Artist Brings a Touch of Tahoe to Piedmont

Piedmont residents were treated to a gallery of light-filled images last Friday at the opening of an exhibition of oil paintings by artist Andy Skaff. The exhibition at the Piedmont Center for the Arts showcases the Lake Tahoe area near his home in Tahoma. 

The oil paintings on view capture Skaff's perspective on one of the American West’s greatest treasures, appreciated by many Piedmonters who are drawn to the reflective qualities of the Tahoe region.

One of Skaff's paintings shows the remnants of an early snowfall at Lake Tahoe, another a golden fall scene in a forest. 

Attendees at the opening shared their personal experiences of the place. Scott Corvin said the hiking, the water, and the magnificent views are what draw him to Tahoe.  

Jon Klimo said he is attracted to the color of the emerald water and the views from above when hiking. His family loves to go camping at the southern end of the lake, and has fond memories of chasing bear cubs away, he said.

Since retiring from his law practice of 34 years, Skaff has concentrated on his original passion, making art. He began studying with plein air master Kevin McPherson in France and Taos nearly a decade ago and has since had solo shows in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. The featured Gump’s artist also has work displayed in a number of commercial permanent collections.

The exhibition will be on view at the Piedmont Center for the Arts through Oct. 4.