J.P. Lane

I enjoyed looking at the amazing art and reading about the history behind the grand homes. Being someone from central California it was interesting to learn about the history around you that you never knew about. There were stories about people from all different experiences andn walks of life. I also found that there were many famous people related to the history of the homes which was quite fascinating to read. Throughout the book, there were many painting tips teaching you about the role value, shadows, and darkness play in artwork. This makes you look at the painting more deeply and gives you a different perspective. I would definitely recommend giving this book a look if you appreciate art and especially if you're from central California.
… (mehr)

I won this for review and it's taken me some time to get to said review because it's the sort of book you pick up when you have time to lose yourself for awhile. I love that the houses featured have information about the home given, from the address to whether or not it's open to the public (some are private residences, some are museums, you get the idea) and some get a whole history of the place.

Each painting tells a story, and some go along with the stories shared in the book and some simply take place at the same address. It's worth a look if you're at all interested in the premise.… (mehr)

This book about painting and the notable or historic homes in California's Central Valley is a real treat. Every time I flip through it I see something new and it's been wonderful to be transported to California through the images.The author took a lot of care and thoughtfulness with the subject and it shows. As other reviewers have mentioned the author inscribed the book with a personal message and offered their help if I had any questions. This one is certainly one that will stick around my coffee table for guests and family members to peruse.
… (mehr)

The Good:

• Local hobby artist researching and celebrating his hometown and region through painting and storytelling
• Recognition of artistic mentors
• Mix of oil and watercolor paintings, even if they're not a preferred style
• Inclusion of small painting tips
• As this is a major agricultural region, it's great to see additions of plant and animal paintings
• Categorization by smaller areas, especially helpful for planning multiple location visits
• Listing of public/private ownership with specific references to visiting options and noting those homes that should be viewed only unobtrusively

Appreciated: the author signing and writing a personal note in the book. The Bad: The author was "stressed and depressed" about Covid and started the book with a whole page dedicated to it. lol. Absolutely ruins this book for me and as a potential gift purchase for others. This is a choice by the author to include and his chosen details like masked & distanced parties and the "vaccine." Do we have to know the source of someone's obsessive depression to enjoy a painting of homes? Must it be a page worth of text and at the beginning? There are other mentions of it throughout the book also. As this was a choice by the author, potential readers should know about it.… (mehr)