As we were making plans to leave our July 4th vacation on the Mendocino Coast, one of my daughters asked if we had viewed Russian Gulch from the picnic grounds in the State Park. It was the one site I had not visited with the eye toward another painting. The grounds were thick with ferns and Monterey Pines. Every vista was a natural “look through” composition just calling out to be painted. I am grateful to my family for helping me find subjects that inspire.