Marlene Krueger

  • Marlene Krueger, who did a prototype with light prototype, shares and work with Professor Don Seiden in a class setting one of her ideas on how others can benefit with light. How by working with others and sharing the knowledge of light and it's therapeutic effects on people's well being will make life much tolerable.
    Professor Don Seiden evaluating Marlene Krueger on how she would work with the greater population with her light devices and how her work will have a positive impact on people’s well being.

    Marlene Krueger is an innovative professional in the art therapy field, specializing in the design and development of original sensory light prototypes. A graduate of the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Marlene combines a deep understanding of psychological healing with hands-on technical innovation to create immersive, therapeutic art environments.

    Driven by a personal understanding of trauma recovery, Marlene’s career is dedicated to helping individuals heal, find emotional balance, and build psychological resilience. During her time at SAIC, she pioneered the development of kinetic, light-based art installations engineered specifically for special education environments. These advanced prototypes serve as powerful therapeutic interventions, designed to help neurodivergent students process trauma, reduce sensory overload, and gently redirect severe behavioral distress.

    By focusing on visual and tactile light cues, Marlene’s inventions provide individuals with the grounding tools necessary to find internal focus, manage emotional pain, and safely navigate the public sphere. Her work stands at the intersection of creative clinical therapy and modern wellness design, offering actionable, beautiful solutions that prevent self-harm and protect the well-being of the wider community. Today, Marlene continues to refine her light prototypes, offering consulting, installation designs, and trauma-informed art therapy solutions.

    Photo Journal of an Illuminating Monterey

    A photo Journal is like the magic of telling stories through pictures, where photography and journalism dance together beautifully. It mainly captures what’s happening now and the stories that make us human.

    You see a scene at Monterey Bay, at Lovers Point with a statue of boy, holding a sailboat both made out of bronze metal. The boy is staring towards the aquarium where you can see the mountains in the background with snow on top. The mountain is ultramarine light blue, there are Cypress trees along the beach and the water is a little hazy not yet showing some blue as it usually does. Thank you.
    From Lover’s Point across the timeless waters of Monterey Bay, where West Coast marine science truly began.

    Capturing History at Lover’s Point: Where Art Meets Marine Science in Monterey

    Discover the rich history behind the iconic view at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove, featuring Dorothy Fowler’s bronze statue, Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

    A peaceful, view of a tranquil Monterey Bay

    The tranquil shoreline meets soft, rolling Pacific waves under the afternoon sky. In a distance, wind-swept ancient cypress trees stand guard along the rugged California coastline.

    At the shoreline public parks, it’s easy to sit and mesmerize. Just imagine a deep canyon the size of the Grand Canyon, at the tip of my toes, underneath the Monterey Bay.

    Lover’s Point Pacific Grove: Art Meets Marine Science. There are cypress trees at the horizon. An old yellow, with white frame around the windows, doors, roof. Many large rocks at the foreground, with gentle waves from a teal blue ocean. The sky is about the same color as the ocean.
    “Named by legend and designed by nature.” Exploring Point Aulon (the old Spanish name for this abalone-rich coast)

    Misty Morning Serenity at Monterey Bay

    At Monterey Beach, kayakers get ready for a long excursion starting at the crack of dawn, where the calm water glistens as the morning sun rises, and a light, hazy fog pierces through the cypress trees, creating an aura reminiscent of a classic 1950s mystery movie.

    Two kayakers journey through the morning mist characteristic of Monterey Beach. They are peddling through the water towards the deep sea.
    Where the forest meets the sea—a quiet, misty morning on the California coast.

    Mesmerized by the Open Sea: Wildlife Viewing at Monterey Bay Aquarium

    Three teens watch in awe as a majestic sea turtle swims alongside a massive bait ball of sardines and tuna in the Open Sea exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    As hundreds of Pacific bluefin tuna, swirling schools of sardines, a pelagic stingray, and a green sea turtle glide through the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit, visitors are mesmerized for hours.

    Step into the breathtaking blue of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s largest community tank. This spectacular underwater photograph captures a massive school of shimmering sardines creating a synchronized display, alongside darting Pacific bluefin tuna, a gliding pelagic stingray, and a graceful green sea turtle.

    In the foreground, the silhouettes of three awe-struck visitors look up in wonder, emphasizing the immense scale and magic of this marine sanctuary on Cannery Row.

    A hammerhead swimming along with hundreds of sardines in a body of water, teal blue in color.
    Hammerhed shark dangerously along hundreds of sardines
    In an aquarium where a sea otter looking at the viewer under the light with sparkling bubbly aqua, mixed with various teal blue ocean colors in the water
    Sea otter staring at us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

    I continue to wander through the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I had a chance to look eye to eye at a sea otter staring at me.

    You see about five yellowish orange jellyfish in a deep medium royal blue color water.
    Entangled Jelly Fish

    The jellyfish paced with me as I walked to the sardines, tuna, and sea turtles, flow with a hypnotic pace that you just wish to stare for hours.

    Out in the deep teal blue ocean is a boulder, that is huge, where giant waves hit the boulder, causing so mud white foam and mist.
    Scene at the Intro of “Big Little Lies”.

    In PG there’s a massive boulder about a hundred feet out in the water, with crashing waves, close to Point Pinos. It has a story. Little did I know growing up, this image of an iconic boulder would be featured at the intro of the TV show “Big Little Lies.”

    Imagine sitting for hours, waiting for the perfect monster wave to hit that boulder in the middle of the ocean.

