Recent paintings by Steve Cook in a wide range of subjects and sizes will be on exhibit Oct. 11-Nov. 5 in “Riding the Planet, Volume III,” a solo show at the Buenaventura Gallery in downtown Ventura.

Many of Cook’s plein-air interpretations of local views and scenes from his travels will be featured, plus works created in his Pierpont Beach studio. One wall will hold a selection of 8x10 oil paintings by the longtime resident and lifelong surfer, who describes his style as “painterly photorealism.”

There will be two opportunities to meet and talk with the artist: an opening reception 4-7 p.m. Oct. 15 and from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 4 during the city’s First Friday event. The gallery of the nonprofit co-op artists’ group is at 700 E. Santa Clara St. and its hours are noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.

“My favorite views are of the beauty of California and the relationship between man and nature in that environment,” says Cook, who has lived with wife Carol in Ventura for 34 years. Chosen subjects for his colorful compositions range from seascapes and landscapes to images of the surfing culture, old buildings and cars, gardens, and the people who live in all these arenas. Examples can be found on his website, http://www.stevecookfineart.com.

For more information about the Buenaventura Art Association and its galleries downtown and at Ventura Harbor Village, call 648-1235.