Grand Style
ARDEN ARTIST CAPTURES CENTRAL VALLEY HOUSES AND HISTORY
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here aren’t many coffee table books that combine original artwork, architecture, history and humor, but James Patrick Lane’s new book, “Painting the Grand Homes of California’s Central Valley,” fits the description. “This is not your standard coffee table book,” the Arden-Arcade artist says of the project he began in 2019. “It’s actually quite rare to find a book like this with paintings instead of photos. Plus, I’ve included painting tips like, here’s how I made the light in the windows. If you’re an artist, you should get a lot from this book.” You should get a lot from this book whether you’re an artist, architecture aficionado or just appreciate a good read. The book includes 54 beautiful watercolor and oil paintings of homes throughout the Central Valley—Redding to Bakersfield—that Lane selected for beauty and background. Painted renderings of local botanicals are sprinkled throughout. All kinds of architectural styles are represented, including Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian, Italianate, mid-century modern, gothic, Queen Ann, French chateau and Victorian. Lane interviewed homeowners to find out as much as he could about each
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James Patrick Lane Photo by Linda Smolek
JL By Jessica Laskey Meet Your Neighbor
