A new public access point has opened at Lower La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. This preserve is located on the peninsula south of San Francisco by about 45 minutes, and north of my Soquel studio by about an hour.
In December, Sue Elliott (of plein air muse) and I explored this new area for potential painting. From the parking lot, you see rolling hills and oak meadow habitat. The preserve is an active ranch with barns and cattle. As you can see in the photo, the small vale viewed from above has some wonderful elements to interest a painter. (Sorry about the telephone line across the image, I’ll lose that in the painting!)
Sue and I were both pleased with the lines and shapes formed by the layers of hills and intervening patches of trees. A large pond reflected the trees. The barns and grazing cattle added the human element to the landscape. Access from hwy 84, then left on Sears Ranch Road, before the fire station. Proceed slowly to the end of the road, past the elementary school, to the parking lot. Dogs are not allowed.
La Honda Ranch, oil on canvas panel, 9×12
More info at the Preserve’s offical website.
