This painting honors the love of soulmates.

In 1989 two friends were in love and engaged to be married. They asked me to create a painting of a historical landmark they had roamed through as children. It brought up warm memories for both of them. Because the house was built as a wedding gift to the builder’s wife, my friends wanted the painting to hang in their living room reminding them of their love for each other.

The story.

In the early 1830’s James Johnstone, an Ohio Real Estate Broker moved to the Mexican Territory of Northern California where he developed a successful business.

There he met and fell in love with Petra Maria de Jara, a lovely Mexican neighbor.

They worked as legal partners to help protect the property rights of their neighbors from encroaching U.S. citizens who came to find gold. Petra fell in love with him and he with her. This house is the oldest standing building in San Mateo County.