Slip and Slide

A plein air landscape painting of a trail crossing a landslide on a remote and rugged coast in northern California

I don’t know if anyone has ever painted from this vantage point, or ever will again. It’s over 10 miles from the nearest road. The logistics of getting here, along with all of one’s painting gear, are not easily solved. And once here, I imagine most would shy away from painting a barren rockslide, but to me that was the magic of this painting. This fire-swept wilderness is one of the most geologically unstable stretches of coastline in California (hence, no roads). It’s a harsh environment, but therein lies its charm and beauty.


Artwork Information:


Artwork Title: "Slip and Slide"
Original Size: 20" x 16"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Year Painted: 2020

Additional Artwork Information:


Method: Plein Air
Date Painted: 08/05/2020
Region: Northern California > The California Coast > Humboldt

Artwork Logistics:


Travel Logistics: Backpacking with Too Much Gear
Miles Hiked: 2-4 Miles
Vehicular Logistics: Extra Vehicular Assistance Needed
Extra-Vehicular Requirements: Accessed by Small Airplane, Drop Off Required
Geological Hazards: Awkward Footing on Uneven Terrain
Botanical Hazards: Lots of Poison Oak!
Biological Hazards: Bears on the Beach!, High Grass- Tick Country!
Anthropological Hazards: Surfers Are The Worst
Weather Logistics: Painted in Full Sun with no Shade
Temperature: Uncomfortably Warm


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