    This gif image has moving ocean waves splashing high above a boulder in the middle of the ocean that's teal blue way out about 100 feet away from the rocky beach.
    Moss Landing

    I began to explore how I could interpret nature in action, where they move artistically in my heart. For instance, at Moss Landing, while relaxing and watching my father fish one day, we saw a humpback whale breach right before our eyes.

    Out in the ocean very close to the shore, a humpback whale breached causing a spectacular show.
    Hunchback Whale Breaching at the Monterey Bay

    What a vision, and startling. Not to mention the scary sea lions in numbers and shore birds appearing a few feet away grabbing my father’s fish. Like theater by the sea, where my dad fished. Imagine, thousands of shore birds flying above the dunes and wetlands.

    A trail with an umbrella of tall cypress trees where people walk, run, bike at this paved trail.
    The Trail at Monterey Bay
    Monterey Bay

    Back on the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail, a novel for a book continues in my mind with words and pictures, that align with my photo journals of abstract art. Lively waves swirl with the sand creating patterns that make you look twice. Imagining.

    People relaxing on a clear day at Lover's Point.eautiful teal blue waves comes in to meet the light beige sand swishing with patterns on the misty white foam. There are cypress trees in the background at Lover's Point.
    People lounging at Lover’s Point.

    I was captivated by a stunning wave-kissed rocky shore, at the Monterey Peninsula tip, complete with breathtaking sandy dunes.

    I see a stunning wave-kissed rocky shore, at the Monterey Peninsula tip, complete with breathtaking sandy dunes. This break was so huge and misty that the birds were flying away. The ocean is teal blue, and the sky is misty blue with the usual hazy overcast, but the blue sky can be seen radiating at the horizon to halfway up the sky. Beautiful scenery.
    Bird Flying Over an Artistic Sea
    Calle Lily covers the front part of this photo with harbor seals and babies lounging on the sand. John Hopkins building is in the background. It's a cloudy day
    Calle Lilies and Harbor Seals

    In a heartbeat as the cormorants gather, the crashing waves and rocks are covered in a hazy mist.

    At the beach at hight tide, crashing against the rocks with lounging cormorants. The ocean is teal blue, the water at the horizon looks like cobalt blue mixed with a tiny speck of green.
    Cormorants at High Tide.

    I suddenly found myself walking through the old Del Monte Forest,

    Area of green grass surrounded by a forest of tall Trees. The only in the world.
    Del Monte Forest at Pebble Beach

    Lost under the skies and clouds that formed images of people’s faces.

    Tall Monterey Pines along a Hill
    Tall Monterey Pines Trees along a Sloap

    Standing there frozen between the wind swept cypress trees, my heart kept pounding, it’s guiding me to be lost in a tapestry of inspiration.

    In Pebble Beach there are three wind swept trees on the beach on a sunny day, with a small cumulus cloud behind a couple of the trees.
    Carmel

    Carmel City Beach where friendly pets sniff my sandy toes, invited me to sit and watch them play with the other dogs.

    Silhouette of a dog surrounded by a beautiful sunset the ocean has a bluish, mixed with the sunset color.
    A Dog Breathing in the Sunset at the ocean.

    Surprisingly, today, my walk through this area was fun, just like the dogs playing in the beach here.

    Three Dogs at the beach playing on the sand.
    Three Dogs at the beach playing on the sand.

    As I turn a corner in Carmel, I follow a road down about seventeen steps to Carmel State Beach, photo journaling as I walk.  

    At Carmel State Beach the waves are dynamic with waves that rise high capturing the luminous translucent sea green of the late afternoon sky.
    Dynamic Translucent Sea Green Waves at Carmel Beach

    I’m ready to drive to Point Lobos State Reserve, where there are fresh ideas for another photo journal.

    Looking on the Coastal Trail here, there’s a seamless merge of land and water creating an imaginary getaway. Plus, the sun casts all sorts of rainbow-like patterns on everything on the ground, which is ever-changing.

    The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos

    Did you know that Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is home to one of the only two remaining native Monterey Cypress forests on Earth? Or that its famous Whalers Cabin sits on a foundation supported by actual whale vertebrae?

    Point Lobos
    Point Lobos with one of the popular boulders
    The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos

    Built by early Chinese fishermen in the 1850s, the historic Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the last remaining wood-frame buildings of its kind on the Monterey coast. Tucked away on the cliffs of Carmel lies a humble pine cabin with a massive history. The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos has been a home to Portuguese whalers, Japanese abalone harvesters, and WWII soldiers.Today, it operates as a museum preserving the region’s rich maritime history.

    A scene surrounded by thick cypress trees at Point Lobos with an old Chinese fishing house, that is now a Museum in Point Lobos.
    Point Lobos Museum formerly a fishing house

    Inside the Museum: Cultural Artifacts Revealed

    When state archaeologists excavated beneath the cabin’s sub-flooring in 1986, they unlocked a treasure trove of multicultural domestic and industrial items. Visitors can explore these key historical displays at the Whalers Cabin Museum:

    • Whale Vertebrae Foundations: Six massive gray whale vertebrae were discovered under the floorboards, used by early residents as makeshift structural joist supports.
    • Chinese Domestic Life: Displays feature authentic 19th-century chopsticks, bamboo skewer sticks, and intricately patterned Chinese ceramic and pottery shards.
    • Abalone Button Workings: Pre-industrial tools and discarded shells highlighting how early Chinese and Japanese settlers manufactured decorative clothing buttons out of iridescent abalone.
    • Whaling Tools: Harpoons, heavy blubber-cutting knives, and vintage photographs documenting the treacherous operations of the Carmel Whaling Company.
    • The Outdoor “Try Pots”: Located just outside the cabin, these massive iron cauldrons were used to boil down whale blubber into oil.
    Light fill the sky over Point Lobos, Monterey County. We see the effects of light at sunset as the sky changes to red. Marlene studies the effects through the camera lens.
    Marlene studies the Effects of Light for a New Prototype

    At Point Lobos brilliant red of China Grove at Sunset, opens our minds with the depth of the ocean of imaginary resonance of the sound of the calm.

