New painting in the Lenore ghost series, And This Mystery Explore:

In a white gown, the ghost of Lenore drifts among the cypress trees, forgotten by all except the raven. He perches on her ivy-covered tombstone holding her necklace, which has a key dangling from the chain. The setting sun casts an eerie golden glow over the haunted abandoned cemetery. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame.  Prints also available.

New dark art photo, Welcome Home:

A lighted mausoleum beckons, beneath a luminous full moon. This cemetery photograph is in gothic shades of purple. The original photo was taken in the historic Santa Clara Mission Catholic Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically-enhanced photograph. The border hearkens back to TTV (Through the Viewfinder) vintage photography. The scratches and imperfections give the piece a Victorian Gothic feel.

New, from my original painting, Lenore in the Breaking Dawn

In her prettiest ballgown, the ghost of Lenore casts a final look at the raven, before the day breaks and she fades. The rising sun illuminates the haunted cemetery, casting light of pink, deepening to magenta. Cherry blossom petals dance among the tombstones. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print baked into it, then sealed with resin, giving the image a glass-like quality and providing waterproof protection.

Stone Ghost and Cypress Trees fine art photograph:

Mysterious stone drapery covering this urn looked, to me, like a figure standing among the cypress trees. The original photo was taken in the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

This is one of my favorite areas in the Santa Clara Mission cemetery, The Town Square:

Amazing architecture abounds in the historic Santa Clara Mission cemetery with its mausoleums like small cathedrals. A statue of Jesus watches over the city of the dead. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

New photo from Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Crow Among the Stones:

A crow lights on a tombstone, nearly lost among the many graves and mausoleums. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery and was artistically enhanced to resemble an old sepia print. This gothic California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish). The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

New cemetery photo, Monuments under a Blood Red Sky:

Three monuments, grouped together as if in conversation, standing against a red sky. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This gothic California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

A new cemetery photo, Lonely Angel:

A lone angel statue, standing against a purple sunset sky. The original photo was taken at the historic Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

A new one in the Eternal Wanderings series, Grave Redwoods:

Three stately redwood trees stand among the tombstones and monuments, watching over the graves. The original photo was taken at the Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga. This California landscape, from the Eternal Wanderings series, is offered as a print on fine art paper (soft, matte finish) from an artistically enhanced photograph. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual print.

After spending so much time visiting cemeteries for my ghost paintings, I decided to try out offering the photos for sale as well, figuring there were people out there who love these places as much as I do. I call the series, Eternal Wanderings.

In search for interesting cemeteries for my ghost series of paintings, I found a fantastic one, right near home. The Santa Clara Memorial Park. It's even dog friendly! My mom's dog, Star, found a friend there (Star is the white dog). Interesting monuments and trees, including redwoods and pepper trees. We got there late so we only had time for a short visit but I'll be back soon.

New ghost painting, Lenore in the Breaking Dawn:

In her prettiest ballgown, the ghost of Lenore casts a final look at the raven, before the day breaks and she fades. The rising sun illuminates the haunted cemetery, casting light of pink, deepening to magenta. Cherry blossom petals dance among the tombstones. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in black acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

Today, I went on a little day trip to Monterey to gather inspiration for my Haunted California series, and more Lenore paintings. There was a fantastic cemetery there. I took over 100 photos. Here are some highlights...
My personal favorite for "Spookiest Tree in the Cemetery":

Unusual cross covered in seashells:

One of the many mausoleums. This one was a little fancier:

These tall cypress trees stood like sentinels, watching over the graves:

This was a different one with an Asian theme:

And, as we were leaving, I spotted this sweet little angel statue near the base of a tree:

New art pendant, Lenore in Lavender Moonlight:

New painting, Lenore in Lavender Moonlight:

In a white empire gown, the ghost of Lenore drifts among the tombstones of an abandoned cemetery, forgotten by all except the raven. The full moon illuminates the ghostly landscape of cypress trees and clouds. The night sky is in shades of lavender and purple, dotted with stars. In this haunted graveyard, calla lilies and red roses replace the flowers that were once brought. This Gothic fantasy landscape, inspired by the "The Raven" poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" sides are finished off in purple acrylic)--no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermarks on the image do not appear on the actual painting.

Today, I finally got a chance to get to these historic cemeteries in Half Moon Bay and take pictures. There are two adjoining, Pilarcitos Cemetery and Odd Fellows. You can't go into Pilarcitos Cemetery, but the white picket fence was low, and it's small, so it was easy to take photos. I hope to use these for future paintings in the ghost series.




Both cemeteries are overgrown and no longer used. Pilarcitos said it quit taking new "residents" in 1923. This was my first experience actually in a graveyard. It was quite peaceful.