Deep Creek or River Crossing
-
Precipice
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Precipice
2020 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
My sister loved this beach⠀
With it’s small rocks worn smooth ⠀
Tumbled in their own strange victory⠀
A full spectrum of color⠀
Joseph’s coat made of earth⠀
No wonder his brothers sold him⠀
Jealousy runs deep in the quest for treasure⠀
What good are these precious stones anyway?⠀
Were they not made to be coveted by thy neighbor?⠀
And yet my sister envied nobody⠀
She saw treasure in the ordinary stones⠀
The ones that are left behind⠀
We didn’t know at the time⠀
She was about to leave us behind⠀
To live our ordinary lives⠀
On the edge of this precipice⠀
It’s a long way down⠀
⠀
When the heavens rage⠀
On the deeper waters⠀
Far beyond the horizon⠀
Venting frustrations⠀
About her people on the shore⠀
And their love of treasure⠀
And their spite for truth⠀
The release of her fury⠀
Sends pulses across the sea⠀
Until the Outburst from above ⠀
Meets the Unmoved here below⠀
Determined to pound rock against rock⠀
To chip away at the rough edges⠀
On a single stone⠀
Swirling in the undercurrent⠀
Because heaven knows⠀
That from the edge of her precipice⠀
It’s a long way down⠀
⠀
And the stones of earth⠀
Were gathered together⠀
On that day when the two became one⠀
And the winds howled and shrieked⠀
Right into the watery womb⠀
A first breath breathed⠀
And sight was received⠀
By the stones that till now⠀
Had only swirled beneath⠀
Full of rough edges⠀
And yet soon to get smashed⠀
And made smooth again⠀
Even now digging in⠀
Scratching into the storm⠀
The earth against the water⠀
In a race toward the shore⠀
Stones lurching upward and looking down⠀
From this watery precipice⠀
And it’s a long way down⠀
⠀
March of twenty-twenty⠀
A sickness is spreading ⠀
Turning our lungs back into stones⠀
We’ve shut the world down⠀
We’ll put it back together later⠀
But nature never falls apart⠀
She lives on her own terms⠀
And she is always open⠀
So here I stand⠀
Painting this beach⠀
That my sister once loved⠀
And all those smooth stones below⠀
Colors blending into one shade of gray⠀
You can see it all from here⠀
Everything that’s coming⠀
And everyone that’s going⠀
I watch my step⠀
On the edge of this precipice⠀
It’s a long way down⠀► See More Art with Poetry
SKU: N/A Categories: 1-2 Miles, 2020, Access Logistics, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Plein Air, Poems, Sneaky Public Access Easement, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, The California Coast, The Greatest Collector Ever, Thorns and Brambles, Ticks Observed on Skin or Clothing Tags: COAST CHAPARRAL, COMMISSIONED WORK, EVERGREENS, FLOWING INTO THE SEA, FOG BANKS, GREEN GRASS, LEFTS, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, MORNING LIGHT, ON THE ROCKS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, POINT BREAKS, REDWOODS, RIVERS AND STREAMS, ROOTS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, STEEP CLIFF FACES, THE IDES OF MARCH, TREES, VIEWS FROM HIGHER GROUND, WATCH YOUR STEP -
Drink Up
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Drink Up
2019 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
The final panting of this trip. To keep our packs as light as we could (since I was carrying an entire studio) we carried little water with us- just enough to get to our next destination point and keeping our eyes out for water sources along the way. We brought a small filter and there’s lots of creeks that flow on this rugged coast year round, so we knew we wouldn’t have much trouble. This proved to be a perfect creek to drink up and refill after a long morning of painting and getting dried out in the now hot wind. It was also just enough of a bend in the coast that it didn’t face the full force of the wind and we opted to stop again for one more large painting before hiking the final 4 miles back to the car.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, 6-10 Miles, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Cooking Hot, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: BENDING LINES OF SWELL, BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN, CANYONS AND VALLEYS, COAST CHAPARRAL, FLOWING INTO THE SEA, GREEN GRASS, JUST NATURE, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, ON THE ROCKS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, RIVERS AND STREAMS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SPARKLING WATER, UMBELLIFERS, WHITECAPS -
Punctuation Marks
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Punctuation Marks
2019 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