    Deeper into the mystery Point Lobos, I came across a windswept cypress tree that framed the the everlasting history that intrigued the indigenous and the predecessors, and their secrets.

    At the beach of Point Lobos State Park, with a windswept cypress tree, and rocks, that looks like a separate island separated by teal blue ocean water. There's partly cloudy skies.
    Wind-swept Lone Cypress at Point Lobos

    Cypress Grove Trail

    One of only two naturally occurring Monterey Cypress forests left on Earth. Features dramatic ocean cliffs and orange lace lichen

    After a brief walk breathing the fresh air, I took a short drive through Highway One, and glanced at the scenery from the shoulder, heading to Garrapata State Park.

    This is an image of the Veterans Cypress tree at Point Lobos. It's a beautiful large tree typical of being a windswept tree, but has very thick trunks and the branches are beautifully formed, and the leaves reflect the clear sky with a beautiful medium green and various greens in the shade of this picture. It looks like it's about to fall off the edge of the cliff, but it looked like the roots are holding on to dear life on this rocky dirt area near the beach --thank you.,
    Cypress at Veterans Trail by Marlene Krueger

    Upon exiting the park, I snapped some photos north and south of the teal-blue horizon below. Afterwards, I head to Big Sur, where Bixby Bridge is approaching, where we pass by another scene that look like the scene in the intro of “Big Little Lies.”

    By the ocean during a cloudy sunset, seen here is the Bixby Bridge.

    Bixby Bridge at Night

    While on a rocky mouth of Bixby Creek, I suddenly got lost on a dusty, rough Old Coast Road. Carefully I maneuver through the unpaved coastal hills and valleys, and then, with a dramatic finish, I’m back to the coast!

    Furtheron, I made my way down to the Big Sur River, taking a moment to wander along the shore, slopes, and ridges of Andrew Molera State Park. I figured this would be the ideal spot to jot down my thoughts in the car. Moreover a safe distance from the crowd of people and the possibility of mountain lions or snakes. Afterwards, I continue my drive on Highway One and stop at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where I set up camp enjoying the serenity..

    I’m about to head back on Highway One, when suddenly I see a peak that I think’s perfect for California’s Coastal Trail Blazers. Located beyond a coastal range where the Ventana Wilderness reaches its highest point, crossing Cone Peak. This peak is the highest on California’s coastline, standing at just over five thousand feet.

    In addition, it’s high enough and scenic enough to be worth a visit, located beyond a coastal ridge. Most interesting is how the lower route of Big Sur offers a highway-shoulder alternative. And when these routes intersect, they provide a 27-mile stretch of coastal Monterey County to explore, including Doud Creek, which is filled with Calle Lillies. But not this year, someone vandalized the area. So the flowers are destroyed.

    Continuing south on Highway One, beams of light streamed through the majestic tall trees along the roadside. As we can see, there’s lovely beams of light through the tall Cypress trees from the afternoon sun, filtered by shades that let you know you’re in Big Sur.

    Upon arrival at Pfeiffer Beach, where the huge boulder-like tower that everyone loves photographing at sunset sits, like between crashing waves, beach and wavy trails of purple marbling on the sand. Right below my bare feet — freezing masterpieces.

    This is a photo at Pfeiffer Beach. This is where you see the boulder with a keyhole where the sun in the winter time shines through it. Many photographers come here in the middle of December just to catch a glimpse or take pictures. The sky is a beautiful deep blue, and there is a sunset, reddish yellowish with white clouds hovering above behind this keyhole boulder. There are many pebbles and large rocks surrounding it, and we see ocean waves here at this beach.
    Key Hole through a large Rock at Phiefer Beach

    Thunderous crashing waves, was sort of like a Philip Glass arrangement, as if they were choreographed. I got a peek through the keyhole where the winter sun sparkled. I only took a few close up shots, before more people arrive. Eventually I was ready to leave driving south, for a quick walk at Julia Pfeiffer’s McWay Falls, to soak in all the sights and sounds. That teal is so unreal. But it’s real.

    Finally, I drive passing the tiny town of Gorda. In minutes, I turned into Kirk Creek Campground. Mesmerized as I checked in. It’s time to search for my spot, next to a beach fifty feet below. It’s only a few feet away and looking down are the crashing waves. So this is where I rest. I lie on my back half-asleep, staring at a millions bright stars above that lit up the whole campground.

    The morning began with the gentle sound of a raccoon rummaging through a garbage can, heralding the dawn of a new adventure. As I strolled along Willow Creek, the glimmering waters captivated my senses, guiding me toward the ocean.

    The sight of a solitary fisherman perched precariously on a towering boulder amid the crashing waves evoked a mixture of awe and apprehension.

    The sight of a solitary fisherman perched precariously on a towering boulder amid the crashing waves evoked a mixture of awe and apprehension.

