Brandy Creek Alcove

The last painting of my residency at Whiskeytown.
The area is California at it`s best; friendly, spacious and natural.

The Perfect Day - Shasta Bally

Yesterday! Having survived my 'teaching' gig, I was fresh for painting. Then the director of the program here at Whiskeytown, Sheila Edridge, invited me for a ride on the lake in her vintage motorboat. It was surprisingly peaceful and the weather was sparkling.
Today is my last day here, yet I have another painting in mind that I hope to eke out before I leave tomorrow.

Trinity Alps

Well that was an interesting experience.
It`s kind of profound to be listened to so intently. I hope they didn`t feel too harangued. My message was uncomplicated; focus on the subject and your own motivations then simplify everything else to emphasize that.
They were very good sports as I trashed traditional watercolor technique.
Painting is hard, we need every means possible.
This was my demonstration painting.

Davis Gulch

One of those beautiful coves I mentioned.
Tomorrow, as the public service part of my residency, I`m teaching a workshop with 30 people signed up. Yikes!, I`m not a teacher, but I am a talker. Maybe that will be enough.

Rivulet and Creek Rapid

I`m painting with watercolor and acrylic because of their portability, and I`m appreciating just how versatile oil paints are. I wish I had them with me.
This place is subtle and gorgeous. Driving by, you would see the lake and maybe assume the park was all about boats. Being man made from a canyon, the lake has many coves and bays which are lovely. The hiking is mostly vertical with rewards for the effort. The oaks alone are worth a visit.

Oaks at Brandy Creek

Here`s my latest and a view of my 'studio'.

Heat Lightning / Shasta Bally

Driving back to the cabin from Weaverville the other night, I saw heat lightning for the first time since I lived in New Mexico. Such a beautiful phenomenon! Just dazzling far away light without any sound.