San Francisco Art - By Locals

Local artists evoke the authentic feel of San Francisco

karen portrait circle

By Karen

July 3, 2026

I've come across several artists in San Francisco who do paintings of local scenes and neighborhoods that are well worth a look.

If you're interested in having a painting or print of a San Francisco street or vista, consider having an original work by locals who really capture the essence of San Francisco. A unique San Francisco souvenir!

I want to share several that I know of that others may not be aware of, or wouldn't be easy to find in a search.


John Musgrove 

Musgrove painting of Sunset District house with yellow beetleSF House in the Sunset District

John mostly paints views of houses and buildings out in the Sunset District, the SF neighborhood bordering the Pacific Ocean, known for its fog. He perfectly captures the 1940s architecture style of the neighborhood in a clear, spare style reminiscent of Edward Hopper.

This was my neighborhood for many years so I got a nice print from him of one of the classic Sunset houses, with an orange VW beetle parked in front.

He also does beautiful scenes of San Francisco icons like the Golden Gate Bridge and other well known neighborhoods like North Beach, Nob Hill, the Presidio, and others.

He sells the paintings and also prints of the paintings, and does commissions as well. There's an interesting article about him in a local news site.

You can see his work on his website, musgrovepainting.com

Musgrove painting of view of SF Bay from Fillmore StreetFillmore Morning

Douglas Gorney

Gorney watercolor of SF sushi restaurantSushi Restaurant in SF

Sadly, Doug passed away in November of 2024, only 63. Doug did great watercolors of San Francisco street scenes, many showcasing the architectural designs of the Victorians as well as the classic Sunset and Richmond District homes.

Doug was another Sunset District artist who has a body of work that illustrates the characteristic styles of San Francisco and captures the authentic feel of those neighborhoods. 

He also did commissions if you wanted a painting of your house or business. I had him do a portrait of my house in the Sunset District (and asked him to put my two cats in the windows!). I was very pleased with how it turned out. He did pet portraits as well as house portraits.

Here's an article about him and his Facebook page, maintained by his family.

Gorney watercolor of 18th Street in San Francisco18th Street in San Francisco


Here's the watercolor portrait Doug did of my house.

Watercolor of a house in the Sunset District SFPortrait of my house in the Sunset District


One of Doug's pet portraits; very sweet.

Gorney pet portrait of two dogs on a porch

Christina Kent

Sunset over the Bay Bridge by Christina KentSunset Over the Bay Bridge

Christina is an artist living in San Francisco who also paints scenes of the city. I discovered her on YouTube and have enjoyed her videos; I really admire her impressionistic style of portraying city scenes.

She has oil paintings for sale and does work on commission.

Check out her work at christinakentart.com and upcoming exhibitions.


Pacific Heights at Golden Hour by Christina KentPacific Heights at Golden Hour



These artists occasionally have exhibitions and open studios, so check their websites for upcoming events.

FOG: Far Out Gallery

A good place to check out local artists. This aptly-named, outer Sunset District gallery is a small venue on Taraval Street that has lots of interesting exhibitions.

They show a variety of styles and have a welcoming, non-pretentious vibe.

3004 Taraval Street at 40th Avenue.

See what's on: faroutgallery.com

Entrance to SF art gallery, Far Out GalleryFar Out Gallery

Guide to the Sunset District

I put together a guide to the Sunset District, from the perspective of a long-time resident. What to do and see there, and where to eat.

More Art in San Francisco

de Young Museum. Wide variety of art, from 19th century portraits, contemporary art, and art from Africa, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.

Legion of Honor Art Museum. European and Egyptian art.

SF Museum of Modern Art. What it says. Also great city views.

Coit Tower Murals. Enjoy dozens of WPA murals and another great view at the top.

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