Creek At Descanso

This is painted from an old photo I took during a trip to Descanso Gardens.  It's one of my favorite places in So Cal.  I thought this was finished but after seeing it in this photo, there are several things I can see that I need to work a bit more.   That's the nice thing about oils; areas can be covered over many times until I feel it's good.  That's a very freeing experience after working with the constraints of watercolor for so many years.

Creek At Descanso
Image size 6" x 6"
Oil

Descanso's Gate

If you live in Southern California, maybe you've visited Descanso Gardens in La Canada/Flintridge.  That is where I took the reference photo for this pastel painting.  If you haven't been there and have a chance to go, it's worth the trip.  It's about 160 acres and has about 1000 California Coastal Oaks in a forest with huge camillias growing beneath them.  There is also a rose garden, lilac garden, koi pond, Japanese garden and tea house, art gallery, gift shop, a cafe, classes and so much more.  I've been there at different times of the year and I don't think I have a favorite (there are always so many things in bloom) but this year I think I might go in March for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Descanso's Gate

Image Size 7" x 10"

Pastel