Walking the Presidio, San Francisco

Matt Frock

Walking the Presidio, San Francisco

Oil paint on primed wood.

73 x 61 x 4 cm

“Walking the Presidio, San Francisco” was originally painted in landscape format and considered a finished work too early. Matt adopted the practice of spinning paintings and discovered flaws in the composition. After resuming progress, the painting endured an extensive overhaul. Spinning the painting during the work lead to a new portrait orientation for the image.

“Walking the Presidio, San Francisco” refers to the park at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on the city side. The artist describes the park as, “one of the most beautiful, fantastical and unreal city parks I’ve ever seen. It’s the setting of an Earthly utopia.” The painting references the turbulent waters of the inlet, the architecture of the bridge, the jutting forms of the cliff-side, and the distinctive, golden color pallet of the region.