Heirloom property maps for places with a history worth preserving
Napa Valley in Northern California is known for its widespread beauty. Vineyards, untamed nature, Douglass fir trees, bears, bobcats, roaming sheep, and stunning architecture. I’ve been blessed to create an heirloom map for Glendale Ranch, one of Napa Valley’s hidden gems. The private ranch is incredibly special- it is beautifully nestled between several hills, and has some incredible features- a lake, several creeks, vineyards, and ancient forests.
I spent 4 days at the property doing my research. By the end of my stay, I’d created a full to-scale sketch of the entire property, filled with all the details. I also left with hundreds of photos and videos. And most importantly, I became one with the land- I walked it, I breathed it, I sketched it. I took note of the colors that fell on the vineyards in the mornings, the animals that roamed the land, the types of plants and flowers and trees. I became an expert on differentiating the different oaks that grow on the land. All of this became the basis for the painting.
Honoring the land by preserving its story
My goal with these paintings is to create more than just a map of the land- I want to paint a portrait of a place- a record of the landscape as it exists today, and of the stories that have made it meaningful. And we included a lot of stories in this map! The boys fishing, having fun on the lake, and celebrating their birthdays. The fire truck that drives through every year. The little moments that make everyday so special. The animals that add something more to the beating heart of the ranch.
Lindsey and Andrew, the owners of the ranch, are more than just land-owners. They are stewards of this incredibly beautiful and complex piece of land. They care about native plants, the watershed that is a source of life for both people and animals, and the future of this untouched piece of Earth. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting me part of the story of this place. I always say that the places I paint change me, and this one is no exception.
Glendale Ranch, you are a place like no other.
If you live on a piece of land that you cherish, I’d be honored to help you tell her story.
Email me at marketafhorton@gmail.com or fill out a contact form on my website!
Xx Marketa
