Fortunately surgical intervention saved my limbs and returned my neurological function to my hands, though well after the painting was completed. Petaluma California is famous primarily for being the residence of Charles Schultz the beloved creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. It is also the hometown of actress Winona Ryder. In 1896 however it was an inland port for all of the agricultural products of Napa Valley. The creek empties into San Francisco Bay and the famous flat bottom "scow schooners" navigated there way deep into the valleys of North-Central California via the waterways that fed the Bay area. These vessels were able to work their way as far east as Stockton and Sacramento. In 2002 Barbara and I were returning from a wedding in Healdsburg and we crossed over the Petaluma Creek at the exact spot one of the pictures I used for this composition was taken, and all of the charm was gone. the interesting dock and riverside structures were replaced by the drab monotonous buildings of a modern industrial park, and the creek itself looked to be little more than a drainage ditch. Even though the charming scene belongs to the ages, at least it can live on in this teeny tiny watercolor.

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Anonymous Guest

Anonymous Guest 15 Sep 2016

Can I get in touch with the artist please

Artist Reply: I am so sorry, I just found your message two years too late. I had been hospitalized for a recurring infection, and never found it even though I check in every so often. At one time I used to receive email notice when I had a new correspondence from Art Wanted. my email address is [email protected], and my phone number is 1 323 255 2751.

ruth sears 25 Apr 2011

just plain stunning!!!!!

Artist Reply: This was the boldest attempt of mine at painting miniature work. I was trying to jam as much detail in to this quaint scene as possible.

Maureen Bloesch 17 Jul 2010

FANTASTIC DETAIL & COLOR!!!!!!!!!!

margaret mckeehan 25 Jul 2008

SO WONDERFUL

Barry Huyett 05 Jun 2008

aH! so beautiful!