As we hiked our way down the coast yesterday, I made a lot of mental notes for today’s paintings. Yesterday was for reconnaissance and smaller, quicker paintings. Today was time to get to work on some larger vistas. This was a scene that really struck me the day before. A sweeping view, punctuated by triple exclamation points in the solitary yucca, the jutting rock by the trail, and the old lighthouse barely visible in the distance. In the strong morning wind, I set about painting this larger 20″ x 16″ on location from this steep bluff beside the trail, carefully dodging poison oak, and thoughtfully weighting down every element of my supplies to keep them from blowing over the edge. I’d seen this spot in the afternoon light the day before, but had no idea what a treat it would be to paint here now. There is something so good and right about a crisp morning light.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Painted in Heavy Winds, Painted in Stupid Strong Wind that I had No Business Trying to Paint In, Plein Air, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Uncomfortably Warm, Weather Tags: BENDING LINES OF SWELL, DRY GRASS, EVERGREENS, FOG BANKS, LIGHTHOUSES, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, MORNING LIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, ON THE ROCKS, PATHS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, ROCKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, STEEP CLIFF FACES, SUCCULENTS, TRAILS, VIEWS FROM HIGHER GROUND, WHITECAPS, YUCCA -
Anything But Silent
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Anything But Silent
2019 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
As my wife slept in the shadows by the creek beside this headland, I stood and faced the moonlight and attempted to sort out mixing colors by headlamp. Due to the timing of the tides we’d have to leave first thing in the morning so even though I’d rather have been sleeping myself, this was my only chance to paint here, over 7 miles from the nearest dirt road- our furthest point reached on this quick backpacking trip. It might look a peaceful serene setting, and in a way it was, but it was anything but silent. If you squint your eyes you might just hear a gust of canyon wind rushing to meet the crashing surf. Or an artist grumbling away by headlamp attempting to quiet his own inner struggle to stay motivated. This title may or may not also be referring to the manner in which I sleep, which can also be anything but silent- especially when I’m dog tired from hiking and painting all day and into the night. Sorry, honey. I love you!
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Downright Frigid, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Heavy Winds, Painted in the Dark, Plein Air, Some Poison Oak Observed, Subject, Surging Waves/ Wet Boots, Temperature, The California Coast, The Greatest Collector Ever, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: DARK AND MOODY, FROM THE BEACH, JUST NATURE, LAGOONS, LEFTS, MOONLIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, NIGHT SCENES, PERSONAL FAVORITES, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, ROCKS, SHAPE: SQUARE, SPARKLING WATER, THE MOON -
Carry My Body
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Carry My Body
2019 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Food running low. The hunter prays for a kill as he reaches into the dusty cabinet for his last handful of oats before the sun sends the shadows scattering to hide behind every rock and tree they can find. Out the window in the pre-dawn light he sees movement, but when he looks intently there is nothing. Just the grassy flat leading to the precipice over the sea.
But he can’t shake the feeling he’s being watched. And he is. I watched him like a ghost all afternoon as I painted these crumbling remains of his cabin. I watched him bumbling about inside while waiting out the days of rain. Talking to his horse. Carrying the bodies of the freshly dead in the afternoons. Drinking himself stupid under the moons.
Separated by nothing but 30 paces and time, he saw me once or twice and muttered something to himself. The third time he threw a rock with a yell. His aim was good. It passed straight through my chest.
When the painting was finished I packed up my gear while he gathered up his belongings and tucked things here and there into his saddlebags. When we were both ready, he led his horse toward the spot where I stood, nearly looking me in the eye, but in a distant way. He stopped and turned, practically standing in my shoes, and looked back at the cabin one more time. But this time he saw it through my eyes as the earth reclaimed it’s walls and floors, timbers and beams. What was built for man, was now a palace for squirrels and was soon to be nothing but a high patch of ground for the morning shadows to hide behind.
As we both stood there, I watched his memories scatter in the wind. His heart hung in tatters, like a prayer flag on the barbed wire fence, and he let the rest of himself blow away entirely, leaving me there alone with his horse’s reins in my shaky hands. I’m no horse rider. It was all I could do just to mount the beast, but it knew the way, and it would carry my body home.
