Many artists are gifted at writing witty descriptions of their work.   I am
not one of those artists.   I simply love what I do.   I am inspired by the
simple beauty that surrounds me.   I love the cowboy mentality of
honesty, integrity and simplicity, which has greatly influenced my
outlook on life.   I hope that my artwork reflects these traits.   I believe
that I was given a gift being able to  grow up in the Santa Ynez Valley.     
Throughout my life, I became enamored by the beauty of this area.    
From the lush grassy hills during the winter and spring, to the rolling
golden hills throughout the summer and fall, this area is a Mecca for all
types of flora and fauna to flourish.   The vast differences in color
throughout the year defined my passion for capturing  every image in
great detail.

I love being surrounded by the numerous horse and cattle ranches that
once made up the entire livelihood of the Santa Ynez Valley.  Most of my
artwork is derived from my love for this area.  I love the golden hills,
dotted with Spanish Oak trees.  This area has so much history, for me, it is
the perfect setting for much of my artwork.  Aptly, the titles of my
artwork are derived from the names of ranches dating back to Spanish
land grants, such as the Rinconada Ranch, Crossing Cuyama River and
Nojoqui Ranch.   My aim is to create art that is masterful and outstanding,
yet stunning in its simplicity. I hope to make a connection with the
viewer.  Most importantly, I want my artwork to be inspiring and
passionate, exuding an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds all of
us.

From the early age of 9,  I have spent every spare minute drawing.   I take
no short cuts when drawing with pencils, ensuring that every ounce of
detail is caught on  paper.  I want the art I create to be captivating and
powerful in its intense detail.  I hope that my pencil drawings make the art
come to life.  In doing so, I want my sensitivity and painstaking eye for
detail to give my work a depth and dimension that is truly unique.

I am self-taught, working primarily in graphite pencil.  I use a wide range
of graphite drafting pencils to create each piece of work.  Each blank
piece of paper is carefully selected to make sure there are no flaws within
the paper.  I choose Bristol Board paper, with a Vellum finish.
  
                                             
Currently, I am actively involved with the San Benito Arts Council, Santa
Ynez Valley Artists Guild, American Plains Artist Society and Women
Artists of the West.  

My artwork has been displayed in several galleries, such as:
  • Wildling Art Gallery, Los Olivos, CA
  • Sunshine Coffee House, Buellton, CA
  • Solvang Gallery & Frame, Solvang, CA
  • Grossman Gallery, Lompoc, CA
  • Cypress Gallery, Lompoc, CA
  • Gallery Los Olivos, Los Olivos, CA
  • Adobe Traders, Canyon Country, CA
  • California Classics, Templeton, CA
  • East Gallery, Denton, Tx
                                                                                  
                                                                                      
My artwork has also been displayed in several invitation only outdoor
festivals, such as:
  • 2003 Toronto Film Festival
  • 2003 Art Under the Arches @ Mission Santa Ynez
  • 2006 Death Valley 49er’s Invitational Art Show
  • 2007 Boulder City Art Show
  • 2007 Santa Ynez Day
  • 2007 Kern River Invitational Art Show
  • 2007 Los Olivos Day
  • 2007 Big Bear Invitational Art Show
  • 2007 Death Valley 49er’s Invitational Art Show
  • 2007 Santa Fe Film Festival
  • 2007 Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Art Show
  • 2008 Western States Equine Art Show
  • 2008 Santa Ynez Day
  • 2008 Santa Maria Valley Wine & Art Passport Event
  • 2008 Death Valley 49er’s Invitational Art Show  
  • 2009 Santa Ynez Day
  • 2009 Western States Equine Art Show
  • 2009 Morro Bay Arts in the Park (4th of July)
  • 2009 Morro Bay Arts in the Park (Labor Day Weekend)
  • 2009 Oxnard Harbor Arts Festival
  • 2009 Death Valley 49er’s Invitational Art Show
  • 2009 Palm Springs Arts Festival                


I currently show my artwork on select weekends at Bridlewood Winery in
Santa Ynez, California.  My artwork has made its way into the hearts and
homes of several art collectors throughout the country.
About the Artist
About the Artist

"I want my artwork to depict
emotion.  

To do that, most of my artwork
captures movement within the
drawing."
My passion is to combine
historical truth with sharp
anatomical accuracy.  As an
artist, I feel like I am a work in
progress, always learning and
growing.
Geri with her husband Mark visiting her
favorite local ranch, Bella Cavelli, just
outside of Solvang, CA