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Dear Art Loving Friends and Family, You are personally invited to my solo exhibition titled "The LA River: An Unexpected Beauty" with paintings by yours truly, California Art Club fine artist, John Kosta. Most of these LA River paintings have never been exhibited before, and they showcase the river's architectural and scenic beauty despite its often gritty urban setting. In addition to numerous original oil paintings suitable for art collectors, we'll also have high-quality reproductions ready to hang, and for those on a budget, some lovely bundled note cards. The Artist Reception is Saturday, October 5th from 6 to 9pm (the gallery will be open from 3 to 9pm) at the Square I Gallery's new location 1326 Monte Vista Ave, #5, Upland CA 91786 (between Foothill and Claremont Blvds on the East side). The Reception is a free event (with the usual gallery munchies) so please bring a friend and join us for an evening of fun, celebration and, of course, fine art!!! [If you can't make the Reception, the show will be available to view at the Square I thru the end of October {see www.squareigallery.com for hours and more info}] Most sincerely, John Kosta, California fine artist painting a love letter to the River of Angels @californiaartclub @squareigallery @lariverx @lariverarts @southgatemuseum @claremontartscene @claremontvillage @ilove_losangeles www.johnkosta@com

I am so honored to have LA River painting 81 - Visitors to be part of the @californiaartclub 113th annual gold medal exhibition at @hilbertmuseum opens August 20th running to October 26, 2024 and features over 160 juried pieces of Contemporary-Traditional art at the beautifully remodeled Hilbert Museum in Chapman CA. Tickets for the for the special Collectors Preview GALA on August 18th are still available if you are interested in joining us at this special event. Take a first look at the exhibition at the California Art Club website https://www.californiaartclub.org/.../113th-annual-gold.../ #CaliforniaArtClub #CACExhibitions #CACGoldMedal #LARiver #FOLAR #LARiverX #IloveLA

Please join me at TAG Gallery 5458 Wilshire Boulevard https://www.instagram.com/p/C9x-JgtyHOS/ this Saturday August third from 4pm to 8pm for the TAG Gallery opening night and the Artist Reception. LA River painting 85 as well as over 100 other juried works of art will be on display selected by the renowned art critic Edward Goldman!! Hope to see you there. @taggallery @russianedward @edwardgoldmankcrw #lariver #Ilovela #folar #lariverx #ilovecalifornia #californiaartclub #fineart #losangeles #exhibition #art #artist #californiaartist #painting #landscapepainting #pleinair #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

In LA River painting 85 – The golden hour glow of a late afternoon lights the river’s banks and nearby buildings in a warm ark of Naples-yellow. Storm clouds darken the horizon. The Main Street Bridge casts deep blue shadows onto the organic shapes of river effluence on the concrete bottom. @californiaartclub #folar #lariverx #riodelosangeles #ilovela #ilovecalifornia #californiaartclub #fineart #Pasadena #exhibition #art #artist #californiaartist #drawing #painting #figuredrawing #sculpture #figurepainting #landscapepainting #pleinair #CACExhibitions #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

LA River Painting 34 – Smoke House River View Originally painted in December of 2017 of the LA River from the Smoke House Restaurant parking lot, the painting was too dark so I set it aside and put it in a pile with other paintings that needed additional work. Artists often return to a painting after a period of rest giving the artist time to get a clearer idea as to what needs to be done. In this case, that time delay was seven years, and after completing LA River painting 85 (yes 51 LA River paintings later) it gave me fresh ideas. In this updated painting, deep golden light casts rich shadows of blue and purple. The ever-present markings by graffiti remediation crews create their own unique reflections and shape typography. Vast swaths of concrete create beautiful abstract shapes of light, shadow and color, each formed by the laws of perspective, geometry calculus and engineering. No native river habitat is present. The only vegetation visible is a Tree of Heaven, a highly invasive non-native species making its home along the banks of the LA River. @californiaartclub @SmokeHouse1946 @FOLAR @lariverx #californiaartclub #Burbank #paintingexhibition #traditionalfineart #oilpainting #landscapepainting #studiocity #northhollywood www.johnkosta.com #johnkostafineart

Birds of a Wire. LA River art painting number 81. For those familiar with LA River bridges, this is the new 6th Street Viaduct. with the 7th Street bridge and the Santa Monica Freeway overpass in the distance. The birds were an afterthought and originally not in the painting as I wanted to focus on the river and its architecture. But after a conversation with friends ended in strong disagreement, the birds won!

I was thinking of you S when I painted this picture

Join me and other CAC artists this Sunday from noon to 4pm at the Pasadena Museum of History (470 W Walnut, Pasadena) where my painting “Alterado" (LA River art painting number 83) as well as over 50 other paintings by CAC artists will be on exhibit . "The Diverse Environments of the Arroyo Seco: Paintings by the California Art Club" through February 4, 2024. All paintings are available for acquisition. There are a variety programs during the exhibition including an afternoon with the artists this Sunday, ArtNight in Pasadena later this month, and several painting demos. A fine show in a beautiful museum. Go to www.californiaartclub.org for details. @californiaartclub @pasadenamuseumofhistory #folar #lariverx #riodelosangeles #ilovela #ilovecalifornia #californiaartclub #paintingexhibition #traditionalfineart #oilpainting #landscapepainting #arroyoseco #arroyosecopaintings #coloradostreetbridge #fineart #Pasadena #art #artist #californiaartist #drawing #painting #figuredrawing #sculpture #landscapepainting #pleinair #CACExhibitions #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

This Saturday 9-9-23, come join us at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana for the LAST weekend to see the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibit. I will be there this Saturday 9-9-23 from 11:00 am to 1pm for the featured Artist talks and to answer question about LA River painting 77 “Puddles” winner of the California Art Club Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Award of Excellence. Hope to see you there. https://www.californiaartclub.org/exhibition/112th-annual-gold-medal-exhibition-virtual-gallery/gold-medal-winners https://www.bowers.org/index.php/exhibitions #xanadugallery #folar #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #www.johnkosta.com #www.californiaartclub.org @CALIFORNIAARTCLUB @BOWERSMUSEUM

A quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of LA lies the 2-mile Arroyo Seco Bikeway. Beginning near the elegant arches of the historic Pasadena Avenue bridge, you can access the Arroyo Seco via a concrete ramp. While much of the Arroyo Seco has an artificial vertical concrete walls and a flat concrete bottom, (such as in my previous post), in this area the Arroyo Seco takes a more natural form with cobble trapezoidal sides and a sandy bottom with abundant granite boulders. In LA River art painting 84 tiled “Floating Away”, two Sycamore leaves drift along the surface of the Arroyo Seco carried by abundant runoff from recent winter rains. Caught on granite boulders, the Sycamore leaves briefly pause their downstream journey to take in the scenery. @californiaartclub #folar #lariverx #riodelosangeles #ilovela #ilovecalifornia #californiaartclub #fineart #Pasadena #arroyoseco #exhibition #art #artist #californiaartist #drawing #painting #figuredrawing #sculpture #figurepainting #landscapepainting #pleinair #CACExhibitions #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

I am honored and humbled to share that LA River painting 77 “Puddles” won the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Award of Excellence at the Bowers' Museum https://www.californiaartclub.org/exhibition/112th-annual-gold-medal-exhibition-virtual-gallery/gold-medal-winners Come join us for this outstanding show at the Bowers Museum through September 9 2013. Check out the link below to see not only the Gold Medal show but several other really outstanding exhibitions currently showing!! https://www.bowers.org/index.php/exhibitions Bowers Museum and Gallery Store*, Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 While Paris has the Seine River, London the Thames and Rome has the Tiber River, Angelenos have the LA River, the longest concrete-encaged river in the world. It remains a river submerged in the public’s consciousness, always present, and yet mostly invisible. Today I paint it to tell her story. #xanadugallery #folar #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #www.johnkosta.com #www.californiaartclub.org @CALIFORNIAARTCLUB @bowersmuseum

LA River painting 82, “Visitors’ The Arroyo Seco merges with the LA River a mile and a half northeast of downtown. LA River painting 82 titled ‘Visitors’ is a view into the Arroyo Secco beneath the shadows of the Avenue 19 bridge. A polygon of light catches a glimpse of a lone coyote silhouette. The north San Fernando Road and 5 freeway bridges are in the distance. There is evidence of other visitors too, such as graffiti and the remnants of auto tracks in riverbed mud left by flood control maintenance trucks. While there was tagging in the original location, the tag in this painting is my name and my signature for this painting. Most people think of the LA River as ugly if they think of it as all but the river and its adjacent infrastructure were my childhood playground and muse. While Paris has the Seine River, London the Thames and Rome has the Tiber River, Angelenos have the LA River, the longest concrete-encased river in the world. It remains a river submerged in the public’s consciousness, always present, and yet mostly invisible. Today I paint it to tell its story. #taggallery #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #warner-brothers #studiocity #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #www.johnkosta.com #www.taggallery.net #www.californiaartclub.org

JOIN US IN CLAREMONT FOR ART WALK SAT JUNE 3 Join me for my opening reception at the historic Laemmle Theater Saturday June 3rd from 6-8pm. There will be yummy snacks and beautiful art and when you are done visiting us you can go visit the other 8 art venues in the Village!! 450 W 2nd St, Claremont CA 91711 The exhibition will be on display for the month of June. Cheers!! #laemmle #folar #lariverx #riodelosangeles #ilovela #ilovecalifornia #californiaartclub #cacexhibitions #fineart #exhibition #art #artist #californiaartist #drawing #painting #figuredrawing #sculpture #figurepainting #landscapepainting #pleinair #CACExhibitions #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

Please join me for yummy snacks and beautiful art at the gorgeous and cool Old Mill in Pasadena for the opening reception of the California Art Club’s upcoming exhibition 'A Toast to Hollywood' this Thursday, May 25th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at The California Art Club Gallery at the Old Mill. 'A Toast to Hollywood' explores famous sights in Tinseltown as well as legendary landmarks around the world that have had starring roles in films and television to celebrate a tremendous 100 years of the Hollywood sign! #californiaartclub #cacexhibitions #AToastToHollywood2023 #fineart #exhibition #art #artist #californiaartist #drawing #painting #figuredrawing #sculpture #figurepainting #landscapepainting #pleinair #CACExhibitions #ArtCollectors #john_kosta_fine_art www.johnkosta.com

LA River painting 79 George Wolfe Rocks the Boat During the summer of 2008, unknown to most Angelenos, the US Army Corps of Engineers was about to issue a technical ruling that would strip 850 square miles of LA River watershed of most legal protections previously granted under the US Clean Water Act rendering the river as nothing more than a drainage ditch. Fearful of the consequences of such a decision, a group of pioneering clean-water advocates including Heather Wylie and George Wolfe devised a strategy. They organized and filmed a group of canoeists boating the LA River all the way from the river’s source in the San Fernando Valley to its mouth in the Long Beach Harbor to prove the river was indeed technically a navigable river deserving of protection. Threatened by helicopters and police demanding Wolfe and the canoeists vacate the river, their efforts triggered a Congressional investigation of the Corps changing the history of the Los Angeles River when it received permanent designation and protections as a navigable waterway under the Clean Water Act. The real-life bravery of this daring group may be seen in two documentaries Rock the Boat (http://www.rocktheboatfilm.com/) and Heather and Goliath. (https://cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/7108/Heather-and-Goliath). In Los Angeles River Painting 79 Canoes that Changed History, golden afternoon sunlight in bold strokes of dusty orange and silvery yellow silhouette canoeist George Wolfe navigating the Los Angeles River near its mouth in Long Beach. The Vincent Thomas Bridge and Port of Los Angeles container cranes rise above the horizon in the distance, typical of infrastructure along the shores of endangered urban waterways throughout the world. #rocktheboatfilm #calgardenlandscapehistory #californiaartclub #cacgoldmedal #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #ilovela #laist #esotouric #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela  #johnkosta #johnkosta.com WWW.johnkosta.com

