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And what a gorgeous weekend it was for the milestone 10th anniversary of Sierra Art Trails, which I told you all about in last Thursday’s Life section.  I took my own advice this year and instead of hitting the Art Trails locations closest to me (the venues in Yosemite Lakes Park, which I’ve closely explored in past years), I set my sights on some farther-flung locations. After visiting some nice locations in Coarsegold and Oakhurst, I ended up taking a spectacular drive Sunday afternoon into Mariposa County and a winding route into the mountains off Highway 49.

I met three charming artists deep in the mountains. First was Terry Robinson, who’s pretty much a jack-of-all-trades visual artist.  He produces acrylics, ceramic sculptures, digital art and photography. He flipped through his sketchbook of portraits and showed his giclee prints. I’m impressed by his sheer versatility and whimsical eye. And his comfy studio overlooking the trees, which used to be a repository for his family’s junk, is an outstanding place to work.

Terry Robinson at his Mariposa studio.

Then it was on to the home studio just up the road of David and Charlotte Hoffman. David is a landscape and nature photographer who impressed me when I saw his work at Sierra Art Trails a few years ago when he was showing at another location. Charlotte also concentrates on landscapes, working in pastels, watercolors and acrylics. The couple often goes out into the field together, which I find interesting — although Charlotte takes her own photos to paint from, not relying on her husband’s view of a scene. It was fun to talk with them both and meet their three dogs and bird.

David and Charlotte Hoffman at their Mariposa home.

All in all, I had a grand time at Sierra Art Trails this year. I’m already looking forward to Year No. 11.