www.montereycountynow.com January 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 25 ARTS There is a new book of photographic art dedicated to Monterey Bay. Its author is Monterey-based artist Eric Hoddes and the title is Colors of Coastal Monterey Bay. It is a self-published book of 81 photographs distributed over 29 pages. Many of them are breathtaking. Hoddes lives in a condo overlooking Del Monte Beach and for the past six years, he has gone on near-daily walks along the coastline at various times of the day and evening. “I have collected stunning color shots caused by wind, waves, sky reflections and shifting currents,” he says. Included in the book is commentary describing conditions that cause the brilliant colors. We can see all shades of blue, pink, burning orange, yellow and the shades that drifting water and indirect light can conjure. The variety of textures and colors Hoddes captures in his images is stunning. Among the photos are shots of rare color stratification, atmospheric rivers, slack tide patterns and, of course, amazing skies as the sun rises and sets. Some photos explore only the range and limits of specific hues. Some include silhouettes against the evening or a flock of birds. There is a photo of a Fisherman’s Wharf at night—or rather the lights of the wharf shimmering on the water. “I’ve seen some incredible colors,” Hoddes says. “Nature made these colors.” In a photo marked as “Monterey Bay, Jan. 28, 2024,” we can see as many as seven different colors and textures: cerulean blue sky with rolling clouds, a layer of shining azure and turquoise, the burning yellow of the horizon with a distant view of Point Lobos that seems from here like an oasis made of sand. Then four layers of the ocean, first almost white from light like a glacier. There is a cashmere French blue blanket meeting the glacier, and gleaming silver of the shallow water and, finally, the bronze of beach sand. Each layer is sharp-edged with vivid borders. It’s hard to believe that we are looking at nature photographed. Hoddes grew up on the East Coast and picked up photography at an early age. He had a darkroom early on. Later, he moved to Colorado and spent time in Arizona, another state famous for its colors—vivid sunsets and muted adobe tones. For that reason Hoddes works only in color. “It’s about colors, and black and white photography would not bring the effect I’m looking for,” he explains. Hoddes describes his photos as inspired by French impressionism and its landscapes, created by small brush strokes. Nature offers incredible image possibilities for those who have patience to wait for the right time—no digital manipulation needed. He is not alone in his appreciation of a sunset. But he notes that the ease of clicking a cell phone image has repercussions for everyday use. “People take photos for granted,” Hoddes says. Colors of Coastal Monterey Bay is available at Bookworks, 667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. 372-2242, bookworkspg.com. ERIC HODDES Made in the Shades Photographer Eric Hoddes showcases the beauty and color of Monterey Bay in a new book. By Agata Pop˛eda As a photographer, Eric Hoddes works only in color—and for obvious reasons. His work explores the many hues and textures found in nature. “Black and white would not bring the effect I’m looking for.” 58th Season | Sunset Center | 7:30 pm – Violinist.com “[their] blazing virtuosity… had the audience leaping to their feet” “ JAN 11 2025 ISIDORE STRING QUARTET WORKS BY: • Erwin Schulhoff • Felix Mendelssohn • Gabriella Smith • Maurice Ravel
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