Having lived in both Carmel and Carmel Valley, Patricia Qualls finds that the valley landscape lives inside her as deeply as the sea. Inspired by the quiet ritual of watching the sunrise from the top of Carmel Valley Road, Qualls describes these moments as witnessing "grace." When she first began painting in 20028, she would open her garage doors to work by the natural glow of the morning sun, allowing the environment to dictate the energy of the canvas.

Carmel Valley Moods reflects the ever-changing atmosphere of the region and the parallel nature of our own internal emotions. To Qualls, nature is a vital teacher; she encourages us to allow our moods to float by rather than "pouring them into concrete." Like the morning fog that eventually lifts, this painting serves as a reminder that our own difficult states will also clear, giving way to new light.