Mission Santa Inés: Tradition, Faith, and Western Heritage
Nestled in the low, rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Mission Santa Inés springs to life in this vibrant piece by artist Howard, capturing the colorful annual arrival of Los Rancheros Visitadores.
"It was only after painting this mission that I came to appreciate the importance of Fr. Serra’s work in California ranching history," Howard recalls. "Some of the families contacted me to purchase the giclée prints, which are meaningful to their generational histories."
Key Details & Highlights Featured:
The Blessing of the Ranchers: The artwork depicts horsemen in traditional Western wear riding in parade formation to receive a blessing from the mission's pastor, a tradition honoring the families who can trace their roots to 18th and 19th-century Spanish land grants.
Dynamic Parade Motion: To capture the energy of moving horses, Howard used painstaking overlay drawings, placing observers along the foreground fence and eager children taking in the spectacle.
Classic Architecture & Natural Beauty: Framed by the valley's lush hills and oak trees, the painting showcases the mission’s Moorish-Spanish architecture, featuring its bell tower, sweeping arches, and historic burial grounds.
Celebrating deep family roots, early agricultural history, and enduring faith, this painting honors one of California's most spirited cultural traditions.
Mission Santa Inés: Tradition, Faith, and Western Heritage
Nestled in the low, rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Mission Santa Inés springs to life in this vibrant piece by artist Howard, capturing the colorful annual arrival of Los Rancheros Visitadores.
"It was only after painting this mission that I came to appreciate the importance of Fr. Serra’s work in California ranching history," Howard recalls. "Some of the families contacted me to purchase the giclée prints, which are meaningful to their generational histories."
Key Details & Highlights Featured:
The Blessing of the Ranchers: The artwork depicts horsemen in traditional Western wear riding in parade formation to receive a blessing from the mission's pastor, a tradition honoring the families who can trace their roots to 18th and 19th-century Spanish land grants.
Dynamic Parade Motion: To capture the energy of moving horses, Howard used painstaking overlay drawings, placing observers along the foreground fence and eager children taking in the spectacle.
Classic Architecture & Natural Beauty: Framed by the valley's lush hills and oak trees, the painting showcases the mission’s Moorish-Spanish architecture, featuring its bell tower, sweeping arches, and historic burial grounds.
Celebrating deep family roots, early agricultural history, and enduring faith, this painting honors one of California's most spirited cultural traditions.