► See More Art with Poetry
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Cooking Hot, Deep Creek or River Crossing, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Poems, Some Poison Oak Observed, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: AFTERNOON LIGHT, ARCHITECTURE, BEACH HOUSES, BEACH SHACKS, BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN, BUILDINGS, DRY GRASS, GOLDEN LIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, PERSONAL FAVORITES, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, SHAPE: SQUARE, SPARKLING WATER, SUN GLARE -
Out of the Lighthouse and Into the Light
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Out of the Lighthouse and Into the Light
2019 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Just a reminder to never abandon your light.
You will wind up empty, forlorn.
Graffiti on your walls, occasionally funny, sometimes crude.
But mostly just the illegible names of spirits brought in by the wind.
And the markings of lovers whose bodies were dragged in by the tide.
Your doorway darkened by the ghost of a travelling painter.
Stealing your light.
Haunted.► See More Art with Poetry
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, 6-10 Miles, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Painted in Heavy Winds, Painted in Stupid Strong Wind that I had No Business Trying to Paint In, Plein Air, Poems, Some Poison Oak Observed, Subject, Surging Waves/ Wet Boots, The California Coast, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: DRIFTWOOD, DRY GRASS, MORNING LIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, PATHS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SPARKLING WATER, SUN GLARE, TIDEPOOLS, TRAILS, VIEWS FROM INSIDE LIGHTHOUSES -
She Loves the River
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She Loves the River
2019 | Northern California › Del Norte | Plein Air
Painted on location, 2.5 miles from the road. A challenging back-country hike with all my gear to paint this one-day late birthday gift for my wife last year…
⠀
It’s true, she loves the river⠀
And it’s steady constant force⠀
The ocean is just leftovers⠀
And she prefers the source⠀
⠀
She leads me through the briars⠀
Stinging nettle, oak, and sorrow⠀
Some pain for the present moment⠀
But the rest we’ll save for tomorrow⠀
⠀
The path is narrow and overgrown⠀
If it’s even a path at all⠀
Two roads diverged and we took neither⠀
She heard the river’s call⠀
⠀
Down the bank we scrambled and slid⠀
Grasping roots along the way⠀
These roots they hold back mountains⠀
They can hold us here today⠀
⠀
Scraped and bruised and winded⠀
At last we find relief⠀
We swim and laugh and stub our toes⠀
Even blessings hold some grief⠀
⠀
My mind drifts off to the coast and its songs⠀
Why oh why am I here⠀
I followed her and would do it again⠀
But we should have brought more beer⠀
⠀
How we ended up together⠀
A mystery untold⠀
I am a pool of simple pleasures⠀
She is the mountain, faithful and bold⠀
⠀
It’s true, she loves the river⠀
And it’s steady constant force⠀
The ocean is just leftovers⠀
And she prefers the source► See More Art with Poetry
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, 4-6 Miles, Access Logistics, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Del Norte, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mosquitoes, Mysterious Insect Bites/Stings, Northern California, Not the California Coast, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Plein Air, Poems, Rain!, Sneaky Public Access Easement, Somewhere in California (Just not the Coast), Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Thorns and Brambles, Threatening to Rain, Uncomfortably Warm, Weather Tags: EVERGREENS, GRANITE BOULDERS, JUST NATURE, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, MY LADY, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, RIVERS, RIVERS AND STREAMS, ROCKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SUBMERGED ROCKS, SWIMMING HOLES -
To God the Best and the Greatest
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To God the Best and the Greatest
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
SKU: N/A Categories: 2-4 Miles, 2019, Access Logistics, Acrylic on Canvas, Anthropological Hazards, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Boat Required for Access, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Geological Hazards, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Painted in the Dark, Painted Without Permission, Plein Air, Posted: No Trespassing, Private Property, Ride on Truck/Quad/Off-Road Vehicle Required for Access, Santa Barbara, Southern California, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, The Island of Bearded People - 2019, Uncomfortably Cool, Vehicular Logistics Tags: ARCHES, ARCHITECTURE, CALIFORNITALIA, CHURCHES, DARK AND MOODY, EVASIVE MANEUVERS, FREE FOOD, GATED COMMUNITY, GOTHIC ARCHES, MOONLIGHT, NIGHT SCENES, NO HEADLAMP, PAINTED QUICKLY FOR FEAR OF GETTING CAUGHT, RESPECT, SALVATION, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, THE CROSS -
Holy Ground
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Holy Ground
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
