Mission Art Press
The Fine Art of Howard Anderson
Explore the California Missions and California history through limited edition fine art prints
New Release
Discover the story behind the art! From childhood exploration at Santa Clara to permanent display at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, artist Howard Anderson spent decades capturing all 21 California Missions. Explore the rich history, personal memories, and expert mentorship that inspired this extraordinary collection.
Discover the story behind the art! From childhood exploration at Santa Clara to permanent display at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, artist Howard Anderson spent decades capturing all 21 California Missions. Explore the rich history, personal memories, and expert mentorship that inspired this extraordinary collection.
Fine Art Prints
Mission Santa Clara de AsÃs: A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Alma Mater
Deeply personal and rich with nostalgia, Mission Santa Clara de AsÃs is a heartwarming tribute to the campus where artist Howard studied, met his wife, and built a lifetime of memories.
"As I was preparing to paint this mission for the second time... I was flooded with memories of my days on this beautiful campus as a student and where I met my wife," Howard recalls.
Key Details & Personal Stories:
The Cloistered Gardens: Set against the mission's central bell tower and traditional Spanish adobe architecture, the painting highlights manicured lawns, palm trees, and sheltering wisteria vines—a peaceful sanctuary for students and faculty.
A Personal Cameo: In the gardens on the right, Howard and his wife, Kathy, are depicted in front of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Both are Santa Clara graduates (classes of '71 and '72) who attended late-night student Mass and were later married in the mission church.
A Multigenerational Connection: The artist included his son, Tim, who attended SCU 27 years later, pictured playing guitar on the lawn.
Fourth-Grade Mission Projects: The piece celebrates the classic California 4th-grade mission project, a nod to the model mission built by his son Tim that Howard kept in his studio for decades alongside his son Casey's project of La PurÃsima.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo: Sacred Legacy and Family Faith
Considered by artist Howard to be the most iconic painting in his entire 21-mission series, Carmel Mission captures a radiant First Communion celebration at the historic heart of Father JunÃpero Serra’s ministry.
"I chose a first communion celebration to reflect the commitment of the Catholics in Carmel community to maintain the legacy of Fr. Serra through parish sacramental life," Howard observes. "The preparation for First Communion is both a church and family affair, and I wanted to reflect this in the gathering of second graders with their pastor while preparing to enter the mission church."
Key Details & Architectural Highlights:
A Sacred Celebration: Multigenerational families and second-graders in white dresses and suits gather in the courtyard around the prominent central fountain before Mass.
Majestic Coastal Architecture: Using meticulous overlay drawings, Howard captured the church's distinct features, including its twin bell towers (one topped with a Moorish dome) and the famous star window above the entrance.
Lush Coastal Environment: The painting reflects the coastal fog and ocean mist of Monterey Bay, which nurture the vibrant, colorful flora in the foreground.
Historical Importance: Founded as the second California mission and serving as Serra's headquarters and final resting place upon his death in 1784, this Minor Basilica stands as a crown jewel of California history and restoration.
Mission La PurÃsima Concepción: Twilight on the Working Mission
As dusk settles over the grounds, Mission La PurÃsima Concepción captures a moment of serene beauty—the only evening scene in artist Howard’s entire mission series.
"After a long day of travel, dusk was settling in and I raced to beat the sunset, pulling over on the road to take photographs... I was immediately drawn to the stillness of the animals and the peacefulness of the mission grounds," Howard recalls. "I literally crept onto the fields to capture the photos that were my inspiration for this painting."
Key Details & Highlights Featured:
A Peaceful Sunset Scene: Warm evening light bathes the landscape as lowing cattle and sheep rest in the foreground, honoring the essential role agriculture and livestock played in early mission life.
Infinite Arches & Bell Tower: The composition pays tribute to the historic reconstruction, showcasing the tiled roofs, bell tower, and signature archways extending toward the horizon.
A Living History Experience: Named in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and established in 1787, the site operates today as a California State Historic Park. It stands as a "working mission" where visitors explore historic candle-making, soap-making, livery facilities, and early trade traditions.
Capturing a quiet transition from day to night, this painting bridges sacred history, quiet resilience, and California’s rich agricultural roots.
Known as the "Jewel of the Missions," San Juan Capistrano comes vibrantly to life in San Juan Capistrano Fiesta—the most meticulously detailed painting in artist Howard's mission series.
Designed to capture the mission’s full impact on its community, the painting celebrates the annual St. Joseph’s Day Festival (March 19th), which marks the famous return of the swallows. Framed through iconic mission arches, the artwork showcases the energy of local organizations, intricate traditional costumes, and students performing folkloric dances.
Key Details & Hidden Treasures:
The Moorish Fountain: Set within peaceful garden walls, the Fountain of the Four Evangelists anchors the tranquil heart of the mission.
A Special Tribute: Tucked away in the rafters above the arch, Howard painted a swallow’s nest as a subtle nod to the sanctuary's most famous seasonal visitors.
Sacred Heritage: The piece reflects the deep history of the grounds, honoring the Indigenous peoples, Franciscan priests, and early community members buried in its preserved sacred grounds.
"By using the perspective of peeking through the arches, I wanted to capture the spirit of the many organizations that recreate this festival annually," Howard explains.
Nearly 25 years after completing the piece, Howard returned to find local fourth graders still walking the grounds, a powerful reminder that this historic sanctuary remains a living center of culture, education, and community joy.
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