    A waterfall at the southernmost region of Monterey County, that can be visible on the highway. There are large boulders and trees surrounding the area.
    Search for Salmon Creek

    After a fruitless search for jade at Jade Beach, I continued southward to capture the breathtaking waterfall visible from Highway One at Salmon Creek, its soothing cascade resonating beautifully in the tranquil setting. My journey concluded with a reflective drive home, where the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant hues. 

    Latest Posts

    This is an image of Pfeiffer Beach, but this time it's a beautiful sunset. It's actually a painting that I did and at the left side is the boulder with the key hole. There's some beautiful deep royal ultramarine blue that is very pretty actually very beautiful and the red sunset covers most of the sky diagonally and relax on the beach where the water flows out to you. It's a very beautiful scene.

    Instagram page as well: https://www.instagram.com/marlenemkrueger (mostly scenes by the coast.)

    https://www.facebook.com/ArtistMarleneKrueger (needs updating, but when that’s done, it’s worth looking at my other photos.)

    

    


    


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    A Photo Journal of Monterey County
    


    

    A photo Journal is like the magic of telling stories through pictures, where photography and journalism dance together beautifully. It mainly captures what’s happening now and the stories that make us human.
    




    




    You see a scene at Monterey  Bay, at Lovers Point with a statue of boy, holding a sailboat both made out of bronze metal. The boy is staring towards the aquarium where you can see the mountains in the background with snow on top. The mountain is ultramarine light blue, there are Cypress trees along the beach and the water is a little hazy not yet showing some blue as it usually does. Thank you.
    From Lover’s Point across the timeless waters of Monterey Bay, where West Coast marine science truly began.
    




    Capturing History at Lover’s Point: Where Art Meets Marine Science in Monterey
    




    Be part of our rich history behind the iconic view at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove, featuring Dorothy Fowler’s bronze statue, Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    


        
    
            
        
    
    



    




    A peaceful, moody view of a tranquil Monterey Bay
    




    The tranquil shoreline meets soft, rolling Pacific waves under the afternoon sky. In a distance, wind-swept ancient cypress trees stand guard along the rugged California coastline.
    




    At the shoreline public parks, it’s easy to sit and mesmerize. Just imagine a deep canyon the size of the Grand Canyon, at the tip of my toes, underneath the Monterey Bay.
    




    Lover’s Point Pacific Grove: Art Meets Marine Science
    “Named by legend and designed by nature.” Exploring Point Aulon (the old Spanish name for this abalone-rich coast) 
    




    Misty Morning Serenity at Monterey Bay
    




    At Monterey Beach, kayakers get ready for a long excursion starting at the crack of dawn, where the calm water glistens as the morning sun rises, and a light, hazy fog pierces through the cypress trees, creating an aura reminiscent of a classic 1950s mystery movie.
    




    Two kayakers journey through the morning mist characteristic of Monterey Beach. They are peddling through the water towards the deep sea.
    Where the forest meets the sea—a quiet, misty morning on the California coast.
    




    Mesmerized by the Open Sea: Wildlife Viewing at Monterey Bay Aquarium
    




    Three teens watch in awe as a majestic sea turtle swims alongside a massive bait ball of sardines and tuna in the Open Sea exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    As hundreds of Pacific bluefin tuna, swirling schools of sardines, a pelagic stingray, and a green sea turtle glide through the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit, visitors are mesmerized for hours.
    




    Visualize all shades and values of blue from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s largest community tank. This underwater photograph captures a massive school of shimmering sardines creating a synchronized display, with a halation of darting Pacific bluefin tuna, a gliding pelagic stingray, and a gentle teal green sea turtle.
    




    In the foreground, the silhouettes of three awe-struck visitors look up in wonder, emphasizing an illuminating light show of this marine sanctuary on Cannery Row.
    




    A hammerhead swimming along with hundreds of sardines in a body of water, teal blue in color.
    Hammerhed shark dangerously along hundreds of sardines 
    




    In an aquarium with aqua blue water and a sea otter.
    Sea otter staring at us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    




    The reflecting lights guide me in wander through the Monterey Bay Light show, where I had a chance to look eye to eye at a sea otter staring at me.
    




    You see about five yellowish orange jellyfish in a deep medium royal blue color water.
    Entangled Jelly Fish
    




    The luminous jellyfish paced with me as I gaze at the brightly lit  sardines, tuna, and sea turtles, flow with a hypnotic pace that you just wish to flow with them.
    




    Out in the deep teal blue ocean is a  boulder, that is huge, where giant waves hit the boulder, causing so mud white foam and mist.
    Scene at the Intro of “Big Little Lies”.
    




    In PG there’s a massive boulder about a hundred feet out in the water, with crashing waves, that tonight a light show of rainbow-like mists, close to Point Pinos — there’s a story a story. Little did I know growing up, this image of an iconic boulder would be featured at the intro of the TV show “Big Little Lies.”
    




    In a splashing bright spectacle, as I sit for hours immersed with a  kaleidoscopic exhibit, as this monster wave hit the boulder in the middle of the sea.
    




    




    Moss Landing
    




    I began to explore how I could interpret nature in action, where they appear with colors dispersing before my eyes. 
    




    For instance, at Moss Landing, while relaxing and watching my father fish one day, we saw a humpback whale breach right before our eyes.
    




    Out in the ocean very close to the shore, a humpback whale breached causing a spectacular show.
    Hunchback Whale Breaching at the Monterey Bay
    




    What a vision, the rainbow splashed from its’ torso. Not to mention the scary sea lions in numbers and shore birds appearing a few feet away grabbing my father’s fish. Like theater by the sea, and shiny colors reflected everywhere. Imagine, thousands of shore birds flying above the dunes and wetlands.
    