This is the view from the top of a hill that overlooks the entire crescent of this coast. Though there was no trail up here, and no clear signs of humanity in this refreshingly pristine landscape, I know I wasn’t the first to stand in this exact spot. The way the peak looms over the landscape beckoning the human spirit to ascend, it’s only natural that others have heeded that same call- both in our times and long before them. From the peak, you can feel a human presence. An old presence. A place where eyes kept watch. There is an ancient history here that doesn’t belong to our age, but to a people that did not believe they migrated here, but were rather created here (or at least just across the channel). Sure the volcanic rock where I stood is full of holes but there’s more to this title than that. Just a feeling really, but some places seem to carry a significance all their own. This is one of them. Holy ground indeed.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, 6-10 Miles, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Painted in Heavy Winds, Painted in Stupid Strong Wind that I had No Business Trying to Paint In, Plein Air, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Threatening to Rain, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: BAYS, FLOWERS, FOG CREEPING OVER THE HILLS, FREE FOOD, GREEN GRASS, ISLAND POPPIES, JUST NATURE, LOOKING BACK TOWARD LAND, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, POCKET BEACHES, POPPIES, RESPECT, SACRED SITES, SANDY BEACHES, SCALLOPED BEACHES, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, STORM CLOUDS, TORREY PINES, VIEWS FROM HIGHER GROUND, WILDFLOWERS -
An Unfamiliar Song
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An Unfamiliar Song
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
This was the endpoint of my longest hike on this trip, 11 miles total, and it took me past several miles of coast I'd hiked and painted on a previous trip. On that trip, I thought I'd gone about as far as I could reasonably go in a day's work of hiking and painting. But this trip was a chance to smash that mental barrier. I'd been out here hiking and painting daily for 4 days straight, so while my feet hurt, my body and mind began to love the new "normal"- especially if it meant seeing anothe…
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SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Birch Panel, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Full-On Bushwhacking, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Rain!, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Thorns and Brambles, Threatening to Rain, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: FLOWERS, FREE FOOD, GREEN GRASS, JUST NATURE, OFF THE ROCKS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, POINT BREAKS, RAIN AND SHOWERS, RIGHTS, SCALLOPED BEACHES, SHADOWS OF CLOUDS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SHOREPOUND AND WOMP, SNEAKY RAIN, SPARKLING WATER, STORM CLOUDS, WILDFLOWERS -
The Apex of Spring
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The Apex of Spring
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
Visiting this hard to reach outpost of California’s coast during the Spring Equinox after a few wet months, I was hunting not just new corners and vistas, but had wildflowers on my mind as well. Elusive creatures, they can be, I didn’t see as many as I’d hoped. But I did spot this little patch on my way past this point earlier in the morning at the base of a canyon named after another hunter, an apex predator. It would do just fine. Toward the end of this painting the weather shifted. I packed this one up quickly in a heavy, darkening wind and retreated back into the canyon from which I had come.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Rain!, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, The Greatest Collector Ever, Threatening to Rain, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: FLOWERS, FOAM TRAILS, FOG BANKS, FREE FOOD, GREEN GRASS, ISLAND POPPIES, JUST NATURE, OFF THE ROCKS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, POPPIES, RAIN AND SHOWERS, RIGHTS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SHOREPOUND AND WOMP, SPARKLING WATER, THE MAINLAND, WEATHERED ROCK/SANDSTONE, WILDFLOWERS -
Strata Various
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Strata Various
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
This headland took some serious work to get to. All said, this ended up being the furthest point reached on an eleven mile round trip solo hike, which required several creek crossings up to my calves, washed out bridges, wet sloggy socks, and by the end of the day getting soaked to the bone in a late afternoon downpour. I might not have painted here at all, except after hiking all the way up and over to the other side of this island and venturing along the coast as far as I could this was the…
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SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Fog Battle, Free Range Road Trips, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mud and Sludge, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Over 10 Miles, Plein Air, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: FOG CREEPING OVER THE HILLS, FREE FOOD, GREEN GRASS, JUST NATURE, LOOKING BACK TOWARD LAND, MORNING LIGHT, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, ROCKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SHOREPOUND AND WOMP, SPARKLING WATER, STEEP CLIFF FACES, WEATHERED ROCK/SANDSTONE -
