This was painted for Orange Coast Magazine in California. As the tides of the American West Coast rise the cottage Island of Balboa is in danger of being swallowed up by the ocean. I was asked to paint a version of Grant Wood's "American Gothic" this time featuring wealthy Californians hip deep in the rising waters.
Above is my first sketch for the project. I still prefer the man in this sketch but it was decided that he was a little too young and far too East Coast.
Here is the final magazine layout where the art director has applied water damage to the magazine spread. This was a surprise to me but I think it worked out with the story.
