Mission Santa Ines

 St Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, was chosen as the patron for the nineteenth mission .  The date was September 17, 1804.  Agnes was a Roman maiden who was martyred at the age of twelve or thirteen around 250-304 A.D.  When she refused to offer incense to the gods, she was put 

into a fire, but remained untouched by  the flames.  Finally, she was beheaded.  

Santa Inez completed the chain between San Francisco and San Diego.  The mission expanded rapidly and became famous for its large herds of cattle and rich crops.  Prosperity continued until Mexico became independent from Spain i n 1821.   There was no pay for the soldiers and funds for the mission were withheld . Receiving nothing for their work, the Indians  revolted and t he ensuing battle caused fires that consumed the mission.  In 1846 the United States seized California and some of the  property was returned to the Catholic church. Just a 

fraction of the old Santa Ines mission remains to be seen today in its idyllic setting.  It is the hidden gem of the missions. 

It was August of 2002 when I painted this mission, starting on a Saturday and finishing on Sunday. The sun's rays made the companario glow. I liked the location I had chosen and many people attending Mass stopped by to chat. I treated this painting with strong contrasts for that is what I saw.  There are wonderful scenes to paint in this area and I can understand why my favorite artist lives there.