LA River painting number 81 "Sixth Street Viaduct and Seventh Street Bridges". 30" x 48" view is from Fourth Street Bridge. Still needs some work on the sky, power lines and foreground but it's coming along. #califoriaartclub #lariverx #folar #ilovela

Currently on my easel 30x40” oil on canvas painting depicts the Warner Brothers Studios back lot adjacent to the Los Angeles River in Studio City. To the left is the costume warehouse, studio buildings and a parking lot with various trucks used in transporting camera and set equipment. The river’s concrete banks and bottom are signature elements of the LA River along most of its 51-mile length. This scene can be observed by passers-by from the West Olive bridge over the LA river and is adjacent to the Smoke House restaurant. In this painting number 80 of this series, I attempted to focus more on the vast planes of concrete reflecting the first light of a morning sunrise. Making such large areas of a single material like concrete an interesting subject matter for a painting is part of the fun of painting the LA River. The San Gabriel Mountains and Edison high tension towers along the banks of the channelized river are typical of this world-famous waterway. While Paris has the Seine River, London the Thames and Rome has the Tiber River, Angelinos have the LA River, the longest concrete-encased river in the world. It remains a river submerged in the public’s consciousness, always present, and yet mostly invisible. Today I paint it to tell its story. #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #warnerbrothers #studiocity #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

LA River painting number 75 “Temporary Trees” Apparently, more concrete is really needed in the LA River. The recently-approved update to the LA River Revitalization Plan includes concrete platforms over the river to build giant recreational centers. Sadly, the updated plan does NOT include material environmental or habitat restoration. The argument is that flood control prevents significant concrete removal and meaningful habitat restoration. Perhaps the real reason there is no significant habit restoration in the revised plan is that the revision effort was led by architects rather than ecologists and biologists. FOLAR, Friends of the LA River, and the Sierra Club have pulled their support of the revised plan and now openly oppose it. Such artificial engineered solutions seem repulsive, but the LA River’s history has long been one of controlling nature with civil and architectural engineering to fix the sins of rampant development. To be fair, the new plan does include opportunities for storm water aquifer replenishment, boundary parks and increasing river public access with trails, bike paths and pocket parks. These are all very good things, and the more public engagement with the river, the better. In LA River painting number 75 “Temporary Trees”, California native desert willows flourish within the main channel in a small natural area south of Willow Street in Long Beach. Most will eventually be removed for flood control purposes. Late afternoon hazy sun reflects pink and ochre hues off river effluence. Ever-present electrical lines, engineered concrete embankments and graffiti mark this territory as distinctly LA River. #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #john_kosta_fine_art #johnkosta.com

I am humbled and honored to have my LARiver paintings featured on the cover and as a lead story in the latest California Historical Landscapes and Garden Society newsletter. And their coverage includes additional articles by the remarkable PHD Tilly Hinton and Claremont College professor Char Miller. And a big thank you to CGLHS Editor Steven Keylon. Check it out!!! https://cglhs.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=ib9LIjgphBPg0L1VOl62PENPBappdzbf51K%2fenScFqrTWovmzJmSG4pLozBBFCUSzLW6RnwARVtb0rJFtxM2W6hbFi3x5CH8uX7WOM%2fQL0k%3d.

LA River painting 57. While southern California generally earns its arid reputation, when winter rains arrive, the mountains can concentrate these rains and cause extensive flooding. The LA River flood of 1938 was among the costliest natural disasters in the city’s history causing billions of dollars in damage (in 2021 dollars) and over 110 deaths. This spurred the US Army Corps of Engineers, with the support of the city of Los Angeles, to channelize the river along its entire 51-mile length. For those lucky enough to arrive in downtown Los Angeles from the eastern suburbs via early morning train, this dramatic view as depicted in Los Angeles River Painting56 with the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, greets the traveler moments before arriving at Union Station. Here, mountains meet city and the sun casts golden highlights along distant ridges of pink mountains. Concrete riverbanks and ever-present electrical towers identify the scene as distinctly Los Angeles. #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

What's on the easel today. A portrait of George Wolfe. He organized the group and canoed the entire length of the LA River in 2008, a feat that changed the future of the LA River as well as urban rivers all across America. The wooden strip of wood is called a bridge, and it allows me to steady my hand as I paint. Follow me as I paint the entire length of the LA River as well as the people whose lives are intertwined with its history. #LARiver #LARiverx #ILovela

In LA River painting 78 “The Producer” documentarian Thea Mercouffer looks directly at the viewer with penetrating eyes.  Her hand, on the shutter of her camera, is reflected in the surface where she sits symbolizing the role of documentarians to help us see the world with a new perspective.  Painted in a limited palate of Alizarin Crimson and Thalo Green, the colors convey both confidence and femininity. Her film that changed history by proving the LA River IS actually a river can be seen at.... https://www.rocktheboatfilm.com/   #rocktheboatfilm #calgardenlandscapehistory #californiaartclub #cacgoldmedal #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #ilovela #laist #esotouric #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela  #johnkosta #johnkosta.com WWW.johnkosta.com

Don't miss out!! Come join us tomorrow Sunday, September 11, last day to view the California Art Club Gold Metal Exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. I will be there from 2-4pm as well as will a number of other artists. Come join us!! #bowersmuseum #californiaartclub #cacgoldmedal #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.co

