‘Coastal Colors — Primavera’

Susan Friedman exhibits photos of waves. “Coastal Wave” is one long piece that is monochromatically dramatic and brooding.

Lynnette Vega shows a pair of pastel pencil over watercolor pieces, a lily pond and a forest lake scene in dark tones.

Sue Harrison has a four-piece series of sunsets behind stark black trees in saturated oil. It appears to be a time series. Either one sunset over the hours or several over days, you choose your interpretation.

“Coho Salmon” is Linda Bea Miller’s fabric wall hanging. Charming and complex.

William Bryant’s oil on panel “Cottage on Highway One” pays homage to Van Gogh, in my view.

Karen Ames’ “Winter Light” oil took my breath away.

I would happily walk away with either, or both, of those latter two.

In the larger lower gallery the “Primavera” show is mixed between the SCAA collective artists and guest creators.

William Bishop, photographer and filmmaker, created “Personal Meridian” from a favorite view in his backyard. It took him several iterations, from the original photo, to digital conversions and editing, adding in graphic elements and script in two languages (one imaginary). The final product is primarily a purple triptych anchored by his tree, echoed in form by the mountains in the background, an archival dye print with gold leaf.

Bishop has two other very different photos in the lower gallery. His is a wide-ranging vision.

Deborah Shea’s two pastels of flowers grace a corner, while Greta Waterman holds another corner.

The piece that tickled me most was Doreen Maller’s photo of an old house, “Laundry Day” with a clothesline in front. This one is mated to an actual life-size clothesline hanging paper constructions of a little girl’s dresses, called “Finding My Way.” A truly humorous and imaginative juxtaposition.

Karen Whitaker has a series of acrylic car paintings from dramatic angles right outside the front door. Turn around and you’re likely to find some colorful and picture-worthy real vehicles nearby on the street.

Margaret Niven hangs a three piece abstract set, looking like a jungle: “Ode to Joy,” “Ode to Hope” and “Ode to Green,” and she’s not joking about the green.

Kathleen Dickey’s “Marine Iguana” is a lovely tapestry abstract (I struggled to see the iguana, however).

Ruth Ehrenkrantz shows several ceramic pieces, all different in shape, style and glazing.

There are more sculptures here, other abstracts, paintings and photos.

It’s a very eclectic exhibition with imaginative works.

You Can Create Too: If you’re a South Coast resident, Madrone Arts runs various free art workshops throughout the year, sponsored by Dragonfly Community Arts. Check its website.

Madrone Arts, 216 Stage Road, Pescadero, (650) 440-4302, madronearts.com.

Speaking of coastal colors, flower-bedecked little Pescadero often serves as a stop on the classic car, motorcycle and bicycle runs, due to the stunning local scenery and especially the twisty mountain roads. Pull out your cellphone and snap photos of your own. Wander the main drag, Stage Road, from the IDES Portuguese Hall on one end to the church on the other abutting the creek.

And since you’re already enjoying the bucolic ambience of Pescadero, the eating is great. Duarte’s Tavern is known for artichoke soup, a sit-down meal tradition. Arcangeli Bakery is both the general food store, deli and bakery with lots of goodies to make your own picnic. Just up North Street is Harley Goat Farm, where you can buy goat milk products from soaps and creams to cheese, plus you can pet the animals.

Bart Charlow, author, artist and consultant blends more than 50 years of painting and photography with narrative storytelling. Explore the intersection of observation and expression through his insights on the local art scene, find his books at bartcharlow.com and his art at bartsart.weebly.com.