October is the grand finale of wine season—the air turns crisp, the grapes glow ruby, and the whole countryside smells faintly of celebration (and maybe a little Cabernet Sauvignon). From Napa to Santa Ynez, harvest time feels like one big toast to sunlight, soil, and good company. While visiting Los Olivos, that feeling inspired a painting…
When the Hills Start to Dance
It began innocently enough. I brushed in the rolling hills—soft gold and green—thinking, ahh, how peaceful. But before I knew it, the oak trees were clinking their glasses, sporting paisley patterns, and swaying to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Then the Los Padres Mountains—normally dignified and stoic—decided to dress for a rave. This painting had a life of its own. By the time I set the brush down, the quiet hilltop vineyard was having a full-blown harvest party.
Vineyards at the Top of the World
The painting, Vineyard High, reflects the playfulness of Santa Barbara wine country, where vineyards tumble down sunlit ridges like they’re loving life. Over 70 varietals are nurtured by cool mornings and golden afternoons, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon being most prominent. Napa may have the fame, but Santa Ynez has the charm—less tuxedo, more linen shirt—and lots more native oaks (which have been protected, and make the vineyards and wineries incredibly beautiful).
The Last Pour
Art and wine share a long intoxicating history. From Dionysus’s ancient revelries to today’s wine labels, both turn life’s essence—color, light, and joy—into something to be savored. Art and wine invite us to slow down—to taste the color. Color indeed modulates the brain. Warm colors energize, blues and greens calm. When an impressionistic painting blends both, it creates layered emotional states that regulate mood more effectively than monotone palettes (Elliott & Maier 2014).
In Vineyard High, the harvest never ends. No monotone here! The vines keep dancing, the mountains keep glowing, and the spirit of Los Olivos wine country stays forever uncorked.
Vineyard High, 30 x 40 in, 2025, oil on canvas by Lauren Forcella
.
Thank you for reading. I warmly invite you to
Link to Vineyard High original
Browse prints of Vineyard High
Join my mailing list and be the first to see new work and hear about promotions
