“As an artist, Beard is grounded in the plein air tradition, yet his work hints at unknowable things, celebrating a fanciful ocean life rarely encountered since the work of Rick Griffin. Like previous masters, Beard seems to realize that it is not what we know about the California Coast that lures us there, but the things we don’t know, and will never know. These are not detailed Google Maps from our smartphones, but Dream Maps, meant to inform the smartest part of our thinking.”
Chris Ahrens | Author
“I first became aware of Matt's work in The Surfer's Journal years ago as a representational artist with substantial chops and a style that immediately caught my eye, restrained, with solid fundamentals as the underpinning. As I got to know him we casually painted outdoors a bit, when he was in the area. Then Matt went big with ‘plein air’ and was covering the entire state! So stoked to see this book documenting such a fertile period in the creative journey from a guy that can wield a pen nearly as well as a brush.”
Wade Koniakowsky | Artist
“Matt is one of the most innovative artists painting the California Coast today. He embodies all the best points of the explorer, artist and athlete. Matt has made many sacrifices to be out on the open road and paint the coastal scenery. There is no one like him and probably never will be. Most plein air painters have a very similar style, but you can tell a Beard instantly. His style is as unique as his approach. I have plein air painted my entire career and I can say that there is almost never the perfect day. The weather, the thoughts, the viewers they are all there to bug an artist, but Matt is like a father who is always there for his child no matter what the situation. While other artists are tucked away into the comfort of their studio, Matt is out there like Ulysses in the storm.”
Ronald Croci | Artist
We have been totally blown away by how much actual thick content is in this book along with the mind-blowing paintings. You really came through with a solid piece of historical art that can be passed down.
Tiffany H.
Congratulations, Matt. Your artistic efforts, both painterly and literary, deserve the recognition.
Kathy O.
I gave this as a gift and watched my mom spend several nights reading it and showing pictures around. I snuck in a few hours with it when she put it down. Guess I need my own copy.
Wesley H.
I savor & enjoy every stroke & story…[Matt has] encapsulated the coastal California reality with humor-insight & depth...
If you can savor a tangible 'portrait' of coastal California...
If you have crawled through a barbwire fence to access a beach...
If a shore scene has brought you serendipitous luck, fortune or humor...
Basically-If you have eyes, a soul & can read...
Buy this book.
The art
The words
The artful encapsulation of our sweet California Coast in... "Painting California Coast" is treat not to be missed.
Mara L.
I keep forgetting to let you know that I received your book as a Christmas gift from a friend that knows how much I love your work and appreciate you as one dang-good human being! Love your musings that accompany each piece in the book. Thank you for all of it, Matt!
Susan E.
Your stories man, that simple stuff with so much heart and soul attached, as beautiful as your paints.
Glenn W.
Your writing and your painting are in the league of colossal! Wow! I am always so impressed by your wordsmithing!
Bosha S.
Each day I turn a few more pages of your book “Painting the California Coast.” I don’t want to be a glutton so I pace myself in this land/ocean feast
Rosco M.
I just finished reading [Matt’s] book from cover to cover. Not only [is he] a great painter, but [he is] also a fabulous writer! I am ready to read it again!
Paulette C.
I don't know you, but feel like reaching out and saying thanks, and that I really appreciate your book in somewhat unexpected ways. My initial draw was to the paintings, duh, that's the entry point for all of us california surfers. The art is great, and I enjoy piecing together where they are painted, and enjoying my own memories and experiences from those places up and down the coast. What was an even greater joy, however, are your words. The stories and poems are great. Told from the point of view of a good natured scofflaw, they just pull you in and enhance the moments captured on the canvas. Stories of vans, cops, plants, fences, side of road sleeps, and even waves...just encapsulating the experience well. Anyway, Thanks and well done.
Jeff Z.
Got the book, it’s amazing, thanks again- you are so talented, makes me want to do a road trip of California soon! Keep up the great work, coolest art book of my entire life and love the commentary of each spot! *>)
Aaron B.
Just got my copy of your book… and I LOVE IT! So much more than I expected and pouring over it is all I’m doing over the holidays. Thank you!!
Shawn G.
“Received my copy... it's better that I imagined. Way more writing within the book than I thought, short tales, poetry, stealth camping and ticks. Beautiful reproductions of the paintings. Forced myself to stop reading it because I'm leaving for So. Baja in ten days and this is gonna be my primary reading material. I may need to make a trip up to the gallery - I've gotta see this stuff ‘in real life’.”
John A.
“Got mine yesterday. Amazing work. I really appreciate the approach of not naming spots. Love the "we're not talking" stamp on the cover.”
Max F.
“It’s a beautiful book! We have added it to our [historical] library on Alcatraz Island."
Stephen C.
“Got the book in perfect condition! It is awesome, what a body of beautiful work! Well done, I love it!”
-Steve W.
“Is the opening poem in the prologue on page 10 your work!? If so, I firmly declare you an artistic savant. This poem is incredible… I am literally mouth agape right now. This is an incredible piece of work. Not that I'm shocked, no I know full well you are a talented guy… But this book is an incredible collection of art and narratives. Some tease the brain, some evoke real images for me.”
-Gavin C.
“Stoked, just no better word to describe the book. Got it yesterday in southern Oregon. Well done. Makes an earth bound old surfer like me smile about the days past in southern cal swells.”
-Dave G.
“So stoked I just got Matt Beard‘s new book in the mail... He painted up and down the California Coast highlighting waves and the natural beauty of our coast… he names no spots... plein air style sitting in nature recording what he sees with a little artistic license... waves seem to be really good wherever he went... so awesome… Matt originally from Long Beach is one of the greatest modern day painters of surf and life.”
-Rick B.
“Your book is beautiful. And I laughed out loud when I saw the last pages of no trespassing signs. Thank you for your art.”
-Annie F.
“Got the book today…it’s beautiful!”
-Mary Z.
"Just got my copy. Love it! Not just the painting but also the writing. Reading your book is creatively inspiring. The pictures, stories and poetry will feed your soul like a good Sabbath."
-Matt M.
"I received your book today. It far exceeded my expectations. What a beautiful treasure it is. Thank you so much to both you and Amie. Well done!"
-Carlene H.
"Well worth it."
-Deanna D.
"The book is REALLY great! My wife says you’re a writer that paints... The stories are great... Hat tip to the publisher!"
-James G.
"Love, love,love the book. Took my time and enjoyed my way through. Somehow you managed to add an extra dimension to [the artwork] by adding words. It's a beautiful book that was worth the wait. Matt's gift to all of us."
-Mona D.
