Spring has truly sprung

Similar are Judy Sullivan’s watercolor florals. O’Keeffe would be smiling.

Andrea Kosmo’s violas and her daffodils in “The Poets of Spring” celebrate the season. Just straightforward depictions that are pleasing and calm.

Sylvia Dahlgren paints a woman in San Francisco figurative style viewing two floral scenes, one that looks like a field of tall purple lupines, the other a hedge in bloom. There are hints of Cezanne here in the way she depicts the woman and in her brushstrokes.

Lorraine Capperell’s “Spring” shifts into symbolism with a maiden sleeping inside a red tulip.

You would love to have any of John McCormick’s still lifes sitting near your windowsill. “Lovely Bouquet” is precisely that.

There are more to see here than just flowers to signify spring.

Lu Chang’s coastal vistas show her customary panache and appreciation for natural forms. “Pescadero Coast,” “Half Moon Bay Trail,” and “Coastal Spring” are impressionistic oil paintings that I watched her create en plein air. She never misses.

Don’t miss coming face to face with Tracey Beardsley’s sea lions through a porthole. You’ll be laughing. Something about those faces always capture the heart like puppies do. In fact, one appears to be a seal pup.

Leslie Landers’ painting of a stream is surrounded by palms standing like sentinels, which I suspect depicts Twentynine Palms in Socal.

Patricia Pierce’s ink and watercolor is most definitely Monet’s house and garden.

Mitch Neto’s Yosemite panorama would do well as the park’s official poster. I would love it on one of those old tourist stickers that used to cover travelers’ luggage.

My own acrylic “Portola Vineyards” is flooded with morning sunshine.

I was really taken with Greta Waterman’s brilliantly colorful lines in her panorama of fields, town and countryside in “Wine Country.” Sort of a tapestry in paint. Perhaps homage to the coastal community. It’s a cheerful naif, Grandma Moses-style.

There are ocean scenes, gardens, woods and even grassy swards. Every shade of green and pop of pigment.

Pop on in and enjoy. There will be an artist reception March 28 from 1-4 p.m.

Coastal Art League Gallery, 300 Main St., Half Moon Bay, (650) 889-3000, coastside-artists.com.

While you’re at it, put a little spring in your step and mosey on down Main Street to M Stark Gallery, where Cara Kozic is showing “Destination: Superbloom.” Two standouts are super colorful panoramas: “Coastal Radiance” and “Blooming Coast,” both acrylics. It’s on till April 12 with an artist talk on April 3 at 5 p.m.

M Stark Gallery, 727 Main St., (415) 407-8743, mstarkgallery.com.

Or wander to gander at Mirada Art on Main Street for their current show till March 30, where Marie Susa may show some stunning photos of Carrizo Plain in full superbloom. Angela Wardlaw is sporting her naturally printed botanically inspired textiles, wearable art with a decidedly floral style. Melissa Brookmire’s stunningly colorful macro-photos of flowers will grab your eye.

Mirada Art, 355 Main St., (650) 206-8722, mirada-art.com.

You Can Create Too: Take your paints, pencils or camera out to the Half Moon Bay part of the California Coastal Trail at any point west of town. From Poplar Beach to Francis Beach it’s a lovely three-quarter mile oceanside jaunt, a gauntlet of native flowers this time of year. You’re bound to be inspired. Coastside State Parks Association hosts their Annual Wildflower Day on April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Venice State Beach, coastsidestateparks.org/cwd. There will be guided walks and all day activities, including coastal-themed crafts for kids, and artist booths.

Bart Charlow, author, artist and consultant blends over 45 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.