The river as muse

February 11, 2022 – The Russian River serves as muse for Sonoma County artist Richard McDaniel in his latest series entitled The Russian River and its Watershed, on display now through March 18th at Ukiah’s Mendocino College Art Gallery. After years of journeying into sections of the110 mile river, McDaniel creates vibrant oil paintings of scenes and seasons of the Russian River as it flows from its headwaters in Mendocino County through valleys, pastures, vineyards and ravines to Jenner’s estuary in Sonoma County where it ultimately meets the Pacific. After a two-year Covid hiatus, Lisa Rosenstreich, Mendocino College art professor and gallery manager, is excited to finally showcase McDaniel’s artwork at the College Art Gallery.