    A trail with an umbrella of tall cypress trees where people walk, run, bike at this paved trail. 
    The Trail at Monterey Bay
    




    Monterey
    




    Back on the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail, a novel for a book continues in my mind with words and pictures, that align with my photo journals of abstract art. Lively waves swirl with the sand creating patterns that make you look twice. Imagining.
    




    People relaxing on a clear day at Lover's Point.eautiful teal blue waves comes in to meet the light beige sand swishing with patterns on the misty white foam. There are cypress trees in the background at Lover's Point.
    People lounging  at Lover’s Point.
    




    I was captivated by a stunning wave-kissed rocky shore, at the Monterey Peninsula tip, complete with breathtaking sandy dunes.
    




    I see a stunning wave-kissed rocky shore, at the Monterey Peninsula tip, complete with breathtaking sandy dunes. This break was so huge and misty that the birds were flying away. The ocean is teal blue, and the sky is misty blue with the usual hazy overcast, but the blue sky can be seen radiating at the horizon to halfway up the sky. Beautiful scenery.
    Bird Flying Over an Artistic Sea
    




    Calle Lily covers the front part of this photo with harbor seals and babies lounging on the sand. John Hopkins building is in the background. It's a cloudy day
    Calle Lilies and Harbor Seals
    




    In a heartbeat as the cormorants gather, the crashing waves and rocks are covered in a hazy mist.
    




    At the beach at hight tide, crashing against the rocks with lounging cormorants. The ocean is teal blue,    the water at the horizon looks like cobalt blue mixed with a tiny speck of green.
    Cormorants at High Tide.
    




    I suddenly found myself walking through the old Del Monte Forest,
    




    Area of green grass surrounded by a forest of tall Trees. The only in the world.
    Del Monte Forest at Pebble Beach
    




    Lost under the skies and clouds that formed images of people’s faces.
    




    Tall Monterey Pines along a Hill
    Tall Monterey Pines Trees along a Sloap
    




    Standing there frozen between the wind swept cypress trees, my heart kept pounding, it’s guiding me to be lost in a tapestry of inspiration.
    




    In Pebble Beach there are three wind swept trees  on the beach on a sunny day, with a small cumulus cloud behind a couple of the trees.
    




    Carmel
    




    Carmel City Beach where friendly pets sniff my sandy toes, invited me to sit and watch them play with the other dogs. 
    




    Silhouette of a dog surrounded by a beautiful sunset the ocean has a bluish, mixed with the sunset color.
    A Dog Breathing in the Sunset at the ocean.
    




    Surprisingly, today, my walk through this area was fun, just like the dogs playing in the beach here. 
    




    Three Dogs at the beach playing on the sand.
    Three Dogs at the beach playing on the sand.
    




    As I turn a corner in Carmel, I follow a road down about seventeen steps to Carmel State Beach, photo journaling the sun through the luminous waves.  
    




    At Carmel State Beach the waves are dynamic with waves that rise high capturing the luminous translucent sea green of the late afternoon sky.
    Dynamic Translucent Sea Green Waves at Carmel Beach
    




    I’m ready to drive to Point Lobos State Reserve, where there are fresh ideas for another inspiring light project.
    



    



    Looking on the Coastal Trail here, there’s a seamless merge of land and water  creating an imaginary getaway. Plus, the sun casts all sorts of rainbow-like patterns on everything on the ground, which is ever-changing.
    



    



    The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos
    




    Did you know that Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is home to one of the only two remaining native Monterey Cypress forests on Earth? Or that its famous Whalers Cabin sits on a foundation supported by actual whale vertebrae?
    




    Point Lobos
    Point Lobos with one of the popular boulders
    




    The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos
    




    

    Built by early Chinese fishermen in the 1850s, the historic Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the last remaining wood-frame buildings of its kind on the Monterey coast. Tucked away on the cliffs of Carmel lies a humble pine cabin with a massive history. The Whalers Cabin at Point Lobos has been a home to Portuguese whalers, Japanese abalone harvesters, and WWII soldiers.Today, it operates as a museum preserving the region’s rich maritime history.
    

    




    

    A scene surrounded by thick cypress trees at Point Lobos with an old Chinese fishing house, that is now a Museum in Point Lobos.
    Point Lobos Museum formerly a fishing house
    

    




    Inside the Museum: Cultural Artifacts Revealed
    




    When state archaeologists excavated beneath the cabin’s sub-flooring in 1986, they unlocked a treasure trove of multicultural domestic and industrial items. Visitors can explore these key historical displays at the Whalers Cabin Museum:
    




      

    • Whale Vertebrae Foundations: Six massive gray whale vertebrae were discovered under the floorboards, used by early residents as makeshift structural joist supports.
      • 




    • Chinese Domestic Life: Displays feature authentic 19th-century chopsticks, bamboo skewer sticks, and intricately patterned Chinese ceramic and pottery shards.
      • 




    • Abalone Button Workings: Pre-industrial tools and discarded shells highlighting how early Chinese and Japanese settlers manufactured decorative clothing buttons out of iridescent abalone.
      • 




    • Whaling Tools: Harpoons, heavy blubber-cutting knives, and vintage photographs documenting the treacherous operations of the Carmel Whaling Company.
      • 




    • The Outdoor “Try Pots”: Located just outside the cabin, these massive iron cauldrons were used to boil down whale blubber into oil.
      • 

    




    

    Light fill the sky over Point Lobos, Monterey County. We see the effects of light at sunset as the sky changes to red. Marlene studies the effects through the camera lens.
    Marlene studies the Effects of Light for a New Prototype
    

    




    At Point Lobos there’s a brilliant red light show over China Grove at Sunset. The illumination opens our minds with the depth of the ocean of imaginary resonance of the calm.
    