Prey For Rain
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Prey For Rain
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
Deep in this prehistoric canyon, I was watching the weather shift quickly as I made my way back to the cabin. I was still a solid hour and a half of hiking from dry shelter and warm food. A spattering of occasional raindrops peppered the hike with questions of doubt. Will I make it back to the cabin without getting soaked? Will the two wet paintings in my box survive a good soaking if the skies unleash? Will my wet socks matter so much anymore if everything else gets wet too? How much rain di…
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SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, 6-10 Miles, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mud and Sludge, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Rain!, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, The Greatest Collector Ever, Threatening to Rain, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: CANYONS AND VALLEYS, FLOWERS, FREE FOOD, GREEN GRASS, ISLAND POPPIES, OAKS, PATHS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, RIVERS AND STREAMS, ROOTS, SHAPE: VERTICAL, STORM CLOUDS, TRAILS, TREES, WILDFLOWERS -
Trifecta: Ticks, Wind, and Poison Oak
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Trifecta: Ticks, Wind, and Poison Oak
2019 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
I didn’t have to hike far from the cabin for this one, I just wanted to peak a little around the corner of the beach straight out in front. There’s a small hill that blocks the view here, so I made it my mission to get on top of this hill and paint from there. The afternoon light here has always struck me as special. But just because it wasn’t far doesn’t mean it was easy. I had to tromp up a steep hill with all my gear, slow-dodging poison oak, paint in a howling wind, perched on a steep awkward grassy slope, constantly checking for ticks after picking up at least one while wading through the high grass to get here. A perfect trifecta, if you will. Ended up working a bit faster than usual, just to get out of there, but that lends the piece a nice urgent honesty and I’m glad for it in the end.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2019, Access Logistics, Acrylic on Birch Panel, Anthropological Hazards, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Barbed Wire, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Fence or Gate Hopping Required, Free Range Road Trips, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Less than 1 Mile, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, March 2019, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Roaming Scientists, Santa Barbara, Southern California, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Thorns and Brambles, Ticks Observed on Skin or Clothing, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: COAST CHAPARRAL, FOG BANKS, FOG CREEPING OVER THE HILLS, FREE FOOD, JUST NATURE, PAINTED UNUSUALLY FAST, RIGHTS AND LEFTS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, STEEP CLIFF FACES, TIDEPOOLS -
Torrey Pine Sentinel
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Torrey Pine Sentinel
2018 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
When most folks hear the words “Torrey Pines” they think as much about a rare variety of pine tree as they do a very specific location in San Diego- the state park named for the tree and often touted as the only place in the world where these trees grow.
But don’t worry, I’m not naming locations here, this is nowhere near San Diego, and just happens to be the only other place on earth where these pines are found.
I had hoped to march further up the hill and get a more expa…
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SKU: N/A Categories: 2018, 6-10 Miles, A Bit Farther Out (Mostly) 2018, Acrylic on Birch Panel, Anthropological Hazards, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Plein Air, Roaming Scientists, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, The Greatest Collector Ever, Vehicular Logistics Tags: BAYS, DRY GRASS, DUSK, EVENING LIGHT, EVERGREENS, FREE FOOD, GOLDEN LIGHT, OUT OF DARKNESS, PAINTED UNUSUALLY FAST, PATHS, PIERS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, SHAPE: SQUARE, TORREY PINES, TRAILS, VIEWS FROM HIGHER GROUND -
Beside Clear Waters
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Beside Clear Waters
2018 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
This irresistible cove is overlooked by a rare Torrey Pine. I find myself today among the only Torrey Pine trees that exist outside of San Diego. The hillside behind me contains a dense grove.
I was drawn to this one, standing alone beside these clear waters. It seemed to me a bit of a fragile metaphor for an artist’s life. There’s safety in the herd, the job, the career, the retirement funds, and all that.
