This California landscape is by James Russell Ford (1888-1963), a San Francisco Bay Area artist. Based on the light, shadows and golden hills, it depicts a midday scene in summer. The painting is titled on the reverse “El Camino Rancho”. It looks like somewhere in or close to the San Francisco Bay area. The painting is composed of oil on board and measures 24 x 30 inches (30 x 36 inches framed). It is signed in the lower left with Ford’s usual monogram and last name. The painting is in good condition with no surface flaws. There is a very slight bowing of the artist board. The vintage frame is in good condition, with one small dent in the top left corner of the thin gold liner next to the painting. James Russell Ford was born in California on March 3, 1888. At age nine Ford settled with his family in Alameda, CA where he remained. After serving in WWI, he began a career as a commercial printer while painting in his leisure. Ford maintained a studio in his home at 1305 Pearl Street until his death there on Feb. 22, 1963. Member: Alameda AA (pres., 1955). Exh: Oakland Art Gallery, 1945, 1954; SWA, De Young Museum, 1953. (Source: Edan Hughes – Artists of California 1786-1940.