LA River art painting number 76 “The Light Beneath-3” Artists throughout the ages have returned to a particular scene to paint and this is the third time I have painted this particular area of the river, this time focusing on the  a new painting process that seems to be evolving for me. In this process, I first complete the shadow areas only using primarily transparent glazes and a lot of wiping to reveal the colored ground. Then in a later phase I move to the lit areas using thicker application of opaque paint including white.  This yields rich deep, but transparent, shadows made more compelling by the colored ground of the canvas complimented nicely by the thick impasto of the lit areas, the only areas where opaque white and other light-colored paint is applied. This process also helps clarify those areas of the image that are lit verses those in shadow.  I have used this technique on four or five of my past paintings and am very much liking the evolving outcomes. #californiaartclub #cacgoldmedal #frogtownarts #xanadugallery #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

Due to popular demand the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana has been EXTENDED Extended Dates! to September 11, 2022 to Don’t miss Closing Day for the 111th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. I will be there as will many of the other fabulous artists during a special “Meet and Greet” with California Art Club artists in the galleries. Also taking place that day at the Bowers Museum is a free family festival celebrating the Autumn Moon. Families will enjoy live performances, face painting, art projects and more. Date/Time: Sunday, September 11, 2 to 4 p.m.* Tickets: Free with General Admission Hope to see you there. https://www.californiaartclub.org/.../111th-annual-gold.../ To view the exhibition click here. https://www.californiaartclub.org/.../111th.../gallery/

Just off my easel today, Johnkostaart “Puddles” painting 77 in my LA River art series. 30x30" oil on canvas. As a child living along the banks of the Los Angeles River, I played in the open field beneath these Edison towers in Paramount. The river and the towers became my friends and my muse. Perhaps that's why today as a fine artist I'm compelled to paint them. In this painting ephemeral shallow puddles, only present briefly after a rain, reflect early morning sunlight and the iron lattice structures of Edison towers marching like giant kaiju into a distant silver horizon. #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #esotouric #edison #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

I am humbly honored to have two of my recent LARiver Series paintings "Interchange" and "Urban River Blues" selected for inclusion in the California Art Club 111th annual Gold Medal Exhibition to he held at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana Saturday July 16 5-8pm. If you are interested in joining us for this very special opening gala see the attached link. (Note: In addition to the special gala there is a 'free' night also to be held later in the exhibition and I will post about that in another update). https://www.californiaartclub.org/event/artists-gala-and-exhibition-preview-for-the-111th-annual-gold-medal-exhibition/?fbclid=IwAR0ej2je3QeGNsuZiVXfV0OYKGBkNx3y4RHYwmDjHYWwsYpkpvv-K4bl_9c&fs=e&s=cl

Johnkostaart “Sepulveda Dam Love” painting number 74 in my LA River art series.  This painting was almost never made.  I was unsure whether the somewhat off-beat subject and unique composition would make a worthy painting.  But eventually I relented and took the risk deciding that the Sepulveda Dam was such an important element of the river’s controlled nature and that it needed to be represented in the series.  In this painting a badly damaged shopping cart, left by a local homeless resident, is dwarfed by the nearby massive flood control structure, the Sepulveda dam.  As broken as its once-owner, the cart leans but still stands.  The dam, the broken shopping cart and the graffiti tell a story of strength, control, fragility and hope for both an unpredictable river, and it's sometimes mercurial people.   #sepulvedadam #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

The Dominguez Channel, remains a toxic neglected, trash-strewn waterway. Let’s clean it up! #cleanitup #dominguezchannel #latimes www.john kosta.com

LA’s relationship with its river is…. Well, like many relationships, complicated! L.A. has $556 million and a plan to capture more storm water. But will they ever do it? https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-04/red-tape-ensnares-los-angeles-storm-water-capture-plan

Join us for tea and Art Talk!! I will be sharing my LARiver paintings and my experiences in this multi-year effort to document the beauty of the Los Angeles River, the worlds longest fully channelized River. #lariverx Www.john kosta.com

Los Angeles River art painting 71, "Reversing Tide" In what direction does the Los Angeles River flow?  That depends on the time of day.  Just south of the Willow Street Bridge, the Los Angeles River concrete bottom terminates and becomes one of native soil and cobble. Near this point a concrete trough separates the natural portion of the river from the concrete portion.  To the south of this trough, the river’s elevation is the same as sea level and fluctuates with the tides of the Pacific Ocean.  To the north of this trough, the river’s elevation is fixed at the elevation of the concrete river bottom.  During high tide, incoming currents from the San Pedro Bay travel up the river over this trough reversing the river’s direction of flow from south to north bringing nutrients and micro-organisms on which birds and other life feed.  In this painting, the 71st of the series, migratory birds, Seagulls and other waterfowl gather in the shallow water of this concrete trough searching for their next meal.  Mexican Fan Palms, a non-native palm tree species originally from Baja California widely planted throughout the Los Angeles basin, give an iconic southern California feel to the scene, their spent fronds hanging down dressing their slender trunks in skirts that sway in the ocean breeze. Bright afternoon sunshine reflects off the river’s surface de-saturating colors turning the image into a tonalist study of pewter, ocher and burgundy. This painting is part of a multi-year project by the artist titled “Painting a Love Letter to the River of Angels” depicting the unexpected beauty of the world’s longest fully-channelized navigable waterway. #californiaartclub frogtownarts #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

LA River art painting number 72 “Interchange” Freeway overpasses glide like ribbons of silk above the horizon, their shadows casting polygons of sienna onto vertical walls of Naples Yellow.  A dry river bottom and remnants of puddles suggest a river once flowed.  Rainless clouds and skies of pink and cerulean blue sing a popular McCartney/Lennon song that floats on gentle ocean breezes. “When the sun is out I’ve got something I can laugh about I feel good, in a special way I’m in love and it’s a sunny day, Good day sunshine” #californiaartclub #frogtownarts #folar #southgatemuseum #paramount #selaartsfest #iamthelariver #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

