San Diego Days and San Diego Visions are award-winning artist and poet Bro Halff’s latest books, appearing in September, 2021. Mr. Halff lived in San Diego for 20 years, between 1986 and 2006.  His captivating watercolors and delightful poems take us on an intriguing journey through the San Diego of the recent past and the present.

Artist, writer, and sculptor Bro Halff’s works have been shown in over 230 exhibits throughout the country in the last 35 years. They have won numerous awards. His style features strong imagery and lyricism, as he explains.

“My art emphasizes bright colors and bold composition, to depict the patterning that I see in all of reality.  My aim is to portray the spirit of a place or scene, to capture the beauty of everyday life and of nature. The great American regional artists of the first half of the twentieth century, Japanese art, and the Post-Impressionists and Expressionists all have inspired me. The intent of my style is a fresh and optimistic look at scenes that delight our senses, and that stimulate our capacity for wonder before the world around us.” 

San Diego Days and San Diego Visions are available in hardcover and paperback editions. His art is shown at The Bro Halff Gallery in Point Loma. The books are available for purchase at his gallery, and at www.amazon.com and www.simplergifts.com.

Summaries:

San Diego Days

San Diego Days is a vibrant collection of watercolors and writings by Bro Halff, capturing the beauty of San Diego and surrounding areas, as well as the positive attitude of its people. This book, and its companion volume, San Diego Visions, present diverse landscapes and cityscapes, in one of America’s most beautiful and captivating cities. The author portrays, in writings and luminous paintings, his vision of San Diego, during his residence of twenty years there. The author captures the beautiful buildings and scenery, historic landmarks, and patterns of daily life that inspire and sustain San Diego residents and visitors. This volume is a fascinating journey to familiar and out-of-the-way attractions, and a spiritual odyssey that offers perceptions and insights that delight and refresh the reader. San Diego has grown from a small port city to a major center of U.S. military facilities, a hub of the biotechnical industry, a favorite tourist destination, and a gateway to Mexico. Mr. Halff portrays many of the sights that make the city so appealing, as well as its uniquely free-spirited way of life.

Paperback and hardcover available, for $29.95 (paperback) and $49.95 (hardcover)

Number of Pages: 228
Publication Date: September 15, 2021
Format: Full Color
Size: 12"x9"

San Diego Visions

San Diego Visions is a dynamic collection of watercolors and writings by Bro Halff, bringing to life the charm of San Diego and surrounding areas, as well as the visionary attitude of its people. This book, and its companion volume, San Diego Days, present diverse landscapes and cityscapes, in one of America’s most beautiful and appealing cities. The author portrays, in writings and vibrant paintings, his vision of San Diego, during his residence of twenty years there. The author depicts scenes of daily life, beautiful buildings and scenery, and fascinating landmarks that inspire and sustain San Diego residents and visitors. San Diego, from its founding in 1769, has welcomed visionaries and enterprising newcomers from all over the world. Mr. Halff brings to life many of the attractions that its far-sighted residents have created, as well as the creative and individualistic characteristics of its contemporary citizens.

Paperback and hardcover available, for $29.95 (paperback) and $49.95 (hardcover)

Number of Pages: 224
Publication Date: September 15, 2021
Format: Full Color
Size: 12"x9"

Biography:

Bro Halff is an artist and writer who is known for his watercolors and poetry. Born in 1946, he was raised in Texas. He lived in San Diego for twenty years, and still maintains an art gallery, The Bro Halff Gallery, and a publishing house, Simpler Gifts Press, in San Diego. Since 1972, he has pursued a career of writing, in several genres, including lyrical and visual poetry, and of painting and sculpting. The central theme of his lyrical poetry is the celebration of human diversity and of nature. His watercolors depict, with radiant colors and bold composition, rural, urban, and small-town America. His artworks have been routinely exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, have appeared in over 230 exhibits, and have won numerous awards. His volume of poetry and pen-and-ink drawings, Seasonal Delights, was published by the Mellen Poetry Press in 1999. In 2020, he completed two books of poetry, prose sketches, and watercolors of North Dakota, North Dakota Travels and North Dakota Days. His two books about San Diego, San Diego Days and San Diego Visions, are being released in 2021. Mr. Halff currently resides in Bismarck, North Dakota and on Kaua’i, in Hawaii.