    Deeper into the mystery Point Lobos, I came across a windswept cypress tree that framed the the everlasting history that intrigued the indigenous and the predecessors, and their secrets.
    




    At the beach of Point Lobos State Park, with a windswept cypress tree, and rocks, that looks like a separate island separated by teal blue ocean water. There's partly cloudy skies.
    Wind-swept Lone Cypress at Point Lobos
    




    Cypress Grove Trail
    




    One of only two naturally occurring Monterey Cypress forests left on Earth. Features dramatic ocean cliffs and orange lace lichen
    




    After a brief walk breathing the fresh air, I took a short drive through Highway One, and glanced at the scenery from the shoulder, heading to Garrapata State Park. 
    




    This is an image of the Veterans Cypress tree at Point Lobos. It's a beautiful large tree typical of being a windswept tree, but has very thick trunks and the branches are beautifully formed, and the leaves reflect the clear sky with a beautiful medium green and various greens in the shade of this picture. It looks like it's about to fall off the edge of the cliff, but it looked like the roots are holding on to dear life on this rocky dirt area near the beach --thank you.,
    Cypress at Veterans Trail by Marlene Krueger
    




    Upon exiting the park, I snapped some photos north and south of the teal-blue horizon below. Afterwards, I head to Big Sur, where Bixby Bridge is approaching, where we pass by another scene that look like the scene in the intro of “Big Little Lies.”
    




    By the ocean during a cloudy sunset, seen here is the Bixby Bridge.
    




    Bixby Bridge at Night
    




    While on a rocky mouth of Bixby Creek, I suddenly got lost on a dusty, rough Old Coast Road. Carefully I maneuver through the unpaved coastal hills and valleys, and then, with a dramatic finish, I’m back to the coast! 
    




    Furtheron, I made my way down to the Big Sur River, taking a moment to wander along the shore, slopes, and ridges of Andrew Molera State Park. I figured this would be the ideal spot to jot down my thoughts in the car. Moreover a safe distance from the crowd of people and the possibility of mountain lions or snakes. Afterwards, I continue my drive on Highway One and stop at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where I set up camp enjoying the serenity..
    



    



    I’m about to head back on Highway One, when suddenly I see a peak that I think’s perfect for California’s Coastal Trail Blazers. Located beyond a coastal range where the Ventana Wilderness reaches its highest point, crossing Cone Peak. This peak is the highest on California’s coastline, standing at just over five thousand feet.
    



    



    In addition, it’s high enough and scenic enough to be worth a visit, located beyond a coastal ridge. Most interesting is how the lower route of Big Sur offers a highway-shoulder alternative. And when these routes intersect, they provide a 27-mile stretch of coastal Monterey County to explore, including Doud Creek, which is filled with Calle Lillies. But not this year, someone vandalized the area. So the flowers are destroyed.
    



    



    Continuing south on Highway One, beams of light streamed through the majestic tall trees along the roadside. As we can see, there’s lovely beams of light through the tall Cypress trees from the afternoon sun, filtered by shades that let you know you’re in Big Sur.
    



    



    Upon arrival at Pfeiffer Beach, where the huge boulder-like tower that everyone loves photographing at sunset sits, like between crashing waves, beach and wavy trails of purple marbling on the sand. Right below my bare feet — freezing masterpieces.
    




    This is a photo at Pfeiffer Beach. This is where you see the boulder with a keyhole where the sun in the winter time shines through it. Many photographers come here in the middle of December just to catch a glimpse or take pictures. The sky is a beautiful deep blue, and there is a sunset, reddish yellowish with white clouds hovering above behind this keyhole boulder. There are many pebbles and large rocks surrounding it, and we see ocean waves here at this beach.
    Key Hole through a large Rock at Phiefer Beach
    




    Thunderous crashing waves, was sort of like a Philip Glass arrangement, as if they were choreographed. I got a peek through the keyhole where the winter sun sparkled. I only took a few close up shots, before more people arrive. Eventually I was ready to leave driving south, for a quick walk at Julia Pfeiffer’s McWay Falls, to soak in all the sights and sounds. That teal is so unreal. But it’s real.
    



    



    Finally, I drive passing the tiny town of Gorda. In minutes, I turned into Kirk Creek Campground. Mesmerized as I checked in. It’s time to search for my spot, next to a beach fifty feet below. It’s only a few feet away and looking down are the crashing waves. So this is where I rest. I lie on my back half-asleep, staring at a millions bright stars above that lit up the whole campground.
    



    



    




    The morning began with the gentle sound of a raccoon rummaging through a garbage can, heralding the dawn of a new adventure. As I strolled along Willow Creek, the glimmering waters captivated my senses, guiding me toward the ocean. 
    




    The sight of a solitary fisherman perched precariously on a towering boulder amid the crashing waves evoked a mixture of awe and apprehension. 
    




    The sight of a solitary fisherman perched precariously on a towering boulder amid the crashing waves evoked a mixture of awe and apprehension. 
    




    A waterfall at the southernmost region of Monterey  County, that can be visible on the highway. There are large boulders and trees surrounding the area.
    Search for Salmon Creek
    




    After a fruitless search for jade at Jade Beach, I continued southward to capture the breathtaking waterfall visible from Highway One at Salmon Creek, its soothing cascade resonating beautifully in the tranquil setting. My journey concluded with a reflective drive home, where the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant hues. 
    




