Richard Toberen
Five Decades of Daily Sketchbooks from Isla Vista
Since 1979, capturing the streets, bluffs, and everyday moments of California's most unique beach community.
Five Decades of Daily Sketchbooks from Isla Vista
Since 1979, capturing the streets, bluffs, and everyday moments of California's most unique beach community.
A glimpse into five decades of daily sketchbooks — each page a moment preserved.
Watercolor on paper
Mixed media on paper
Pen and watercolor
Since 1979, Richard has documented daily life in Isla Vista through his sketchbooks. Part self-taught, part Cal State Long Beach (B.F.A. Illustration, 1988), his work captures the soul of this unique beach community.
Why Richard chose sketchbooks over canvas — and why that makes each piece special.
No staged compositions — just the authentic moments and places as they happened, drawn on location with immediacy and honesty.
Each piece is created with care and attention to detail, ensuring your artwork remains a lasting record of this place and time.
Together, these sketchbooks form an intimate record of Isla Vista — a visual history that no camera could capture.
Custom sketches on 12×16" sturdy watercolor paper — $100 each. Just describe what you'd like, and Richard will bring it to life.
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