It’s been about two months since Doug passed away suddenly. He was only 63, just a few months younger than me. His passing has hit me hard. He was over for dinner just a couple of weeks before, and we talked about all the creative things each of us was planning for 2025.

Doug did important work in the world. He connected people to people, he connected people to art, and he connected people to their own art.

At the beginning of 2019 I discovered the Sunset Sketchers. At first I was hesitant because I was unsure of my own abilities and I didn’t know if I would be accepted. But when I joined I found the most accepting and warm group of artists under Doug’s leadership.

Little did I know where that would lead. By the end of 2019 I found myself in my own 6-week artist residency, a direct result of Doug’s encouragement.

And in 2020 Doug invited me to be a part of the B0ardside art collective, alongside him, Thorsten (@sideb0ard), Kei (@keiterauchi) and Brent (@baw_artsf). We spent many hours together planning and holding backyard art shows celebrating local artists and musicians. We also promoted local art and history through the B0ardside zine. I have vivid memories of Doug sitting at the entrance ready to sell zines to anyone and everyone.

This was important work. And through it all Doug was like a kid in a candy store. He reveled in the opportunity to create art and to promote art. He was always excited by what was possible.

Doug’s was always making his art. He straddled the line between art that spoke to himself and art that spoke to his patrons. Everything he created was infused with his unmistakable passion. When you view one of this originals, you can just see his brush moving with deliberation and intensity.

I’m lucky to add one of his recent originals in my collection. He named it Boat Boi. It’s one of the historic streetcars that runs on Market Street and the Embarcadero. Local transit was a recurring theme for Doug.

I made many, many new friends as a result of Doug’s enthusiasm. And I also learned how to connect with and pursue my own art. What Doug did was important to me. Doug’s impact on my life and art will stay with me forever, and for that, I will always be grateful.