Capturing iconic Newport Beach and beyond: Diego Sepulveda Adobe, Estancia Park, Costa Mesa

Click on photo for larger image

Artwork by Don Krotee

As early as 1780, the Capistrano cattle were driven and grazed in today’s Costa Mesa. This original mesa had abundant groundwater (developed eventually into wells) and rich grasses allowing the herdsmen to best tend a growing population of cattle. The Mission of San Juan Capistrano employed the herdsmen, owned the cattle and eventually constructed this simple mud/brick adobe outpost sometime during the early 1800s. The site also shows archeologic evidence of prior indigenous cultures. The Costa Mesa Historical Society has a full and wonderful history. The scene shows plein air painters in the right foreground and the adobe at the center. The work is an 11” x 15” transparent watercolor.

• • •

Artist Don Krotee is a resident of Newport Beach and lives in Corona del Mar. He is an architect, board member of SPON (Newport’s oldest environmental nonprofit), a sailor, and for some years has donated images of his paintings and drawings to Stu News.

• • •

From Stu News Arts: Celebrating the people, performances and places that make Southern California’s arts community extraordinary. More at www.stunewsarts.com.