Lookout
2006
9 x 16"
oil on panel

Since 2003 I have been participating in the annual exhibit "Ranches and Rolling Hills" which is a benefit for the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. As a participant in this show I have access to approximately 40 ranches in Marin. I have visited many of them and painted on maybe a dozen.

One of the first ranches I visited was that of Richard Respini -- a 1,200 acre cattle and sheep ranch near Marshall. I quickly became enamored with the place for many reasons -- the breathtaking views, the rolling hills, the massive old redwood barn, the well kept out buildings and labrynth of fences, the old farmhouse, the still running old trucks and tractor, the horse, the 100 or so sheep, the 120 or so beef cattle and Richard's 2 dogs Pistol and Megan.

Richard grew up on this place and now runs it for the most part, by himself. The property is beautifully and lovingly maintained, and the animals well cared for. Tall with mustache, sporting blue jeans, work boots and a cowboy hat, his appearance is iconic, allowing me to capture in a convincing way, life on a working ranch in west Marin.

Some of the pictures are posed, but for the most part, I prefer to just follow him around the property as he works, never knowing what might fall into place.