If asked, “Where does the Los Angeles River end” most people would be hard pressed to give an answer other than “the Pacific Ocean”.  While correct, a more accurate answer would be that the river terminates in the San Pedro Bay near Long Beach, though this has not always been the case.  The mouth the Los Angeles River has changed course many times in recent history once emptying into  a vast wetland lake where from Compton and Fountain Valley are today, and as recently as 150 years ago its often-meandering course even took it to Santa Monica where it emptied into Bologna Wetlands and Marina Del Ray. In Painting 69 “Long Beach during First Year of Covid” masked beach-goers and cyclists stroll along the boardwalk during sunset.  The last light of an advancing wintertime sun cast deep shadows of cerulean blue as the Long Beach skyline is lit in oranges and pinks.  The Queen Mary and a docked cruise ship are visible in the distance. This painting 69 is part of a multi-year project by the artist titled “Painting a Love Letter to the Forgotten River of Angels” depicting the unexpected beauty of the world’s longest fully-channelized navigable waterway, the Los Angeles River. #longbeach #queenmary #folar #sunset #sela #californiaartclub #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River Painting 68 depicts the LA River near Griffith Park and the Verdugo Hills of Glendale after a winter rain.  Using a limited palate primarily of Alizarin Crimson, Phthalo Green, Cadmium Red Light and Naples Yellow to render lingering clouds and a magical sunset where the last light of day catches vapor casting both the sky and the shallow river waters in fiery shades. #frogtownarts #folar #burbank #verdugohills #sunset #elysianvalley #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

Can you believe it. Father and daughter have art openings the SAME night across town . If you are on the west side drop by and see her opening tonight in Santa Monica! Tell her I sent you!!! She is a great contemporary artist!

I tend to agree with the four comments at the end of this brief article. https://archinect.com/news/article/150244441/frank-gehry-proposes-capping-parts-of-the-la-river-with-elevated-platform-parks. #lariver #lariverx #losangelescalifornia #johnkostaart

Guess who!!! Dear friends please join me in following LARiverx on Instagram and find out who this mystery LA guest artist might be!!!

A big shout out to Marodeen at the Square I Gallery for hosting this solo show of my recent works. Join us on Art Walk night in the great village of Claremont CA at the opening reception Saturday October 2nd from 6 to 9pm. Hope to see you there. #claremontvillage #folar #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #civilengineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Disney ABC Building and LA River Oil, 30x30 #frogtownarts #folar #burbank #abc #disney #selaartsfest #elysianvalley #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkosta.com

The Rio Hondo is one of the largest tributaries to the Los Angeles River, its source being 16 miles to the northeast in the suburb of Irwindale.  The name Rio Hondo means Deep River in Spanish; however, after the US Army Corps of Engineers channelized most local rivers and creeks in the 1940s, it seems difficult to imagine the “Deep River” ever being much more than a trickle.   In 2020 Frank Gehry, the architect famous for his free-form building designs such as the Disney Center in downtown Los Angeles, released a proposed river revitalization project design that would cover this river confluence in a huge concrete platform for an entertainment complex.  Many criticized the project asking how revitalizing a river could possibly mean covering it in more concrete and buildings void of any meaningful restoration of natural river functions.    Painting 61 depicts this confluence of the Rio Hondo River and the Los Angeles River located approximately ¼ mile north of Hollydale Regional Park in South Gate, an excellent place to park and start a hike into the river or to bicycle along the river’s banks.    In “Rio Hondo Confluence”, levy shadows and hazy morning light reflect blues, pink and Naples Yellow in shallow puddles after a light spring rain.  Ever-present high-tension electrical towers along the riverbank march in tandem toward the San Gabriel Mountains, the source of the Rio Hondo.  A couple hikes the river bottoms, surveying light and the vast concrete canyon before them. Oil on Canvas 18x24 #southgate #frogtownarts #sela #folar #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #civilengineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River art, painting 66 “The River at Willow Street” There are three places along the 51 mile length of the Los Angeles River where the river bottom is natural. Here trees and riparian vegetation grow and wildlife, fowl, and aquatic life are more abundant. In Los Angeles river painting 66 “The River at Willow Street” muted tones of green and red depict the sun shining through new spring growth on willow trees in the LARiver in Long Beach. Abstract shapes and the Goddess of Gratitude reveal that peace can be found even in a concrete channel. #frogtownarts #sela #folar #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #longbeach #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #civilengineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River art, painting 64. The Urban River. #frogtownarts #sela #folar #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #civilengineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Painting a love letter to the River of Angels. 48x60”OIL. Los Angeles River Bike Path. painting 63 #paramount #frogtownarts #sela #folar #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #civilengineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River painting 62 Confluence with Compton Creek channel North Long Beach #frogtownarts #sela #folar #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River art, painting 59. The Reed Wren, Dominguez Strip Wetlands. North Long Beach. Same area as my last post. the #frogtownarts #sela #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

6”x9” gouache reference study for next oil painting. Dominguez strip wetlands Los Angeles River

Los Angeles River art, painting 58. In North Long Beach there are several wetlands that are part of the LA River ecosystem. This is the Dominguez Strip Wetlands Park, a very narrow strip of land where water is pumped from the river into these lowlands to percolate back into the aquifer. It is a quiet and peaceful place. #frogtownarts #sela #selaartsfest #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #longbeach #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #lalawyer #ecology #sustainability #engineering #squareigallery #ilovela #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Reworking my last post after input from Chelsea and David. Here it is with more dramatic light and with contrast pumped up a bit. Thanks for all your comments.

Los Angeles River art painting 58 Oil on canvas 24x 30. View of the city center from Maywood near Atlantic Boulevard Bridge. Here the views of downtown and the river are among the best vistas along the rivers 51 mile length. #lariverx #folar #ilovela #losangelesriver #bridgehunter www.johnkosta.com

A Tonalist painting as well as a brief poetic description. Thank you for humoring me on Los Angeles River painting 15. 24 x 30 oil on canvas. #johnkostaart #lariverx #ilovela #losangelesrivercenterandgardens www.johnkosta.com. Late afternoon hazy sunlight casts a golden aura across heaven, river and skyline. Electrical towers and overhead powerlines slice the vista into parallel curvilinear forms that when pieced together like a puzzle, create a final image broadcast for millions to see: A few will pause to look up at this day’s last gift. They are the fortunate ones! They will enjoy the show.

