Local artist, Nancy Gray, presents Bathed in Golden Light, a collection of paintings inspired by the soft light and golden glow that illuminates Sonoma’s vineyards and rolling hills. As the summer gives way to autumn, a colorful drama takes center stage in Sonoma locales with golden yellows, rich reds and deep burgundies. “Valley Gold,” an acrylic painting, taps into this treasure trove of color and explodes with luxuriant vines decked in the season’s red-gold glory. “Harvest Moon” is an acrylic painting with shimmering gold that glows like magic. Often working from black and white references, Gray imbues her paintings with bright happy colors that express the joy she felt at the moment of inspiration. “Everywhere I look, an amazing painting appears before me,” noted Gray. Art has always been Gray’s passion. A native Texan, she grew up on its Gulf Coast. Her art accolades started early when, as a second-grader, she won a brand new bike for her painting. She began showing her work in Houston before moving to the Bay Area in 1997. Working primarily in acrylics, she is known for her striking paintings, strong in color and bold in design. Gray joined the Upstairs Art Gallery in 2021.