California Coast Commission Painting: Pismo Dunes Art

 This season, I’m excited to create new original work, but the first painting I completed with my daughter Sofia was a commissioned piece for a family in California, capturing the stunning Pismo Dunes.

I find deep joy in creating paintings that are made with someone else in mind—works that will be cherished for years to come. My art is always meant to resonate with others, and there’s something incredibly meaningful about knowing a piece I create will find a home where it brings joy and connection. Commissioned work gives me peace because it allows my time and energy to flow toward something that will be truly appreciated.

Painting the Pismo Dunes

The Pismo Dunes painting was a wonderful blend of familiarity and discovery for me. While it shared some similarities with the Lake Michigan dunes I often paint, it also had a distinct character unique to California. I loved exploring the landscape’s subtle differences—the light, the curves of the dunes, and the way the coastline stretches into the distance.

Painting scenes outside my usual Northern Michigan landscapes allows me to grow as an artist, and California’s coast is especially inspiring to me. I have a personal connection to the state—my parents both grew up in California, met there, and were married there. Creating this piece was a way to honor that connection while celebrating the beauty of the California coast.

Commission a Meaningful Painting

If you are interested in having a special painting created for you or your family, I would love to bring your vision to life. My custom landscape paintings are designed to be meaningful while staying true to my artistic expression. Popular sizes include 24” x 36” or 30” x 48”, perfect for bringing a serene, inspired atmosphere to your home.

Each painting I create is an opportunity to capture a place that is meaningful to you, blending personal connection with the meditative, immersive quality I strive for in all my work. Commissioned paintings are a way to celebrate life, family, and the landscapes that hold our hearts.

If you’d like to discuss a custom California coast painting or another landscape meaningful to you, please reach out via email. I would love to create something that your family will treasure for years to come. Learn more here.