Thank you for viewing my website. As primarily a plein air painter, I delight in trying to capture the fleeting effects of light, color and atmosphere before they are lost. When I look at the paintings later, I relive the emotions I experienced in these beautiful places. I love to share my artwork with others to help them appreciate the amazing creation all around them and hopefully add to the joy of their lives.

My favorite locations include the Monterey Bay area, especially Carmel and Point Lobos, also Lake Tahoe and other locations in the Sierras, Yosemite and Hawaii. My most thrilling experiences so far were painting in the Loire Valley in France, Banff National Park, and the East coast of Canada with Kevin MacPherson of Plein Air Masters.

I've been painting seriously for the past nine years, but I've loved to draw since early childhood. I took only drawing classes in high school and college. I started painting in acrylics when I lived at Lake Tahoe in the early 70's, where I sold my work in several different art shows, and even won a few awards. I didn't paint for over 30 years, while I raised my family and taught Bible Study Fellowship full-time.

I've recently studied with the master impressionist painter, Kevin MacPherson, Laurie Kersey of Carmel, Ronaldo Macedo of Maui, John Cosby of Laguna Beach, Brian Blood of Pebble Beach, and also with Hedi Moran and Dick Heichberger from the Scottsdale Artist School. I've also done a little portrait work with Santa Cruz portrait artist Jennifer Welty. I paint primarily on location, using mostly 9x12 to 16x20 inch canvases. I have recently built a studio/gallery at my home in Santa Cruz, so I'm doing larger studio paintings more often.

I am currently a member of the following organizations: Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, California Art Club as a painting/patron member, American Academy of Women Artists as an artist member, Plein Air Painters of Hawaii, and Santa Cruz Oil Painters. I am currently represented by the James Harold Gallery in Lake Tahoe. I also have 30 paintings showing in the beautifully restored West Cliff Inn Bed and Breakfast in Santa Cruz, and I am showing 150+ paintings at my studio gallery by appointment.
I sell mostly original oils, but I also take commissions to do larger paintings from the small plein air pieces. I've printed several giclees from some of the most popular originals and also have a great selection of cards. If you would like to purchase any of these plein air pieces or commission a larger painting, please let me know. If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Enjoy the paintings!

Coraly Hanson
CoralyHanson@aol.com