Back to the Trinity Alps after years. A lighter backpack and gear (for me, not necessarily Hackbert). Stark, Granite, Quiet, Huge trees, Rugged clarity. Two days to the lake. Arrived to our favorite campsite under the trees. We swam and got settled—wood, water, fishing gear, sites for sleeping, tents. Lake to ourselves that night, gourmet dinner. The next day opened gloriously, and little did we know !!!!! Ominous clouds hung on granite peaks and darkened until only in the distance could we see a lighter sky. By 3:30 it was raining, then hail and that night we were treated and threatened by Nature’s fury— hours of thunder, lightning and rain. So a number of paintings have been born out of this. The one here is titled: Go get more wood, a storm is coming!!!!!
Dale Laitinen and Gordon Mayfield painting Big Sur
For 3 days Dale and I painted down the Coast. The first day was very windy and on the cliffs we fought the tendency for the paper to dry out too quickly. Dale painted a beautiful painting . The next day we traveled south past Nepenthe and painted in a small grove of trees on the edge of the cliff. Looking down to the sand and rock lost and found in the fog. A fantastic spot, we were surrounded by wave sound and timelessness. Here the fog kept my paints wet and while I waited and waited, I enjoyed my treats from the Big Sur Bakery. I like my painting and as we headed back we thought — a great return spot sometime. The third day was spent at the Ranch, this time down closer to the water, A beautiful day beginning with sun and ending with overcast. I liked the seeming simplicity of Dale’s rocks and rough impressions of water and surf. I was inspired by my Coastal jaunts and weeks later and still painting in the Studio with the water, rock and cliff edges imbedding in my being.
The Cave
The ‘Cave’ was painted recently. Have Backpacked many times to experience the energy and quiet soul of the place. The Esselen were here, leaving their artistry.
After the Storm- Pacific Grove
Heading out to dinner after the storm (one of many this year). Stopping on the edge in Pacific Grove. Such clarity and light, cloud, wave, color craziness. I like this painting.
The Beginnings of Life
on the Edge
Big Sir Cliffs
Even though the traffic was horrendous, I found quietude on the edge of a cliff looking into the movement of the sea. Yes, totally prepared - Big Sur Bakery treats and all my painting gear. I stayed almost four hours alternating between a half-sheet painting and a smaller version. This so that one would dry while I worked on the other. I painted a smaller version in my studio which is now being framed.
Big Sur Cliffs
Quietude on the edge of a cliff…
Garrapata in the Studio
I painted this Garrapata scene in the studio after my plein air version. I like it. Softer, luminescent water. Darker values in the rock. It is shown here along with another piece where I am looking south, down the coast, from a ridge on the Condor Hike. The color here is intense and provocative.
Garrapata
Last week I painted a watercolor on the cliffs south of Soberanes, (Garrapata State Park). My painting went well, and for 2 1/2 hours I was lost in myself, the painting and the water on rock. I don't like the stairs, walkways, stone viewpoints etc. the State has added. Leave it natural!!!!!! Anyway, I took my plein air painting home- it had potential, until I added too may darks, (trying to get more contrast) and soon I had mud color. I will use my inspiration on the cliffs and paint a studio version. I am very low on paintings due to the success of the last several months, but I can't rush things and there are many rejects. Here is the scene.
"Big Little Lies"
I expected last Monday to be quiet at the Venture Gallery. Wrong!!!!! A young woman came in and after some conversation revealed that she was from the HBO series, "Big Little Lies", in town while filming took place on the Monterey Peninsula. She was searching for and purchased several of my paintings for the set of "Big Little Lies". It turns out is was set decorator Amy Wells. The paintings are off to LA. I hope that they are used and when I watch the series , I see my work. Pretty Cool.
"Morning on the Edge" was chosen for the set.
Big Sur-Boronda Trail Hike
So .... on Tuesday I hiked the Condor Hike. Our name for the hike because on numerous occasions we have seen condors winging over the ridges, sometimes coming close to check us out. No Condors this time, and I was solo. A VERY steep hike- straight up from Hwy 1, some 2500 ft up.
View down the coast was startlingly beautiful. Took me three hours to make the trek to Timber Top, a small camp on the ridge. It has changed through the years, with various fires etc., but amazing. I am transformed each time I'm there. I explored for views to the North as well.
I had considered bringing my sketchbook, but knowing the severity of the hike figured I wouldn't have the extra time.
The two Indian camps were completely overgrown so that the shell middens were not visible. The uppermost camp used to be enveloped by a massive oak, hundreds of years old. It sheltered the Esselen no doubt. We began to notice its demise years ago after a massive Big Sur Fire. Now it stands only in fragments, cracked and broken in the grass, wanting a reunion with the earth.
May 4th RECEPTION--"The Wild Edge" - Watercolors of Big Sur
Friday Night was a great success!!!! Three paintings walked out the door. I displayed some of my plein air work, and people were very interested . I knew many friends would be there, but was surprised by the turnout of people off the street. Lots of good conversation about the artwork-very cool. I prepared my baguettes-- sliced thin, toasted in olive oil, then a layer of honey/goat cheese, tomato and pesto. Everyone had a great time, enjoying the art, wine, etc. Totally fun.
