About
The Kristi Phippen Art Gallery
The Kristi Phippen Art Gallery is quite pleased to present 36 treasured artworks by local watercolor artist Dan Petersen. This is our inaugural exhibit as we 're-launch' our gallery with local talent.
Dan Petersen, who was born and raised in Modesto, attended Modesto City Schools and Modesto Junior College. He received a Master of Arts degree in watercolor from San Jose State University in 1962. Following graduation, he began teaching art at the high school level in Manteca, California. In 1963, Dan accepted a position as watercolor instructor at Modesto Junior College and thus began a 40-year career teaching watercolor and drawing at the college level. Sadly, Dan passed about 3 years ago, but his lovely art still lives on.
Dan was also a popular lecturer and judge for art groups throughout California. His work is in the collection of several California State Universities and in hundreds of private collections throughout the west. Former presidents, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev are among his collectors.
Dan Petersen, who was born and raised in Modesto, attended Modesto City Schools and Modesto Junior College. He received a Master of Arts degree in watercolor from San Jose State University in 1962. Following graduation, he began teaching art at the high school level in Manteca, California. In 1963, Dan accepted a position as watercolor instructor at Modesto Junior College and thus began a 40-year career teaching watercolor and drawing at the college level. Sadly, Dan passed about 3 years ago, but his lovely art still lives on.
Dan was also a popular lecturer and judge for art groups throughout California. His work is in the collection of several California State Universities and in hundreds of private collections throughout the west. Former presidents, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev are among his collectors.
Zephyr Cove
The avant-guard of a storm could be seen in the sky; white caps on the lake suggested the arrival of the first winter weather in the High Country in early Fall. The giant rocks at Zephyr Cove became the breakwater for the mirror smooth surface on Tahoe's rim. The wide horizon of the lake, contrasting with the outcropping of vertical nature formed monoliths, provided an opportunity to amplify the mood of each by juxtaposing them in a single composition.
Alpine Anchor
I was just completing my trek along the shore of Lake Alpine looking for something new to paint. The exposed rock formations I had just left had some real possibilities. It was a very cold late autumn day and I was looking forward to getting back to the warm car parked in the sun. This fallen pine, near the beach, stopped me in my tracks and I marveled at the beauty of its sinuous root pattern. It had been a long time since roots dominated my composition so I was inspired to paint.
Yosemite Glass
I have painted Mirror Lake on my summer trips to Yosemite, but it never was as glassy smooth as the Merced River was this afternoon in the Fall. It was so magical that I wanted to make the subject the reflection. It was fun to watch my wife catch herself and view it right side up whenever she came out into the studio to check on my progress.
Pine Cove
This painting is a view of “Van Dam” Beach from the headlands just north of this popular camp, picnic, and beach site on the Mendocino coast line. I came so close to calling it “Van’s Damn Beach”, but was advised by my wife toward a more respectful title. The busyness of the foreground leading to the tranquil distant bluffs and headlands had a profound aesthetic appeal to me.
Alpine in Retreat
Snow had not yet closed the passes in the High Sierras and it was time to take some new work to a Nevada gallery featuring my painting. Lake Alpine was one of the scenic sites on our trip. We had camped at the lake in the summer when the water was high. I was pleasantly surprised to see exposed boulders and rings of sand on the beaches as the 2013 to 2014 California drought was draining the lake. To the hydrologist it must have been a depressing sight, but I love rocks and water so I was inspired.
Evening Blush
One of our favorite family traditions during our annual vacation in Mendocino is a slow walk through the tall grass on the edge of the headlands. This is a must experience on the last day as the sun is setting below the sea. It gives our senses a chance to absorb the wonder of this place as we say good-bye for another year. For me, the magic is what the warm glow of the setting sun does to this romantic landscape. It’s like viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses. Painting it required dipping into some pigments I seldom use in my work. It was challenging and it was fun.
Tahoe Tributary
On our trek around the lake, we pulled over behind a line up of cars. The popularity of this spot suggested the possibility of a remarkable scenic view. Climbing down over rocks to a plateau area, we encountered a painter at his easel. He had a splendid start on a small watercolor painting. His composition featured the vertical pines and the horizontal lake. Walking out closer to the edge, I was struck by the drama of the foaming diagonal cascades dropping from a quiet pond above, and entering the serene lake below.
Low Flow
The permanent memory that I have of this painting is the protective dike for the Kaweah River at Three Rivers, California. After my inspiring trek, hopping the river boulders near the shallow winter flow, I climbed up the steep levee; then I pondered how best to get down and still remain clean. I decided a slow run would be best. A few steps down made me know that “slow” was impossible; my feet could not keep up and I found myself in a heap at the bottom in a red nettle patch. Head, hands, back and legs full of stickers that wanted to remain a part of me. “Low Flow” recalls that adventure near a very beautiful rocky foothill stream.
Artist Statement
Among my earliest and fondest memories are Sunday rides from home in California’s flatland up to the Sierra High Country. When we arrived it seemed like we were half way up to Heaven. My position of professor of art for forty years in my hometown community college has given me the opportunity for increased inspiration in 'God’s Country' through the years. The treks, whether riding, hiking, or backpacking, have without exception, been an occasion to celebrate the senses: the smells, the sounds, the tastes, the touch, and mostly the sights. What a feast for the eyes! I especially appreciate the quality of light: sharpening edges in the clean air, reflecting off the polished granite, and refracting through the crystal clear water. Nature’s ambience does refresh the soul. As with King David of Ancient Israel, “I look to the hills from whence cometh my help.”
I know that this is a response that most of us share — I choose to call it experiencing a 'Sierra High.' I have been blessed to be able to pursue the challenge of capturing on paper, my reaction to this “High Experience” through the elements of shape, tone, and color. I have had the privilege of sharing this spirit with collectors near and far.
I find fulfillment in capturing the mood of this pristine place with the hope that my vision will open your eyes to a new way of looking; a greater appreciation for the beauty in our world...my ultimate goal is to pay homage to the One who created it all and allowed us the privilege to live in it and look at it.
From this Christian mind set, I will agree with King David’s quote in Psalms 121:1 — “My help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”
From this Christian mind set, I will agree with King David’s quote in Psalms 121:1 — “My help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”
About Central Catholic
Faithful to our Catholic Tradition, our mission is to witness to the Gospel while building an educational community that inspires the spiritual, academic and social development of young adults.
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Central Catholic Students Are:
Academically-Prepared
Spiritually-Developed
Socially-Responsible
Globally-Conscious
