Caltrain Project | My Site 1

There are seven Caltrain stations in the SF Bay Area that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This is my story of how I got a job to paint them for Caltrain!

I was out sketching on a grey Saturday morning. I ended up at one of my favorite Caltrain stations, the Burlingame station. While I was sketching on the sidewalk this golden station with roses in full bloom, a gentleman came by and we started talking about my love for painting train stations & urban scenes in general. He asked me to please email him about painting train stations because he works for Caltrain! This sketch is what started a chance (but awesome!) partnership to paint some of the historic Bay Area train stations.

A5 size sketchbook

After pouring over several preminary sketches and many photographs I have taken, this was my proposed Burlingame station commission. You can see I played with different framing and also kept notes about the specific colors I wanted to use. Such a great learning experience and I had so much fun designing the final product.

9"x12" sketch sold

The final artwork delivered to Caltrain. I love the vibrancy of this version. Also I don't usually work this large, so I am proud on that front as well. Thank you Caltrain for such a warm and positive welcome for this baby of mine!

12"x16"

San Jose Diridon Station has such a warm charming symmetry. At first I tried to fight it but you will see below embracing it was the right call in the end. Sketching on-location is so important for me to get the feel of the place. Take tons of photos as well, of course, for the possibilities.

A5 sketchbook

After mapping out several different atmospheres around the station, I decided to face it head on in a warm evening glow to compliment the brick tones. The lamps added a touch of romance as well.

9"x12"

Final artwork delivered! I really like the drama added by the evening sky. Actually this is where I went to hand deliver my paintings, which was so cool! Upstairs offices in the right corner of the station! I really enjoyed this first phase of historic Caltrain stations commission. Looking forward to completing all seven!

12"x16"

San Carlos Station in the works! Elevated tracks? I didn't expect that challenge! But you do get a great perspective of the station from up here!

Palo Alto Station has such a personality, it reminds me of an old diner. The sketch of course is a rough one, but don't be afraid to get your ideas out even if it looks rough. The thought of adding the train came to me while sketching - though it turns out a double decker train is actually quite huge!

Menlo Park Station. This one is small but mighty. It definitely reminds me of Hansel & Gretel gingerbread house. I love the intricate details of the moldings and siding and the warm mellow yellow.