The art life is often about stepping away from the pack just a bit. Safety and comfort are traded for meaning and beauty. Like this tree by the ocean, the artist remains exposed to the battering winds that life brings. The salty air may even stunt our growth and cause our beards to whither, but out here we are alive.
Until we aren’t. Same as everybody else.
Whatever. Stop painting. Go swimming!
SKU: N/A Categories: 2018, 4-6 Miles, A Bit Farther Out (Mostly) 2018, Acrylic on Birch Panel, Anthropological Hazards, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, Geological Hazards, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Plein Air, Roaming Scientists, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Uncomfortably Warm, Vehicular Logistics, Weather Tags: BENDING LINES OF SWELL, DRY GRASS, EVERGREENS, FREE FOOD, JUST NATURE, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, ROCKS, ROOTS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SPARKLING WATER, SUBMERGED ROCKS, THE MAINLAND, TORREY PINES, WATCH YOUR STEP, WEATHERED ROCK/SANDSTONE -
Our Farther
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Our Farther
2018 | Southern California › Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands | Plein Air
I usually grumble about my heavy pack whenever I have to hike more than a mile. This turned out to be a six mile round trip to make this painting happen. But I could not complain about the heavy pack this time. My hiking companions on this morning sunrise walk were a couple of scientist fellows intent on monitoring frogs on the far side of this island, which somehow required them to carry a massive metal post and post-driver. (I’m no scientist, so don’t ask me). I guess we all have our cr…
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SKU: N/A Categories: 2018, 6-10 Miles, A Bit Farther Out (Mostly) 2018, Acrylic on Birch Panel, Anthropological Hazards, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Boat Required for Access, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed, Free Range Road Trips, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Plein Air, Roaming Scientists, Santa Barbara, Some Poison Oak Observed, Southern California, Subject, The California Coast, The Channel Islands, Vehicular Logistics Tags: BAYS, DIRT ROADS, DOUBLE-TRACK, DRY GRASS, FLOWERS, FREE FOOD, ISLANDS IN THE DISTANCE, MARINE LAYER, OVERCAST, PATHS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, ROADS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SUN RAYS, TRAILS, WILDFLOWERS -
Isthmus Interrupted: Most of the Time She Can’t be Reached
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Isthmus Interrupted: Most of the Time She Can’t be Reached
2016 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
The isthmus here is only passable at the lower tides, leaving the rock island on the right unreachable for most of every day. I’ve always been fascinated by the bending of wave energy around both sides of the island on the higher tides. Getting to this vantage point with all my paint gear wasn’t easy, but that is all part of the fun.
SKU: N/A Categories: 2-4 Miles, 2016, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Botanical Hazards, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Full-On Bushwhacking, Geological Hazards, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Off Trail Wilderness Tromping, Plein Air, Steep or Unstable Cliffs, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Thorns and Brambles, Uncomfortably Cool Tags: BENDING LINES OF SWELL, EVERGREENS, JUST NATURE, LOOKING DOWN FROM STEEP CLIFFS, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, SEA STACKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SUBMERGED ROCKS, TIDEPOOLS, YIKES! NUDE BEACH -
Boulder Dash
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Boulder Dash
2016 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Two hundred things to get done before I leave, and I go and spend the day boulder hopping with my paint gear all over the Humboldt coast. It truly is a problem. I’m not looking to fix it or anything, but maybe find a nice support group… where they serve donuts and coffee… on the beach… while painting… in between surfs. Hey now?
