Provenance Acquired by American Legacy Fine Arts directly from the artist
Artist Statement
"In Golden Foothills, I explore the Western landscape through the lens of color, light, and atmosphere. The poppy has long been a symbol of California as the state flower, and in this piece I aim to capture not just its brilliant hue, but the sense of place it evokes—sun-warmed hillsides, open air, and the understated drama of the coastal range.
My approach is based in direct observation. Painting on location allows me to respond to the shifting patterns of sunlight and shadow, to let the colors evolve as the day progresses. The poppies, though delicate, become anchors of intensity within the broader landscape—bursts of orange that guide the eye through space and create a rhythm across the canvas.
Ultimately, my goal is to honor the natural world by portraying it with sincerity and attention, inviting viewers to slow down and reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us."
—Ray Roberts