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I got there early in the morning and decided to explore before the day warmed up. Normally, I paint not far into the canyon, but there was lots of running water in the creek, creating many gorgeous possibilities and I hiked on a bit further, looking for that "perfect spot". As I walked further along, I noticed a sign indicating the waterfall which was further up the canyon. I'd forgotten about the waterfall. Well, as it turned out, I hiked and hiked and got all the way to the waterfall! ... a feat I was proud of.... not so much because it was a mile and a half up the hill, but because the trail kept crossing the creek and I had to navigate back and forth across the rocks or logs spread across the creek without falling in. I did get my toes damp once, but managed to balance well enough that I made it up and back without killing myself or doing any damage. It was a glorious day.
I took many photos and will use them over time to help remember that beautiful day in Eaton Canyon.
When I decided to paint this scene, I kept the work of Margi Lucena's pastels of brushy arid areas in mind. I loved the little buckwheat brush "flowers" along the trail as well as the lovely long lanky stalks with the red flowers on them. (Looks like I need to get myself a field guide for flowers and native plants. Do any of you know what those red flowers are?) I've also long enjoyed Cylde Aspevig's "Land Snorkeling" series, and wished I could do justice to brushes and grasses like he does. Additionally... as some of you know... ROCKS have been one of my stumbling blocks (so to speak) so I've been trying to paint them as often as I can on the theory that the more I painted rocks, the better I'd get doing it. And so I painted rocks and weeds and wildflowers.
I have another scene in mind which includes many rocks in the creek.... That will come along soon. I'm always trying to set a new challenge for myself!
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