Salinas-based watercolorist R. Mike Nichols is known for his colors, playfulness and dogs as a recurring motif in his art. The above work is part of the Carmel Art Association’s The Art of Gifting: 100 Under $1,000 exhibition of works by CAA artists. This show is put together annually with the hope that local artworks will be considered as a holiday gift – a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind alternative to yet another gift card or, worse yet, cash. The gallery is located on Dolores Street between 5th and 6th, Carmel; open daily 10am-5pm. On display through Jan. 5.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the following correction. Nichols is based in Salinas, not Riverside.