A Farther View

5 x 7 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper
(click image for larger version)

The sandstone cliffs are truly impressive. I've made a note to myself to get here later in the day to see what magic that sunset performs on these hills.

Sandstone

5 x 7 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper
(click image for larger version)

Another view of Torrey Pines State Reserve

The Last Hill

4 x 6 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper
(click image for larger version)

This is a view of Torrey Pines State Reserve. It's a bit of a rarity around here--2000 acres of land left in more or less unspoiled condition. It is indeed gorgeous. I'm torn between feeling great gratitude towards the individuals who had the tenacity to preserve this small stretch of land and great sadness to think of how much beauty has been lost.

Here is a link to the website for the reserve. Give them money.

Pacific

4 x 6 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper

(click image for larger version)

Approaching Evening

3 x 5 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper

View of the San Diego River through a narrow strip of woodland which is astonishingly referred to as a "nature preserve." I suppose some effort at all is to be commended, but I find myself underwhelmed with the conservation efforts in this city.

I have been negligent in keeping my blog up-to-date. To make amends, I will be posting a number of new paintings shortly.

Tidepool

4 x 6 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper
(click image for larger version)

This is a close-up bit of Oregon coastline. I am always fascinated by the variety of creatures that live in such tiny, isolated worlds--at least until the next tide comes in.

Passing Through

4 x 6 inches, egg tempera on watercolor paper
(click image for larger version)

Here is a scene from the Redwood Forest in Northern California.

I was suitably impressed with the redwoods. They are, as many people have noted before, quite tall. The scene shown, however, is a rendition of one of the smaller members of the community ...obviously a youngster.

The winter rains have churned up what is more than likely a very peaceful stream during other seasons. The shadow cast on the water in the foreground comes from a good-sized bridge overhead.

Overall, I'd say the painting depicts a passage from an area of darkness into light...the churning waters represent the difficulty of the endeavor. I think I'll stop there with the metaphorical comparisons. I might start pointing out the similarities of various bits of vegetable matter to certain individuals among my relatives.