I’ve been too focused on too many things rather intensely and it makes me unsociable and not interested in the small and seemingly unimportant stuff that makes up daily living. One of these focal points has been painting. I have been working on this oil painting off and on for several weeks, and think it is finally done to my liking.
Tecopa Hot Springs is located in the Mojave Desert in Inyo County, California. It is not a very populated area. The hot springs are odorless, mineral springs considered to have healing properties. In my area the hot springs are quite sulfurous and smell like rotten eggs, so odorless is nice! The view from the springs is spectacular, taking in the land and the mountains beyond. This is a bit of the grandeur that is California.
I took a bit of a colorist approach to this painting, a bit of imagination and improvisation as well. Realism is for photography, so here I could play around while working to capture a sense of the place. I like semi-abstract or colorist paintings which keep the subject recognizable.
Oil on canvas panel, 16×20.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Again, I love the colors! Textures too!!
It’s lovely Naomi, love the colours, I’d have that on my wall. 👏👏
HA!!! You’re in my territory! That’s where I go when I head to Death Valley. I love Tecopa!
Lovely painting as well!
I like your color choices. The characteristics of the western desert appear in full.
Thanks, Laura Kate! The western desert is always full of surprises and drama.
Thanks, Merilee! Whenever I think of the desert, your photos and paintings come to mind!
HA! back atcha, Merilee! The whole area is truly amazing and so easily overlooked.
Thanks, Fraggy! Definitely going on the wall, but the biggest problem is the framing – black is too stark so I am thinking of a weathered grey wood. And then wide or narrow or shadow? Panels can be a challenge.
Thanks, Anne! I like the colors – I love color – so always finding a way to change them to more of my liking. As I tell people, the artist is the god or goddess of his or her landscape! (Trying to be PC here . . . .)
Everyone want to rush to Zabriskie Point and Badwater, when in reality, the really good stuff is down in Tecopa
N- that’s the difference between an artist and photographer. An artist creates and a photographer interprets. You are both!
I think the out of the way places are the most interesting. I like quiet outdoors and too often people ruin it. Thanks, Merilee!
Thanks, Anne! I always push my photos in post – old eyes?!?
Stunning colors! Beautiful, almost dream-like.
Thanks, tagpipspearl! I like colors so tend to push them.