    




    Latest Posts
    




    This is an image of Pfeiffer Beach, but this time it's a beautiful sunset. It's actually a painting that I did and at the left side is the boulder with the key hole. There's some beautiful deep royal ultramarine blue that is very pretty actually very beautiful and the red sunset covers most of the sky diagonally and relax on the beach where the water flows out to you. It's a very beautiful scene.
    Sunset Painted by Marlene Krueger of Phiefer Beach
    




    For more of Big Sur, please visit my latest post at: marlenekrueger.com
    




    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlenemkrueger
    




    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistMarleneKrueger
    




    




    




    

    


    


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    Whales
    


    

    Humpback Whales Feeding at Moss Landing Beach, California 
    




    


    




    Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon 
    




    




    Moss Landing Beach is a great location for whale watching, situated right on the edge of the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon. 
    




    On a cloudy, windy day when this video was taken at Moss Landing Beach, we caught a view of the harbor mouth, where whales often follow schools of fish. They congregate near the beach, frequently surfacing when a school of krill is nearby. Pelicans and a flock of shore birds also dive for the meal. Despite the risk, these birds manage to make it through alive.
    




    Consuming Krill and Small Fish That Swim in Groups
    




    These whales, also known as baleen whales feast from spring through fall, primarily consuming krill and small fish that swim in groups. Humpback whales are “gulp feeders,” meaning they swallow their food in one large gulp. They widen their mouths by stretching the grooves and then push water out through the baleen. Here we could see a humpback whale enjoying a meal just a stone’s throw from the shore, near a rocky area.
    




    Bubble-Net Feeding
    




    To catch their prey, humpback whales employ a fascinating technique called bubble-net feeding. In this technique, a group of whales swims in a circle that gradually shrinks, while blowing air from their blowholes to create a bubble net above them. They may dive as deep as 20 meters (66 feet) while performing this technique. This can be done in two main ways: upward spirals and double loops.
    




    In upward spirals, the whales blow air from their blowholes as they circle towards the surface, creating a spiral of bubbles. In double loops, they perform a deep, long loop of bubbles that gathers the prey, followed by a slap on the surface and then a smaller loop that prepares for the final catch.
    




    Sometimes, people witness a combination of spiraling and looping. After forming the “nets,” the whales swim into them with their mouths open and they are ready to swallow.
    




    If you’re hoping to spot whales, locals recommend visiting between spring and fall, from April to November, especially when humpback whales are most active. With their love of krill and baitfish, they often put on spectacular “lunge feeding” and breaching shows right at the surface. This spot offers one of the best free views because the deep canyon waters get quite close to the shore here. People can witness whales fin-slapping and lunge-feeding without the need for a boat.
    






    

    


    


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    Bright Shapes, Bright Futures: The Legacy of a 1986 Vision
    


    

    In 1986, Don Seiden, Professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, had high respect for Marlene Krueger to pursue her lifelong aspiration. Marlene had always envisioned a future where people of all ages can engage in a simple gesture with light. This innovative approach sought to assist at-risk individuals in externalizing overwhelming emotions, processing trauma in a secure and non-threatening environment, enhancing self-assurance.
    




    




    Marlene Develops a Prototype
    




    Marlene Krueger Explains With Professor Don Sieden Therapeutic ideas with light.png
    Helping People Through Light Therapy With Prof. Don Sieden
    




    

    “Throughout my life, I had a vision to develop a device that harnesses the therapeutic properties of light. 
    




    “Growing up at a ranch when I was six, I’d roam freely through rows of translucent sweet peas glistening from the sun light. 
    




    As the peas were illuminated, I experienced a calming transformation when the pods glowed.
    




     A flood of light beamed, as I picked up one of the translucent pods, as if reassuring me. A connection with nature enveloped me, and the pain I had experienced earlier disappeared.
    




     Since that moment, I’ve been driven by an unwavering desire to recreate that timely experience for others to experience.“
    

    




    Light Therapy
    




    In this photo a group of high school teachers learn about kinetic light, with Marlene Krueger, at a dark room in the Museum of the Art Institute of Chicago.
    High School teachers city-wide learn about kinetic light with Marlene Krueger, at the Museum of the Art Institute of Chicago.
    




    Light therapy involves using light with a touch of a hand. There’s a sense of joy that ease anxiety and help the nervous system. 
    




    




    A classroom of students with their desk arranged in the  classroom, in a circular style, working on light boxes in class for a therapy practice.
    Teens having a light therapy experience as they study and takes notes in downtown Chicago. 
    




    According to the students, “watching light in motion is a great way to express overwhelming feelings, boost confidence, and work through trauma without having to talk about it. It’s a safe and non-threatening way for treatment”.
    




    Collaborating With Light
    




    Here are a group of college students learning to assemble a kinetic light device.
    College students work together to devise their own light ideas.
    




    Projecting With Light
    




    The light therapy acts as a mirror to our internal human state, that involves empathy, triggering dopamine-driven pleasure, that provide a type of non-evasive way of healing from complex issues, with emotions such as sorrow and fear.
    




    High School Students gather around a light device invented by Marlene Krueger to help individuals visualize light kinetics interacting in a group. In a classroom downtown Chicago.
    High School Students gather around a device invented by Marlene Krueger 
    




    Here is a collaborative experience where high school students watch light patterns that shines through a light device invented by Marlene Krueger. Here students place their iridescent work in the central device, aimed at creating light with motion.
    




