Framed works of art by Gregory Larsen line one wall of the Patterson Library this month, depicting the great outdoors.

Larsen, a Modesto physical therapist who likes working in watercolors and studied art on the Mendicino Coast with master Vernon Nye, has been painting since 1984. He also loves photography.

“I didn’t take it too seriously way back then,” Larsen said. “In the last five to 10 years, it’s really taken off. I’ve done a lot more watercolor. It’s a very serious hobby. I’m able to make enough selling paintings and photos to cover costs.”

His works are at the library — 46 N. Salado Ave. — as part of the Artist of the Month program, in which local artists lend their masterpieces to the library at no cost.

Larsen’s watercolor paintings on display include a canyon scene, the McHenry Mansion in Modesto, people on the beach, ducks and a football player. A rendering of men at an outdoor market is done in pencil.

Larsen found out about Patterson from his friend and local resident Eileen Butcher, a member of the local Del Puerto Art group. Larsen also hopes to have his work at the Patterson Art and Wine Gala in April.

And because he frames his own work, Larsen is able to sell his art at what he calls reasonable prices.

Patterson librarian Kelly Thompson said the addition of Larsen’s work is a popular with staff and library patrons.

“His art is very lifelike, and I enjoy the different topics that he paints,” Thompson said. “We have had some comments (from library patrons) about how lifelike they are.”