Here is a second little 11x11" oil painting for the Square I Gallery Christmas show. This one is titled “Across the Coachella Valley". Bring your mask and stop by the Square I Gallery in Claremont 110 Harvard the weekend of Dec 5 to check it out. #palmsprings #coachella @squareigallery #claremont www.johnkosta.com

Los Angeles river panting number 55 depicts the 101 Fwy merge with the San Bernardino Fwy just east of downtown. Below a parade of vehicles there is a world of quiet shadows and ribbons of light. A brilliant silver day casts geometric shapes on the concrete river walls and bottom. Polygons of golden white boldly assert their presence amid calming trapezoids of blue, orange and turquoise. With just inches of water in the river, shimmering shapes of muted grays and aqua sparkle, seeming to dance before the slow moving Mondrianic shapes above them. -------------/---------/------------For info onthis painting message me sales@johnkosta.com #frogtownarts #frogtown2020 #artunitesfrogtown #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #reworked #losangeles #socal #thisisla #lalaw #bridgeoftheweek #lalawyer #civilengineering #engineering #squareigallery #ilovela #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Near Atwater Village the Los Angeles River has a sandy bottom where abundant vegetation and wildlife thrive. Here in my Los Angeles River painting 11, I depict reflections of trees and boulders near Frogtown in what I believe is one of the most beautiful parts of the river. #artunitesfrogtown #frogtown2020 #ilovela #lariverlove #lariver @john_kosta_fine_art

—-----------------------------------"Come and listen to my story about a man named Jed A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed, And then one day he was shootin at some food, And up through the ground come a bubblin crude. Oil that is, black gold... From the lyrics Beverly Hillbillies Los Angelrs River painting number 54 Oil Refinery and Los Angeles River In 1903 California became the nations leading oil production state. Currently California is number 3 in oil production second to Texas and Oaklahoma. Here gold, pink and purple serve as backdrops to a strip mall, the Los Angeles River and an Exxon Mobile refinery in Vernon. #lariver #lariverworks #lariverparks #folarorg #frogtown2020 #artunitesfrogtown #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #civilengineering #civilengineering_world #urbanriver #xanadugallery #squareigallery #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #artist #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

New developments in the downtown Arts District command a significant presence along the LA riverfront. The One Santa Fe complex across the street from Cal Arts school of architecture is visible in this painting from beneath the First Street viaduct. Rail yards and power easements separate the complex from the riverfront. The Los Angeles River Revitalization Project envisions the rail yards to be replaced by open space and parks increasing open space and river access to the public. The effects of gentrification on neighborhoods continues to be a subject of contention for future developments. Los Angelrs River painting number 53 One Santa Fe and the First Street Viaduct #onesantafe #firststreetviaduct #lariver #bridge of the week #lariverworks #lariverparks #folarorg #frogtown2020 #artunitesfrogtown #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #civilengineering #civilengineering_world #urbanriver #xanadugallery #squareigallery #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #artist #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

"Night is not something to endure until dawn. It is its own Kingdom, it moves to its own laws, and many living things dwell in it.” Patricia A. McKill Los Angelrs River painting number 52. Nocturn Metro Building #metro #metrobuilding #lariver #lariverworks #lariverparks #folarorg #frogtown2020 #artunitesfrogtown #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #civilengineering #civilengineering_world #urbanriver #xanadugallery #squareigallery #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #artist #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Los Angeles River painting number 7 Oil on Canvas Near Atwster Village. #folarorg #frogtown2020 #artunitesfrogtown #lariverx

"Do we change like a river, widening and deepening, eddying back on ourselves ... bursting our banks when there’s too much too in us, and sometimes dried up from lack of rain? Aidan Chambers LA River painting number 51. Warner Brothers Back Lot #warnerbrothers #studiocity #lariver #lariverworks #lariverparks #folarorg #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #civilengineering #civilengineering_world #urbanriver #xanadugallery #squareigallery #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #artist #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

"There is no light without shadow, just as there is no happiness without pain." Isable Allende. LA River painting number 50. Tree Shadows and Distant Skyscrapers #lariver #lariverworks #lariverparks #folarorg #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #civilengineering #civilengineering_world #urbanriver #xanadugallery #squareigallery #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #artist #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

LA River series painting 49 view from the east bank of the Broadway viaduct. A viaduct is a bridge that also includes a series of spans over land in this case over railroad tracks and other roads. 18x 24 oil on canvas. “Broadway Bridge” #lariver #broadwaybridge #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #squareigallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Is reworking a painting a bad thing? I want to avoid being compulsive yet see things that could be improved. Many say let it go and create something new. Swipe right to see the first effort then tell me what u think. LAR number 48. #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #reworked #losangeles #socal #thisisla #7thsteetbridge #lalaw #bridgeoftheweek #lalawyer #civilengineering #engineering #squareigallery #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Went to Palm Springs this past weekend and had the opportunity to go out and do some plein air painting. Do you recognize this place? #palmsprings #palmtrees #pleinairpainter #squareigallery #woodmanshimkogallery #xanadugallery #johnkostaart www.johnkosta.com

I painted this old trestle bridge in South gate on a cut down hollow core door panel. 20x30 oil on panel. LA River number 48. #lariver #lariverx #southgate #tresselbridge #bridgehunter #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #7thsteetbridge #lalaw #bridgeoftheweek #lalawyer #civilengineering #engineering #squareigallery #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

