Granville Redmond (1871-1935) is considered one of America West's most admired early twentieth-century artists. He is best known for his colorful landscapes full of live oaks, California poppies and lupines.

Redmond suffered hearing loss at the age of three. As it happened he showed a great aptitude for drawing. He enrolled at the California Institute for the Deaf and later studied in Paris.

Upon return he started a family and moved to Hollywood. The film industry was blossoming. Redmond was looking for landscapes to inspire him. Hawks soared above. Rabbits and rattlesnakes were plentiful in those days. He couldn't hear the rattles in the shrubs but when a reptile slithered into sight and showed an aggressive demeanor, he put down his brush, picked up a knife, and did battle. Granville kept a collection of tails as proof.

In 1918 he met Charlie Chaplin who not only put the artist in several silent films but gave Granville a workplace in his film studio on La Brea and Sunset. Chaplin lived on Iris Circle for a time.

Redmond painted "Flowers Under the Oaks" in 1925. Judging by the perspective he must have set his easel by an upstairs window or balcony of 6711 Whitley Terrace. The springtime view provided a riot of color. Richard and Beatrice Green were early settlers on the hill. Their home was affectionately referred to as "The Rock of Gibraltar". The couple must have welcomed the talented artist into their home.

Arthur S. Barnes, architect, circa 1921.

Collection of the Irvine Museum.

Jonathan Little bought 6711 Whitley Terrace in the late 90s. His office window faces northwest. There is no mistaking the similar shape of the hills. An amazing observation.

Granville in his studio.

Jonathan in his office.

Present day.