In their new group exhibition “Close to Home,” Geoff Allen, Keiko Tanabe, Shuang Li, Fan Li, and Carol van Vooren celebrate the connection between artist and landscape, memory and experience, solitude and community. Created entirely outdoors and on location, the paintings offer a deeply personal look at the everyday beauty of North San Diego County. From sunlit beaches to dusky trails and quiet neighborhood corners, each painting captures a fleeting encounter — something seen, felt, or remembered.
These aren’t just views; they’re lived experiences, filtered through the eyes of artists who walk these paths, breathe this air, and carry these scenes in their hearts. Their shared love for watercolor and landscape has drawn the group together over the years — at paint-outs and exhibitions, through competitions and comments on social media. While each artist works independently, this show reveals a larger story: a creative community built quietly, organically, and with care.
“Watercolor painting can be an isolating pursuit, but this show is a reminder that we are part of something larger,” the artists wrote in a joint statement. “This exhibition is a way to share our passion, our stories, and our sense of place with the broader community.”
“Close to Home” invites you to linger, to look closely, to see the familiar in a new light. Whether you live in North County or just appreciate stunning watercolor landscapes, this show offers a glimpse into the places — and the people — that make this part of California feel like home.
The exhibition runs May 8, 2025 – September 4, 2025 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center.