I finished this painting about a month ago, and sadly it looked very drab. In fact if you go back four or five posts you’ll see the original painting. Using inspiration from fellow artists I reworked the sky and the reflections to make it more warm.LA River series painting number 43 reworked. “Double Decker 7th Street Bridge and LA River” #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #reworked #losangeles #socal #thisisla #7thsteetbridge #lalaw #bridgeoftheweek #lalawyer #civilengineering #engineering #squareigallery #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Directly adjacent to the Los Angeles River the Metro building is a familiar sight to those arriving in LA via train. In the foreground is the fourth Street bridge, it’s towers a remnant of a bygone architectural era. 48”x48” oil on canvas. Here is LA River series painting number 47 “LA River with Metro Building and 4th Street Bridge” #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #metro #amtrak #metrolink #losangeles #socal #thisisla #4thsteetbridge #lalaw #bridgeoftheweek #lalawyer #civilengineering #engineering #squareigallery #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Boyle Heights has undergone significant gentrification since the arrival of the Goldline in 2004 drawing new residents attracted to its close proximity to downtown LA. Future development along the riverfront draws passionate voices as the demands for more housing clashes with the demands for more open space. Here is LA River series Painting number 46 “Downtown LA from Boyle Heights” #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #gentrification #boyleheights #Firststreetbridge #lalaw #lalawyer #civilengineering #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Most people don’t think of the Los Angeles river as beautiful. And while it is true that it is very different than London’s Thames or Paris’ Seine, our LA River in its own way, it’s manufactured state, it’s architecture, it’s reflections, it’s obtuse character and it’s potential, is indeed beautiful. LA River painting number 45 “Cesar Chavez Bridge” acrylic on canvas 30x24. #cesarchavezbridge #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #ilovela #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #squareigallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Late spring early summer days in Los Angeles are often marked by overcast days and hazy silvery light. This painting depicts such a day over the Los Angeles River near Paramount looking south towards the Rosecrans Avenue bridge. LA River painting number 44 “Silver morning over Rosecrans Avenue Bridge”. #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #squareigallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Staying busy during Covid19 social isolation. We will get through this. Painting LA River number 43 "Five Bridges”. #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #squareigallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Here’s a something to brighten your day. I had a chance to do a little plein air painting in Palm Springs this past weekend and some guy walking by stopped and asked “why are you painting this scene. What do you see?” I replied with a smile "some old buildings and palm trees on Indian Canyon Boulevard” . So there you have it. #palmsprings #palmtrees #pleinairpainter #xanadugallery #squareigallery www.johnkostaart ENJOY!

River painting 42. Reflections of nearby high tension towers often can be seen in the shallow pools along the edges of the LA River bottom. This is near Union Station #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #squareigallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

LA River painting 40. The LA River passes under the 91 freeway in North Long Beach. Here as the water dries it leaves small pools reflecting columns of the freeway as well as colors of sky and deep shadows. Our River is beautiful in its own special way. #lariver, #lariverx #thisisla #losangelesriver #xanadugallery #iamthelariver www.johnkostaart

At the intersection of the 105 Freeway and the LA River, connecting ramps seem to fly overhead as the river quietly passes below. “The River at the 105 Freeway”. 24x30” #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

A little video showing more work on LA River n38 "Alondra Blvd Bridge” #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

After a slight rain there is just a little water in the LA River to reflect the subtle colors and shapes of early morning. LA River n38 "Alondra Blvd Bridge” #socal #thisisla #xanadugallery #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

While movie studios and office buildings adjoin the LA River in studio city, in Vernon it’s auto body shops, oil refineries and packing houses. Here is a 30 x 30 painting of a smaller piece posted earlier of the 26 th. Street bridge in Vernon. #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Back in the Vernon area where it is highly industrial a number of train trestles cross the river. A little water in the river to create interesting reflections and some creative license and the LA River again reveals its gritty urban beauty. Here is painting #37 of the LA River in the highly industrial series. 30x30" #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

A mile from the last posted painting where the River is straight as an arrow and feels quite masculine, here the LA River shows off its feminine curves looking east from the Tejunga Boulevard Bridge in painting #36 of the LA River with 30x24" #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

A bright sunny morning looking East from the Vineland Ave Bridge shows off the contemporary cubism character of the LA River. Here is painting #35 of the LA River with Griffith Park and the Hollywood Freeway in the distance.30x24" #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #xanadugallery #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

Couldn't pass up this beautiful Eucalptus tree near the LA River and Radford Ave Bridge in Studio City. This is a rework of the river painting number 32 completed several weeks ago. I added more detail to feature the awesome peeling bark. Love the scent and look of these trees. Messy messy messy but oh so gorgeous. (Kinda like some guy I dated long ago) #messybutgorgeous #eucalyptus #Lariver #lariverx #ilovela #iamthelariver johnkosta.com

Sunsise on the LA River as seen in this painting n34 from the back parking lot of the Smokehouse Restaurant. #smokehouserestaurant #studiocity #lariverx #i in Studio City. #ilovela #iamthelariver #oilpainting www.johnkosta.com

With a little rain and a setting sun, the LA River can show off its gritty urban beauty. Here is painting #33 of the LA River in the highly industrial Vernon area with a view of the Sotto Street Bridge looking north, LA skyline is in the distance. 30x30" #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #losangeles #socal #thisisla #squareigallery #vernon #urbanart #oilpainting #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #ilovela #currentmood #artist #art #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

LA River painting series n32. "Radford Avenue Bridge in Studio City". Compare this part of the LA river to my last painting in Vernon where the area is mostly industrial. Here in Studio City the LA River is bordered by television studio buildings and apartments. While the river is still a concrete chanel, there is clearly an urban vibe. The river in both Vernon and Studio City possess a certain but distinct raw beauty that this series hopes to document. #rawbeauty #studiocity #squareigallery #lariver #ilovela #lariverx #losangelesriver #color #waterbodies #urbanart #bridgeoftheweek #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

