Category Archives: Visiting California

Painting the Golden Gate Bridge

Sunrise Bridge with Rock 2 Oil Painting by Susan Sternau

Sunrise Bridge with Rock 2 A California Icon Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable—and as inspiring to paint—as the Golden Gate Bridge. With its towering structure, sweeping cables, and vibrant “International Orange” hue, it offers artists a perfect blend of geometry, drama, and atmosphere. Whether you’re sketching it on-site or working from a photo, the […]

Painting Palm Trees

Pool with Palms by Susan Sternau Palm

Pool with Palms Oil Painting There is something unmistakably poetic about a palm tree. Its shape is simple yet iconic. Palms are tall, graceful, and reach toward the sky with crowns of leaves that move like brushstrokes in the wind. As an artist, I see palm trees not just as symbols of the desert, but […]

California Poppy Art

California poppies by Susan Sternau, detail

With their vibrant orange petals and delicate, silky texture, California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are a beloved emblem of the Golden State. These cheerful wildflowers bloom across hillsides, meadows, and gardens, offering a dazzling display each spring. I have always loved painting flowers, especially California poppies. Here’s a link to the page on my website with […]

A Taste of the Outdoor Art Installations of Desert X 2025

Plotting Rest by Kapwani Kwanga, Desert X 2025

Desert X 2025 is a biennial event in California’s Coachella Valley. Every two years since 2017 the Coachella Valley has hosted the outdoor art installations of Desert X. On a windy day at the end of March, I visited three of these large-scale outdoor sculptures, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount San Jacinto and […]

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