Virgin River Sketch

This is a watercolor from my sketchbook of the Virgin River. This is one of the most beautiful gorges with orange and pink rocks. There are barrel cactus on the hillsides leading to the river which is the same color as the rocks. It is simply a lovely place.  These quick sketches capture the wonderful colors of the region. 

Tehachapi in July

 

Our travels from San Luis Obispo take us to Tehapchai, California where we stop for lunch.  It is really lovely there.  You climb up to a beautiful pass from the San Joaquin valley to a lovely town that claims to have 4 seasons.  After lunch while waiting for Bruce to fill the car, I sketch out this picture across the road.  Next, we come down to the Mojave Desert.  The temperature is HOT, the air clear and the beauty of the desert is wonderful.

The Joshua trees become abundant and there isn't very much wildlife here because of the heat.  Really wonderful to be on road trips. 

2 days in West Los Angeles

Late June before our trip to Montana and the Northwest, we were in West Los Angeles for several days.  These are a couple of sketches from my sketchbook.  There is so much activity and wonderful people getting their morning coffee.  And, there are the ones that can afford the luxury sitting in Peet's even if they are working on computers.  I enjoy the variety of people. I love the sketches that I am able to do while sitting there.  Usually I sketch the picture out and color it in later.  There are times I pencil in notes about color for the landscape ones and come right back later to quickly paint in the colors. When doing the people, I always remember. The times I love best are when I can sit down and do the whole picture.  It is a very vibrant and dynamic place, Los Angeles.  I love it!