Sketch from nature showing California coastal scene

Richard Toberen

Five Decades of Daily Sketchbooks from Isla Vista

Since 1979, capturing the streets, bluffs, and everyday moments of California's most unique beach community.

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Selected Works

A glimpse into five decades of daily sketchbooks — each page a moment preserved.

Open sketchbook showing watercolor paintings of a suburban street with palm trees, houses, cars, and power lines under a blue sky

Suburban Street


Open sketchbook showing watercolor illustrations of a street scene with parked cars, palm tree, and yellow building under blue sky

Parked Cars


Watercolor sketchbook spread showing coastal landscape with pier, beach, palm trees, and calm waters in muted green and blue tones

Coastal Pier


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Middle-aged man with shoulder-length grayish hair wearing a dark shirt and sherpa-collared jacket indoors

Richard Toberen

Since 1979, Richard has documented daily life in Isla Vista through his sketchbooks. Part self-taught, part Cal State Long Beach (B.F.A. Illustration, 1988), his work captures the soul of this unique beach community.

45+
Years Drawing
500+
Sketchbooks
1979
Arrived in I.V.
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The Sketchbook Method

Why Richard chose sketchbooks over canvas — and why that makes each piece special.

Captured Daily

No staged compositions — just the authentic moments and places as they happened, drawn on location with immediacy and honesty.

Made to Last

Each piece is created with care and attention to detail, ensuring your artwork remains a lasting record of this place and time.

A Living Archive

Together, these sketchbooks form an intimate record of Isla Vista — a visual history that no camera could capture.

Commission an Original

Custom sketches on 12×16" sturdy watercolor paper — $100 each. Just describe what you'd like, and Richard will bring it to life.

Browse the Gallery Call +1 (805) 895-7120

Or email toberen1979@gmail.com