Artists visit Fort Hunter Liggett for painting retreat
Painters find inspiration in architecture and surrounding scenery
– A group of Central California artists visited Fort Hunter Liggett in April to paint the Hacienda and surrounding landscape, using the historic site as inspiration for their artwork.
The visit was organized by Studios on the Park, a non-profit arts organization based in Paso Robles, and led by founder Ann Laddon. The idea for the retreat began during a visit by Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Trotter and his wife, Susanne, to Studios on the Park last summer.
“I noticed Ann’s art because I love colors,” said Mrs. Trotter. “So, I asked if she was interested in painting the Hacienda.”
The Hacienda, designed by architect Julia Morgan, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a hotel. The location, known for its architectural features and natural surroundings, drew artists from across the Central Coast, including several resident artists from Studios on the Park.
“All of them were interested when I told them where we were going. They know it’s beautiful here…and the Hacienda is an architectural gem,” said Laddon.
Laddon founded Studios on the Park in 2007 with the goal of providing creative and educational experiences that promote appreciation for visual art. The organization was launched with support from a $50,000 grant from Steve Hearst and focuses on outreach to underserved children.
“Artists can’t survive without meeting the public, and that’s why I started the Studios in the Park,” said Laddon, whose artwork is also featured at the venue.
Among the visiting artists was Bob Rodger of Morro Bay, who was particularly excited to paint the Hacienda due to his daughter’s admiration for Julia Morgan and her past work at Hearst Castle. Rodger also appreciated his conversation with Col. Trotter.
“He humanized the impression many people have of military that everything is black and white,” said Rodger, who is a member of the Morro Bay Art Association.
Christy Wilkins, a resident artist at Studios on the Park, visited Fort Hunter Liggett for the first time. She described the experience as exciting, particularly the opportunity “to see the landscapes up close.” An acrylic artist whose work often features the ocean, Wilkins said painting the Hacienda was challenging but enjoyable.
Hilda Freyre, also a resident artist and a member of San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment, reflected on the visit by saying, “What an amazing and inspiring visit! I paint places that resonate with my soul, that bring me inner joy, and that make my heart leap with excitement.”
“It was truly an honor to host the artists and have them memorialize the beauty of Fort Hunter Liggett,” said Col. Trotter.
“Having these artists here made my heart feel so happy,” added Mrs. Trotter. “It brings back fond memories of when Stephen and I were in art college together.”
More information about the Hacienda is available at https://hunterliggett.armymwr.com/programs/historic-hacienda.
