The Half Moon Bay senior, originally from Germany, has hung a selection of small- to medium-sized dramatic seascapes, even more dramatic skyscapes, studies of local flowers and California coastal scenes, mountains and even a gracious tall ship, in oil, watercolor and photography, on display at La Di Da through Nov. 28.
The exhibit opened Oct. 26 and was celebrated with a reception Nov. 14 attended by various local residents including Half Moon Bay Mayor John Muller and Lebherz' brother Karl Lebherz, who played lively accordion music.
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The artist calls the ocean “calming,” adding that “It feels different when you're on the ocean than in the busy world. (Away from) the hustle-bustle, you can think, look out on the ocean, create.”
His ties with natural things began in Germany, when he was growing up near the Rhine River, painting since boyhood and avidly gardening. “I learned the trade of growing flowers,” he said.
He came to America in 1956 and not long afterward enlisted in the Army where he continued painting, often creating works for his Army buddies.
After his time in the military he became a U.S. citizen and pursued landscaping, eventually having his own landscape business in Redwood City. But he also did landscaping for pleasure, entering gardening exhibits in the San Mateo County Fair for 12 years. Upon his retirement, about three years ago he followed another dream --- that of having a house and studio on a bluff overlooking the ocean --- and moved to Half Moon Bay.
He also cultivates and tends miniature bonsai trees as part of a San Mateo bonsai club, and takes pride in another pastime that touches on the world: that of making maps in wood. His works include studies of the continental United States, which he said he has considered donating to schools.
And he continues painting. “I love to share my work with other people,” he said.
La Di Da can be reached at 712-8808.
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