It was a bright autumn morning when the three artists headed out, trekking through golden grasses and aromatic tarweeds before reaching their destination: a sapphire glittering in the morning light, Krane Pond.
The sun peeked out from across Mount Diablo’s North Peak, casting its first rays of light onto the landscape.
The three artists, Shirley Nootbaar, Greg Piatt, and John Finger, selected their vantage points and readied their brushes as they worked on capturing the beauty of the area.
Left to right: John Finger, Shirley Nootbaar, and Greg Piatt at Krane Pond. Photo by Shannon Grover
For many East Bay artists, there’s no place like Mount Diablo. It’s long been a favorite destination for photographers, painters, and others who come there seeking inspiration.
We’re always delighted when artists find inspiration, whether it’s through artist gatherings or through our Discover Diablo plein-air painting experiences!
We’re proud to be auctioning these three gorgeous paintings of Krane Pond. The money will go towards the purchase and restoration of this stunning piece of land and its water.
The recipients of these works of art will enjoy a physical reminder of their role in the permanent conservation of this piece of Mount Diablo.
Make a bid for nature, and perhaps you’ll be the next owner of a one-of-a-kind painting of Krane Pond!
About the Artists
Shirley Nootbaar
Shirley Nootbaar. Photo by Shannon Grover
Shirley has lived in the East Bay since 1962 and is currently a freelance watercolor artist and illustrator.
She taught plein-air painting at the California College of the Arts and Crafts after earning her BFA there.
A member since the 1980s and major donor for Save Mount Diablo, she has played a huge role in helping to advance our land conservation work on and around Mount Diablo over the years!
Shirley has painted numerous pieces depicting Mount Diablo’s landscapes in her distinctive style, creating specific moods and capturing viewers’ imaginations.
Shirley Nootbaar’s painting of Krane Pond. Photo by Brit Hutchinson
Greg Piatt
Greg Piatt’s painting of Krane Pond. Photo by Shannon Grover
Greg Piatt has long been inspired by Mount Diablo, having grown up camping and hiking throughout the mountain.
He retired after working as a Senior Adjunct Professor of Printmaking at the California College of the Arts and Crafts and has a passion for plein-air painting.
Since 1992, Greg has served as co-curator of Mount Diablo Summit Museum Art Gallery in Mount Diablo State Park.
John Finger
John Finger. Photo by Mary Nagle
John Finger is a post-impressionist oil and watercolor painter known for his paintings of California’s landscapes.
He’s taught art at numerous places, including Walnut Creek Civic Arts, Diablo Valley College, and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
John Finger’s painting of Krane Pond. Photo by Brit Hutchinson
