Lower American River for the Water Forum

A new painting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Water Forum.

Copyright 2020 by Stephanie Taylor, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce in any form, or post without attribution.

The process of making the painting.

For 27 years, from 1984 to 2011, I biked, jogged, walked and contemplated this river. As a child, I spend many summer days on the South Fork just upstream from where gold was discovered. When I started thinking about how to portray this river, I wanted to explore a new experience: from within the river rather than from the banks. What would it be like to be a creature living in this river?
After researching all the creatures, I spend many wonderful days bend over the drawing with a tiny brush. It was the time of Covid. In isolation, this was a blessing.
Most of the background has been painted. Next: the creatures and humans. I placed the otter in the center because of its curious nature and the joy I’ve always felt when I’ve seen them, too seldom, in the river.

The installation of the mural at the County of Sacramento Administration

KCRA news 12-16-2020

Highlights from the installation of the mural at Sacramento County Administration, 700 I Street.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 2
Day3
Day 5 – Unexpected reflections