    




    A Universal Language and Light and Motion
    




    Here is image that is close to dark at Sunset. The sky has a dark ultramarine blue appearance. The clouds are hazy white, translucent with the dark blue sky. The upper part of the sky, you see a cumulus cloud whisping across the sky, and the lower clouds are hazy blending with the dark blue ocean below. The sun reflects on the ocean and the ocean has a dark teal blue appearance. It is a beautiful sunset.
    Close-up of a study of  light refracting at night.
    




    




    




    https://www.facebook.com/ArtistMarleneKrueger
    




    




    Pfeiffer Beach in the Winter
    

    


    


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    Whispering Pods and Kinetic Dreams: The Story of Inventor Marlene Krueger
    


    

    




    There is an inventor of kinetic light, right in front of one of her prototype. There are Whispering Pods. It's a sort of an Inventor, Marlene Krueger. This is  not just moving shadows but burst of colors moving, kinetic light mixed with acrylic paint.
    




    Marlene Krueger
    




    Reinventing Light Therapy
    




    Marlene Krueger’s life-long vision of creating a device that uses light to heal is her calling. When she was just six, she spent her days exploring the family ranch, surrounded by rows of sweet peas that sparkled in the sunlight. As the peas glowed, she felt a calming change, like the pods were whispering to her.
    




    One day, a beam of light seemed to reach out, as if to reassure her. She picked up a translucent pod, and it felt like a connection with nature embracing her, and the pain she had felt before, vanished. From that moment on, she was determined to recreate that magical experience with others.
    




    At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the top schools in the world, Marlene Krueger was determined to bring her vision to life. She wanted to invent a type of lumia light, just like the one she had imagined as a child, when her experience with pain went away. 
    




    In 1986, Marlene Krueger developed a prototype of her vision. A course in Kinetics, Electronics and Neon inspired her to proceed. Her dream of giving people the chance to heal through light therapy is about to actualize.
    




    To make her dream a reality, she called Dr. Billy Kluver in New York. She saw a phone number in a magazine that listed his work with machines that move, and kinetic light. He was known for working with many pop artists in New York. 
    




    At first Marlene thought a receptionist would answer the phone, but instead, she spoke with Dr. Billy Kluver, himself, an engineer at Bell Laboratories who empathized with the pop artist requesting his expertise in engineering with their kinetic light devices. Marlene talked for almost an hour about everything under the sun, sharing her purpose in life. 
    




    Billy Kluver was so impressed with Marlene that he invited her to meet with him in New York City, along with his wife Julie Martin, a contributing writer with “Art in America.” She wrote many of Dr. Kluver’s experiments with a broad spectrum of kinetic light confiding with famous pop artists in the 1960s.
    




    Marlene mentioned she could make it during Christmas break, and that was the plan. Dr. Kluver also gave her the number for Earl Riebeck, the inventor of the infinity mirror that was shown in “Star Trek.” He suggested Marlene call him up, and he’d be happy to share some of his insights. So Marlene did, and they actually talked for hours. Later, he invited her to visit him in New York City so he could show her all his inventions. She went.
    




    Her trip to New York was unforgettable. The experience in New York sparked Marlene to devise a more advanced prototype.
    




    After Marlene finished a prototype she allowed herself to test it out with her professors at the Art Institute, as well as city-wide high school teachers and college students who were at risk.
    




    During her final year, she was determined to keep her dream alive. She graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Immediately she was invited to present and talk about her work with colleges in auditoriums filled with 4-500 people. In addition, her work was recognized, and she received an invitation to exhibit her prototypes and large-scale installations at a gallery located at Merchandise Mart, in downtown Chicago.
    




    

    


    


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    Pheifer Beach
    


    

    Big Sur
    




    Within the Big Sur region of California, Pfeiffer Beach is known for its stunning Keyhole Rock. Every year, photographers from all over the world flock to the beach during the chilly months of December and January to capture the breathtaking sunset that peeks through the arch. 
    



    Key Hole through a large Rock at Phiefer Beach at Sunset
    



    The steep cliffs that surround the Big Sur coastline has a unique view, making it one of the few spots you can easily access the ocean.
    



    Tall Trees at Big Sur California
    Tall Cypress Trees along Big Sur California
    



    Los Padres National Forest
    




    The road and beach at Pfeiffer Beach are located within the Los Padres National Forest. The road is named after the Western Sycamores that line its path and are close to the beach.
    




    In the summer, from June to August, you can expect frequent fog and cool temperatures, a local phenomenon called “June Gloom.”
    




    A Brief History
    




    The Pfeiffer family first settled in Sycamore Canyon, near the coast, in the winter of 1869. Michael and Barbara Laquet Pfeiffer were traveling to the southern coast of Big Sur when they stopped in Sycamore Canyon. The area was so captivating that they decided not to move south again the following spring. Their eight children married and lived there for many generations. In 1910, the family opened the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort at their original home. Plus, there’s an Esslen midden site nearby.
    




    Back in 1884, John Swetnam and his wife, Zulema Florence Swetnam, built a cabin right by the Big Sur River. John was so kind that he gave away the first 700 acres (280 hectares) of land, which later became Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
    




    In the video below, I briefly show how I painted a sunset at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The colors in this scene are just amazing! You can see the deep crimson red, warm orange, cool teal blue, vibrant ultramarine blue, and rich purple sand. I wanted to share a step-by-step guide on picking and mixing colors to make such a beautiful picture right there on the Big Sur coastline. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAhR0uI22CQ
    




    

    


    





















				
				
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