LA River painting series n31. "26th St Bridge in Vernon Industrial Area". My hope is to depict the beauty that can be found in the gritty urban reality we Angelinos call home. 11x11 painting for the Square I Gallery christmas show. #squareigallery #lariver #ilovela #lariverx #losangelesriver #vernon #color #waterbodies #urbanart #bridgeoftheweek #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

A plein air painting from last week of a little mid century modern apartment in Palm Springs. 11 x 11" oil on panel. This will be in the Square I gallery 11x11 Christmas show coming up in December. A great place to do some Christmas shopping for someone you love. Paintings are small and affordable! 11 x 11" There are so many little cool midcentury modern apartment buildings. #palmsprings #squareigallery #artone #midcenturymodern #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

A little 11"x11" LA River painting for the upcoming Square I Gallery Christmas show coming up this December. Thank you Walter for the invitation and for hosting. Great Christmas presents. Come see the show. If you are interested, hopefully I will have four little LARiver 11x11 paintings in the show. @squareigallery. CLAREMONT. #claremont #lariverx #iamtheriver #ilovela #likethemountains #discoverLA #folar #artstudio_post #art_share #painting #painter #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #gallery #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart

Thank you all those who joined us at the opening reception this past Saturday for the first ever showing of my works on documenting the beauty of our own iconic LARiver. Tutti Mangias put on a great spread as Walter from Square I gallery handled sales. It was a lot of fun and a great success largely due to you all for attending and to Tuttis and Square I gallery for providing the opportunity. Thank you all. @tuttimangia @squareigallery #lariverx #iamthelariver #ilovela #civilengineering #bridgeoftheweek #LosAngelesRiver #likethemountains #folar

Thank tou to Tutti Mangia for an absolutely fabulous spread of delicious appetizers. Come on by an join us! @Tuttimangia

SAVE THE DATE!! You are cordially invited to an artist's reception and viewing of over 20 original oil paintings from my Los Angeles River Series. While Paris has the Seine, London has the Thames and Rome has the Tiber, we Angelinos have the Los Angles River !! Come join us for great art, lively conversation and to celebrate LA's own iconic waterway. Event sponsored by the Square I Gallery in Claremont CA www.squareigallery.com. Delicious appetizers, wine and venue provided by Tutti Manga's. www.tuttimangia.com. What: John Kosta LA River Series artist reception Where: Tutti Mangia's Fine Italian Restaurant, 102 Harvard Ave Claremont CA Who: You and your friends, family, partners, pet parakeet To Bring: Nothing but yourself, casual dress When: Saturday October 19 Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM

LARiver painting n28 "Vineland Ave. Apartment Buildings Studio City" 30x24" #lariver #paintingsforsalebyartist #losangelesriver #studiocity #color #principlegallery #squareigallery #waterbodies #urbanart #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #lariverx #ilovela #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

NBC studio buildings overlooking the LA River. Painting series number n27 30x24" #NBC #lariver #paintingsforsalebyartist #losangelesriver #studiocity #color #principlegallery #squareigallery #waterbodies #urbanart #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #iamthelariver #lariverx #ilovela #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

"Palm Springs Stardust" We went to Palm Springs last weekend and I took the opportunity to do a bit of plein aire painting in the early morning hours before it got too hot. This tiny little 50's era mid-century apartment in the Warm Sands district and it's aging facade seemed the perfect subject for a couple mornings of effort. 12x16" oil on birch panel unframed. #paintingsforsale #color #principlegallery #urbanart #palmsprings #midcenturymodern #oilpainting #painting #painter #artstudio_post #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #plein #pleinair #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com

I am black and white and orange and yellow and brown. I am beautiful. I am the LA River. Here from Bandini Blvd bridge at sunset. Painting n15 detail. #iamthelariver #lariverx #iamtheriver #ilovela #likethemountains #discoverLA #folar #artstudio_post #art_share #painting #painter #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #gallery #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart

In Studio City there are many places to walk or cycle along the LA River. Here in LA River painting n27. "Cyclist on river trail Studio City below Whitsett Ave Bridge" I depict a cyclist enjoying the early morning shade of nearby eucalyptus trees. Enjoy! (30x24" acrylic on canvas) #studiocitu #lariverx #sanfernandovalley #iamtheriver #ilovela #likethemountains #discoverLA #folar #artstudio_post #art_share #painting #painter #artforsalebyartist #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #gallery

Fine artist (and fabulous daughter) Chelsea Kosta at work preparing for her artist debut and opening this Thursday September 12th from 8 to 10pm at the delightful Nuno's Bistro. Complementary appetizers and drinks. 2440 W Arrow Route. Upland CA. Please join us! #fineartist #contemporaryartist #celebrate #debut #claremont

Here is a little painting (14" x 14") that I just finished to donate to the Claremont Museum of Art at the Depot for their FALL GALA fund raiser. This framed original of the iconic Claremont train station depot will be available for anyone to bid on at their silent auction. So if you've ever wanted an original John Kosta Fine Art painting and if you have an affection for Claremont and the historic train depot, now is your chance. The GALA event will be Saturday afternoon September 28 and includes a elegant dinner on the lawn for just $50 per person. For tickets call 909.621.3200 and leave a message that you want to buy tickets to the event. See you there. #claremontmuseumofart #claremont #depot #gallery #artoftheday #johnkosta #johnkostaart

LA River painting n26 "LA River near ABC Studio Building" In Burbank near the Griffith park north entrance the LA River begins to turn south before Frogtown and Atwater Village. Here the river has vertical concrete sides and a concrete bottom. An early morning sunrise on the river can be quite bucolic before the city awakens. #artiststudio #studioart #artstudio_post #DTLA #lariver #lariverx #losangelesriver #burbank #discoverla #studiocity #abc #abcstudios #color #principlegallery #waterbodies #urbanart #oilpainting #painting #painter #landscapeartist #instaart #currentmood #solitude #artist #art #gallery #artoftheday #squareigallery #johnkosta #johnkostaart #johnkosta.com