SKU: N/A Categories: 1-2 Miles, 2016, Artwork, Artwork Notes, Artwork Notes | Backstories, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Climbing or Vertical Scrambling Using Hands, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Geological Hazards, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Oil on Canvas, Painted in Heavy Winds, Plein Air, Subject, Surging Waves/ Wet Boots, The California Coast, Weather Tags: AFTERNOON LIGHT, EVERGREENS, JUST NATURE, LOOKING BACK TOWARD LAND, ON THE ROCKS, POCKET BEACHES, ROCKS, SCALLOPED BEACHES, SEA STACKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, SHAPE: VERY HORIZONTAL -
Point Saint Patricks
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Point Saint Patricks
2015 | Northern California › Del Norte | Plein Air
SKU: N/A Categories: 2015, Access Logistics, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Barbed Wire, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Del Norte, Downright Frigid, Fence or Gate Hopping Required, Geological Hazards, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Less than 1 Mile, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mud and Sludge, Northern California, Painted in Heavy Winds, Painted Without Permission, Plein Air, Posted: No Trespassing, Private Property, Rain!, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Threatening to Rain, Weather Tags: BARBED WIRE, FENCES, GREEN GRASS, LEFTS, ON THE ROCKS, OVERCAST, PATHS, POINT BREAKS, SHAPE: VERTICAL -
Dirty Hippy Camp
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Dirty Hippy Camp
2015 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
SKU: N/A Categories: 1-2 Miles, 2015, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Human Waste, Trash, and Debris, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mosquitoes, Northern California, Plein Air, Subject, The California Coast Tags: EVERGREENS, JUST NATURE, OFF THE ROCKS, OVERCAST, REFLECTIONS IN WET SAND, SEA STACKS, SHAPE: HORIZONTAL, TREES -
South Fork of the Middle Fork of the North Fork
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South Fork of the Middle Fork of the North Fork
2005 | Plein Air
Categories: 2005, 4-6 Miles, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Geological Hazards, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Landscapes, Logistics, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Mosquitoes, Not the California Coast, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Plein Air, Some Poison Oak Observed, Somewhere in California (Just not the Coast), Subject, Temperature, Travel, Uncomfortably Warm, Weather Tags: ALDERS, BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN, EVERGREENS, GRANITE BOULDERS, JUST NATURE, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, PLACES NOBODY MIGHT HAVE EVER STOOD AND PAINTED BEFORE, RIVERS, RIVERS AND STREAMS, SWIMMING HOLES -
While Everyone Slept
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While Everyone Slept
2004 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Categories: 2004, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Plein Air, Subject, Temperature, The California Coast, Threatening to Rain, Ticks Observed on Skin or Clothing, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Uncomfortably Cool, Weather Tags: DRIFTWOOD, FROM THE BEACH, JUST NATURE, LOOKING BACK TOWARD LAND, MORNING LIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, OVERCAST, SUNRISE -
Right After Breakfast
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Right After Breakfast
2004 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Categories: 2004, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Plein Air, Subject, The California Coast, Ticks Observed on Skin or Clothing, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN, DIRT ROADS, DOUBLE-TRACK, DRY GRASS, MORNING LIGHT, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, PATHS, TRAILS -
Afternoon Inside the Point
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Afternoon Inside the Point
2004 | Northern California › Humboldt |
Categories: 2004, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Backpacking with Too Much Gear, Biological Hazards, Botanical Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, High Grass- Tick Country!, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Logistics, Lots of Poison Oak!, Medium, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Over 10 Miles, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Plein Air, Subject, The California Coast, Ticks Observed on Skin or Clothing, Travel, Trudging Through Soft Sand, Weather Tags: AFTERNOON LIGHT, BLUEBIRD DAYS, BRIGHT MIDDAY SUN, DRIFTWOOD, DRY GRASS, FROM THE BEACH, JUST NATURE, LOOKING BACK TOWARD LAND, MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY, ON THE ROCKS, RIGHTS -
Morning Meditations
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Morning Meditations
2004 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Categories: 2004, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Biological Hazards, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Hiking, Humboldt, Landscapes, Less than 1 Mile, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Painted in Full Sun with no Shade, Plein Air, Subject, The California Coast, Unruly Dogs, Weather Tags: BEACH BREAKS, FLOWING INTO THE SEA, FROM THE BEACH, GRANITE BOULDERS, JUST NATURE, LAGOONS, MORNING LIGHT, RIVERS, RIVERS AND STREAMS, ROCKS -
The Other Side of the River
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The Other Side of the River
2004 | Northern California › Humboldt | Plein Air
Categories: 2004, Acrylic on Canvas, Artwork, Artwork Timeline, Deep Creek or River Crossing, Hiking, Hiking Terrain, Humboldt, Landscapes, Less than 1 Mile, Medium, Method, Miles Hiked, Northern California, Plein Air, Subject, The California Coast, Trudging Through Soft Sand Tags: FROM THE BEACH, JUST NATURE, REFLECTIONS IN WET SAND, SANDY BEACHES
