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Ynez and Barbara, Oil and Cold Wax on Panel, 24x36”

After working on The River’s Journey project for several years, figures started to return to my landscapes.  Borrowing from tradition, the Santa Ynez River morphed into several female figures starting with three small gouaches, creating a miniseries called “The Last Straw”.  These bathing beauties each represented one of the 3 dams we have built to contain water for the southern part of Santa Barbara County.  

Ynez Wringing Her Hair, 20x24” Oil on Panel 2018

As I continued to play with the river as a female muse, more paintings developed relating to our water relationship in California.  These paintings became the foundation for my new Califia Series.   As I explore the many cultural influences that create our multi-faceted State, small narratives get layered and uncovered.  Each painting has a strong female lead, that stands as our State’s namesake, the mythical Califia.

I will unveil the entire series at my upcoming show at Sullivan Goss this summer. You can follow along on instagram and facebook to see the work in progress.

The Califia Series

Upcoming Exhibition at SULLIVAN GOSS

this Summer

and current preview at Oceanside Museum of Art.

A new series of work is building in my studio. My interests and past projects have coalesced into an exciting direction on my artistic journey. Inspired by the multiple layers found in my print work, my oil paintings continue to unravel our cultural identity in California. Layers of paint ,ephemera and the female figure reveal both our past and present, define both reality, myth, and personal impression. Our namesake, Califia, is my muse. I look forward to sharing the entire Califia series, this July 31 through September 21, 2020 at Sullivan Goss-An American Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA.

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“The State of California was named after a warrior queen, named Califia, who ruled over the mythical Island populated by female warriors.”

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L.A.,Lawns and Lies, 48x48 Oil, Collage, on Canvas Holli Harmon@2019

L.A., Lawns, and Lies explores our relationship with water within the state of California. White picket fences and green lawns are iconic images that promise a blissful home and prosperity. A Hollywood version of a bikini clad cowgirl pulls out her pistol. Is she the water sheriff or bandit who robs Northern California of her water? Which myth will survive? What is true?

This piece is now on view at the Oceanside Museum of Art through May 31, 2020.

Artist Alliance Biennial 2019 Exhibition.