The Wild Spirit of the California Earth – Captured in Art

- MANTLE - 

There are moments in nature that stay with you forever—moments when the air smells of oak trees and sun-warmed stone, when the horizon rolls endlessly into layers of gold and rust, and when the only sound is the quiet rhythm of your own steps. For me, these moments often happened while I was riding in the Santa Barbara mountains.

It was on one of these rides, surrounded by Los Padres sandstone peaks glowing under the late afternoon light, that inspiration for this piece was born. As the sun dipped lower, the mountains themselves seemed alive, their striations telling stories millions of years old. At the same time, in my mind’s eye, I could almost see herds of horses sweeping across the ridgelines—strong, untamed, and free—layered upon each other.

This artwork is a fusion of those two powerful images: the layered earth that holds time within it, and the spirit of the horse that symbolizes freedom and grace. The strokes and textures are deliberately layered, creating a sense of movement— yet also resembling the sediment lines of weathered stone. The palette draws from nature itself: warm ochres, deep siennas, and sun-kissed neutrals that echo the colors of sandstone peaks at sunset.

I named it "Mantle" to honor our earth's strong cover and the mantle we walk on every day.

When you hang this piece in your home, it does more than fill a wall—it brings the wild essence of California’s landscapes inside. It tells a story of resilience, beauty, and the deep connection between earth and the creatures who roam it. Whether you’re a lover of horses, an adventurer at heart, or simply someone who appreciates art that carries emotion, this work speaks to that untamed part of all of us.

Collectors often tell me that when they walk past it, they feel a sense of calm yet also a surge of energy—like they’ve stepped outside for a breath of mountain air. That’s the magic of a piece born from nature itself: it never stops moving you.

If you’ve been waiting for a piece that resonates on a soul level, that makes your space feel alive, this is the one. It’s not just art—it’s a window into the wild.

Bring the spirit of the mountains and the freedom of the horse into your home.

Click here to explore this artwork and bring it into your home.

Every print is created with care and by our small team right here in California - designed to transform your space and inspire you daily. I can't wait to see how it looks on your wall.