Inspired by the rich history of California, Tim Huhn set out to encapsulate the essence of our Golden State in three beautiful paintings. Each piece in the collection pays homage to the history, people and culture of what has made California the glorious state it is today. Follow along to discover what inspired Tim’s imagery and how these amazing pieces were meticulously crafted.

California - Ancestral

The first piece in Tim Huhn’s California series, California - Ancestral, was inspired by the lush colors and dignified imagery of Mexican muralist painter Alfono X. Peña. Just as Peña’s work paid tribute to the people, culture and landscape of Mexico, Tim wanted to capture the rich ancestry of our state; what was once part of Mexico and prior to that home to more than 500 indigenous tribes. The primary focus is on the woman; holding native flowers of California, her traditional garment frames and balances her against the background of the Spanish style buildings and their iconic terracotta rooflines. Tim’s painting depicts a lush landscape rich in natural and ancestral beauty.

Alfonso X. Peña (1903-1964) a native of Tamaulipas, was born in Ciudad Victoria to an artistic family. He started as a cartoonist for newspaper El Mundo de Tampico in Tampicobegan and later moved to Mexico City to join the Academy of San Carlos. In search of better opportunities, he migrated to New York to complete his studies. Traveling to Europe, where he did most of his work, he found that there was a special interest in folklore and legends of Mexico abroad, so he adapted his work to the idealization of the country and developed stylized works depicting rural scenes of dances and costumes, the peasantry, lush pastoral landscapes, and the indigenous people of Mexico. It was Peña’s ability to capture both the typical and exotic elements of his country that attracted the attention of the European public. Author Raúl Ortiz Avila said of A.X. Peña:

“his work is characterized by color that preserves all the lights and all the vibrations of the people and things that can be found in regions of the Republic, that is Tehuantepec, the mesa, the coast.”

See Tim Huhn’s process of developing California - Ancestral

California - Golden Opportunity

The powerful propaganda art from China’s Cultural Revolution, 1966-1976, depicting people united in optimism was the inspirational backdrop for Tim’s second piece in the California series. California’s rich history has been shaped by people of every ethnic background who traveled here seeking economic, social and educational opportunity, and a life of quality and breathtaking beauty. Tim’s painting shows a diverse population united in their endeavors and optimism for California; set against a backdrop of California’s diverse landscape with thriving cities and rich agriculture, this dynamic piece captures the dream that built California and made it a “Golden Opportunity.”

In 1966 Mao Zedong, the Communist leader of China, started a political campaign that became known as the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Mao called upon China’s youth to help him purge capitalist influences and bourgeois thinking in government, schools, the media and the arts. One of the primary means of communicating, invigorating and ultimately controlling the population during and after Mao’s revolution was through propaganda art. Vivid posters were designed to inspire citizens to put their labor towards agriculture, industry, and national defense. These poster used a combination of powerful imagery with bold slogans that included pro-revolutionary messages about “working hard”, “uniting for victory” and “working towards the general communist goal.”

See Tim Huhn’s process of developing California - A Golden Opportunity

California - Groovy

The third piece in Tim Huhn’s California series, California - Groovy, was inspired by the alluring airline posters of the 1950s, ‘60s and early ‘70s; which promised travelers beautiful weather, bikini-clad women and a glamorous lifestyle in the Golden State of California. Tim’s sun-kissed painting sets a stylish couple against a collaged background of mid-century architectural gems like the Capital Records Building and the Stahl House, with coastal elements of palm trees and sailboats, and the studio lights of Hollywood; but it’s the groovy style that takes center stage in this painting, as California promises a lifestyle unlike anywhere else.

The brilliance of advertising artists of mid-century America was immortalized in the popular television series Mad Men. In the 1960s, commercial flight was taking off, and a greater number of airlines were offering more destinations on larger jets, quickly making personal and business travel more feasible for more people. The decade was a part of what would come to be known as the golden age of plane travel, but it was also the golden age of airline advertising with their high-quality poster art. Artists like Peter Boyle, David Klein and Stan Galli created stunning poster illustrations for airlines such as TWA, United, American Airlines and Pan Am. These airline poster campaigns were an important part of what sold California to the rest of the world.

See Tim Huhn’s process of developing California - Groovy