At Leo Carrillo Ranch (just north of San Diego), it is easy to go back in time to experience Early California as a ranchero.  Both gardens and adobe buildings are meticulously landscaped and maintained.  This park creates an oasis of serenity in the midst of new housing developments in surrounding areas.

As the name suggests, this used to be a working ranch owned by Leo Carrillo (1880-1961), an actor from Los Angeles known for popular TV series Cisco Kid.  An ardent conservationist himself, he purchased this place to protect it from disappearing like so many others built in the Early California-style.

Before I start painting, I always do a little bit of planning as to what kind of overall effect do I want to create and what will be the best way to do it.  For this piece, I must say it was difficult.  I took unusually long time to think about it.  In the end, knowing some historical background of the ranch helped me decide on a direction.  I wanted the mood of this painting to be much softer than it actually is, so as to evoke a sense of nostalgia.


San Diego 100 (#72) - Leo Carrillo Ranch

A larger image of this painting is available on request.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper)
Mat/Frame: No
Purchase: Sold

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