Featured artists: Victoria Veedell (in the foreground), and Kate Salenfriend (in the back).
There’s something magical about the light in Napa and Sonoma. It dances across the vineyards in the morning, turns golden in the afternoon, and deepens into the richest shades of amber and violet as the sun sets behind rolling hills. This landscape, so deeply tied to wine and culinary excellence, is also home to a thriving community of artists whose work captures the essence of wine country in breathtaking ways.
For those who appreciate art as much as a perfectly aged Cabernet, California’s Wine Country offers an impressive selection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces—each a reflection of the beauty, history, and energy of this extraordinary place. Whether you’re designing a new home or adding to your personal collection, Napa and Sonoma have an abundance of exceptional works that can transform your home.
Why Art Matters in Interior Design
The right piece of art does more than fill a blank wall—it sets the mood of a space. A bold abstract can bring energy and movement to a room, while a serene landscape can create a sense of calm. Sculpture adds texture and dimension, and a carefully chosen statement piece becomes a conversation starter, elevating the entire atmosphere of a home.
Much like wine, art has an emotional depth that resonates differently with everyone. A painting might remind you of a perfect day in wine country, the golden grasses swaying in the breeze. A dramatic black-and-white photograph could transport you to another time and place. When chosen thoughtfully, art becomes a reflection of personal style and a window into the soul of a home.
Artists You Should Know
Sonoma and Napa are home to some of the most compelling artists working today. Whether you’re drawn to classic landscapes, contemporary abstractions, or thought-provoking photography, you’ll find work that speaks to you. Here are just a few artists whose pieces are worth exploring:
Gordon Huether – Monumental Sculptural Works
Huether’s work is bold, architectural, and unafraid to make a statement. His large-scale sculptures, often incorporating glass, metal, and reclaimed materials, bring a sophisticated edge to any space. His pieces seamlessly bridge the gap between contemporary and timeless, perfect for a home with strong architectural features. The perfect finishing touch.
Beverly Wilson – Impressionist Landscapes
If you’ve ever wished you could bottle the golden glow of wine country, Wilson’s paintings come close. Her impressionistic landscapes are full of warmth and movement, making them ideal for a space that needs a touch of softness and nostalgia. Her work feels especially at home in dining rooms, living spaces, or anywhere you want to encourage conversation and connection.
Patricia Lyons Stroud – Abstract Interpretations of Nature
Stroud’s abstract paintings are rich with texture and emotion. Her work is ideal for those who appreciate color and layered complexity. Whether placed in a sleek modern home or as a counterpoint in a more traditional space, her paintings have a way of drawing the viewer in, creating an ever-evolving experience.
Lisa Kristine – Fine Art Photography with a Global Perspective
For collectors who want a human connection in their art, Kristine’s photography is breathtaking. Known for her powerful, deeply moving portraits, her work brings a profound sense of storytelling and depth to a home. Her large-scale prints are particularly striking in entryways or study spaces where they can command attention.
Tim Howe – Vivid and Expressive Landscapes
Howe’s paintings explode with color, energy, and life. His work captures the vibrancy of wine country, from rolling vineyards to sun-dappled valleys. A piece from Howe can inject personality into a neutral space, offering a sense of joy and movement that makes a home feel alive.
Kate Salenfriend – Gilded Landscape Elegance
Salenfriend’s work is a masterful blend of classic landscape painting with an opulent, modern twist. Using gold and silver leaf to enhance the richness of her scenes, she creates ethereal depictions of wine country’s trees and vineyards. Her pieces radiate warmth and play with light, making them perfect for those who want a luminous, thoughtful atmosphere in their home.
Alison Haley Paul – Textured Horizon Abstractions
Paul’s paintings are a stunning fusion of landscape and abstraction, marked by deep textures and subtle tonal shifts. Her work captures the vast, rolling horizons of wine country in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary. Ideal for minimalist interiors or those who appreciate refined simplicity, her paintings create a serene yet impactful presence in any space.
Victoria Veedell - Ephemeral Landscapes
Victoria Veedell’s luminous landscape paintings capture the ephemeral beauty of light and atmosphere. Inspired by nature, her work blends abstraction with realism, evoking a dreamlike serenity. Her use of rich, layered color creates a sense of depth, making each piece feel immersive and emotionally resonant.
Finding the Perfect Piece for Your Home
Choosing art is an emotional and intellectual process, much like selecting fine wine. You should feel drawn to a piece, as if it literally wants you to take it home. It should either compliment your home’s design, or be the catalyst for the design of your new interior. Consider the following:
● Color Palette
Select a piece that harmonizes with your existing interior or acts as an intentional contrast.
● Scale & Proportion
A large canvas over a sofa or bed creates impact, while smaller works can be grouped for a curated gallery feel.
● Medium & Texture
Oil paintings add richness and depth, while sculptures or mixed-media pieces create dimensional interest.
● Emotional Resonance
Art should evoke a feeling—whether it’s tranquility, inspiration, or excitement.
Remember your artwork should create design “moments”, where your eye can rest and consider what it's seeing.
Where to Find and Experience Exceptional Art in Wine Country
Collectors who want to experience the best of Napa and Sonoma’s art have several outstanding galleries and events to explore. A few of my favorites include:
- Aerena Galleries & Gardens (Napa, Healdsburg, St. Helena) – A mix of contemporary and sculptural works from notable local and national artists.
- Jessup Cellars (Yountville) – A unique space that blends fine wine and fine art, offering curated exhibitions alongside tastings.
- Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (Sonoma) – Features rotating exhibits of contemporary artists connected to the region.
- di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art (Napa) – A standout for modern and contemporary art lovers, showcasing a compelling collection of local talent.
- Annual Art Walks, Events & Open Studios – Keep an eye out for special events where collectors can meet artists in their studios and purchase directly. (Note: we offer our “Events” newsletter which highlights current shows and special events. Sign up at https://www.staceylapukinteriors.com).
Investing in Art That Is Personal
Art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how it makes you feel every time you walk into a room. The right piece can remind you of a perfect day in wine country, a personal journey, or a moment that changed your perspective. Whether you lean toward classic beauty, cutting-edge contemporary work, or something in between, there’s no shortage of extraordinary art waiting to find its place in your home.
Like fine wine, great art becomes more meaningful over time. Invest in a piece that resonates with you, and it will continue to bring joy every time you step into your home.
