Placerville Impasto Album

Impasto is a popular painting technique usually employed with oil and acrylic paint. Artists use thick brushstrokes to imitate texture or create three-dimensional, almost sculptural effects in their works. Impasto became widely used during the European Renaissance by masters like Rubens and Vermeer. It became extremely popular in the modern era among Expressionist artists with their radical brushwork.

 

Main Street, Placerville, California

 

 

 

 

 

Veteran's Day 11-11-2026

I feel dutybound and conscience led to share a few lines about Veterans Day. In this time of ever diminishing patriotism, in which many have little knowledge of or appreciation for the brave men and women to whom they owe a debt of gratitude for the freedom we all enjoy today, its commonplace to let this occasion pass while giving little thought to what others celebrate and commemorate on this day. Many have little or no knowledge of the service and sacrifice provided by past generations of their own families. I have no such excuse. Numerous branches of my family, including my ancestors, John Casebeer, Job Camp, and Joseph Daniels served the cause of freedom during our country's Revolutionary War. Others served during the Civil war. My great grandfather, Calvin Casebeer, served the Union's cause and was shot through the leg during the Battle of Chickamauga on September 18th, 1863. My Father, Leo D. Casebeer, served aboard the battleship New Jersey during World War II. Throughout our country's remarkable history ordinary citizens have done extraordinary things in the cause of freedom. Today most have little concept of the hardship and sacrifice faced by those who have risked their lives in ships and planes and foxholes in defense of freedom. As we speak today, brave men and women are at their posts prepared to risk all to address all threats both foreign and domestic. Their dedication to the cause of freedom is often thankless and unappreciated. Still, they devote themselves to the noble cause of liberty and justice for all, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

Ivy House & Druid's Monument as seen from intersection of Main Street and Cedar Ravine 1930s

This painting gets a grip on my heart. I can hear the rhythmic swishing of the windshield wipers and the low rumbling pitter-patter of the flathead V8 as the little engine waits patiently at the curb. I can see my breath in the crisp evening air and almost taste the fragrances of old wood and wet pavement. From across the street, the aroma of grilled ribs sizzling over manzanita coals wafts from the kitchen of the Ivy House while the sounds of rattling utensils and beverage induced jocularity spill invitingly into the glistening street. From the church, the iconic pipe organ is pumping out a medley of soulful hymns, and the soothing hum of worship and fellowship draw me irresistibly toward the weathered and welcoming doors. Father in Heaven, thank you for our memories of glad days long, long ago. SC