tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29901064213354032992024-02-21T06:07:31.558-08:00Three Moons StudioSara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-23402990106021660142017-04-26T19:13:00.001-07:002017-04-26T19:14:07.281-07:00Home<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">My residency with the National Park System had a profound impact on my work and my heart. I will be forever very proud of my experience and my small role in our nations greatest resource: our Parks. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">Back from their year on display in Oregon as part of the centennial celebration of the NPS, my paintings will now hang here in my home for awhile so I can enjoy them (and be reminded to make more time for the things I love - like hiking and painting.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPna05KutF05To6Eb9Thdp25UTd6v2H-cyDsWSZFh8drRSJJg14w_fWZ2CcKQqwSrrZTY40K8GjYj2OLNhAG8F0xFnCooWMmjDGfbZnWMjAPqOxczYye8NY-3sQ_3XiIAB4MuUhfJ5YZqe/s640/blogger-image-1269528707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPna05KutF05To6Eb9Thdp25UTd6v2H-cyDsWSZFh8drRSJJg14w_fWZ2CcKQqwSrrZTY40K8GjYj2OLNhAG8F0xFnCooWMmjDGfbZnWMjAPqOxczYye8NY-3sQ_3XiIAB4MuUhfJ5YZqe/s640/blogger-image-1269528707.jpg"></a></div><p></p>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-13522944995575088662016-11-06T21:08:00.001-08:002016-11-06T21:12:12.608-08:00Weekend WarriorWhen work is all consuming, deadline, product launching madness, it is a guilty godsend that I signed up for a painting workshop a year ago and just had to escape to the Sierra Foothills for a long weekend.<div><br></div><div>Thank you self for being a planner!</div><div><br></div><div>Also incredibly relieved that I actually, physically, can paint right now... Just barely. This is another long story, but I shredded and partially tore my right rotator cuff a couple of months ago and thanks to PT and acupuncture I am finally FINALLY able to move my arm!</div><div><br></div><div>So off I went to Murphys.</div><div><br></div><div>A terrific little town that has a Gold Rush history and a wine country renaissance. </div><div><br></div><div>The workshop was with Kathleen Dunphy, who has the rare talent for being a terrific painter AND a really good instructor. On the agenda for weekend learnings: painting with a limited palette and using only big brushes.</div><div><br></div><div>What's a limited palette? It's a lighter load that's for sure! All those gorgeous colors in tiny tubes back in my studio...they weren't invited. Only Permanent Red, French Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Lemon and Titanium White. We could also add dashes of Naples Yellow (to lighten and warm) and cool grey (to tone and neutralize.)</div><div><br></div><div>Surprisingly you can create about any color you need with these colors and it requires you really observe your scene/subject matter carefully and make up puddles of color you see BEFORE diving into your painting. This slowed me down in a good way, and then you have your local colors ready to go and can add nuances of light and temperature as your painting progresses. I think I'll stick with it for awhile...</div><div><br></div><div>Harder to handle for me was getting used to a #10 brush on an 8x10 panel! You have to really move your arm around to achieve different strokes and line weights, which might normally be fine but when you have a gimpy arm... It was not ideal.</div><div><br></div><div>First day of the workshop was a lot of good lecture and learning to mix paints and an indoor still life study of pears.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEJZUMWfA7BVdAetDMdNzzm-ZEtifZzVMY6YBHJOXzV081MyKQR2ss4DRLIxKT7QF1-lzA1cmSS26vykeNlyrGDzFtM1W1g7gXgRXyxge7zn3PegLu-xhIUeKOoKoc0LI3QVh2utYQ6A/s640/blogger-image-2033800686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEJZUMWfA7BVdAetDMdNzzm-ZEtifZzVMY6YBHJOXzV081MyKQR2ss4DRLIxKT7QF1-lzA1cmSS26vykeNlyrGDzFtM1W1g7gXgRXyxge7zn3PegLu-xhIUeKOoKoc0LI3QVh2utYQ6A/s640/blogger-image-2033800686.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEJZUMWfA7BVdAetDMdNzzm-ZEtifZzVMY6YBHJOXzV081MyKQR2ss4DRLIxKT7QF1-lzA1cmSS26vykeNlyrGDzFtM1W1g7gXgRXyxge7zn3PegLu-xhIUeKOoKoc0LI3QVh2utYQ6A/s640/blogger-image-2033800686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxT0i4I31StbB_bt0doL1PsthfQ7F0zVWqNqJCC9tFU59rejGBuVhGHq8evryOPBetsDTwKZ0dG9iCI8hdxqlZHaEuwOvv67vt6T7a2b06xZ4ZTtEktnn5wAa7cXXWltI6CBcXDwOmn9H/s640/blogger-image--367636577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxT0i4I31StbB_bt0doL1PsthfQ7F0zVWqNqJCC9tFU59rejGBuVhGHq8evryOPBetsDTwKZ0dG9iCI8hdxqlZHaEuwOvv67vt6T7a2b06xZ4ZTtEktnn5wAa7cXXWltI6CBcXDwOmn9H/s640/blogger-image--367636577.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-10661182015219743202016-04-29T09:54:00.001-07:002016-04-29T09:54:34.559-07:00Fido Kahlo (Boston Terrier)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYvGTSgH6uVD6vHpVHndoB9y7W9zx1snY3wJ3MoRFYJy4pn7l0y_hZWUayiwGxloDOHjTdOIAb3oyBeumJ9wEaSXMX79zryIzsrH0P4QeQ9I2dUqvY-qC-oM9Skjpgn4c7nM04aNuPcRt/s640/blogger-image--169000093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYvGTSgH6uVD6vHpVHndoB9y7W9zx1snY3wJ3MoRFYJy4pn7l0y_hZWUayiwGxloDOHjTdOIAb3oyBeumJ9wEaSXMX79zryIzsrH0P4QeQ9I2dUqvY-qC-oM9Skjpgn4c7nM04aNuPcRt/s640/blogger-image--169000093.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This particular piece came about from an art group I started at work. Each month we do a 10x10 piece based on a theme. </div><div>April's theme : Circles</div><div><br></div><div>I'd created a Fido Kahlo (Pug) painting a few years ago for a Cinco de Mayo show and remembered how fun it was to paint.</div><div><br></div><div>I originally thought the big beads of the necklace would serve as the "circles" but decided on a graphic nod to 'sky' - small blue circles that would make a tie-in to the theme more blatant.</div><div><br></div><div>I've never been a series painter, but I think that I'll make an exception for the Fido Kahlos.</div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-89323504734793473092016-01-01T15:35:00.000-08:002016-02-20T10:03:20.546-08:00Cold Studio, Warm Memories<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Started another painting! I'm loving being in my studio day after day. I'm a happy lady.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">So thankful for these full days to paint AND for my oil filled space heater! These mornings have been absolutely frigid! (I'm in California so that means it's probably 40°!) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">John Day Fossil Beds has 3 distinct and official sections to the park:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Painted Hills</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Sheep Rock</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Clarno Unit</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Painted Hills. First, amazing. You most likely have never seen anything like it. Ever. It also happens to be the "easiest" or "closest" to visit. Quotes "" meaning 2+ hours from Bend rather than 3+ hours to get to Sheep Rock ;) Regardless, a lot of people go there. They may not make it all the way to Sheep Rock and Blue Basin, which is a real shame, but happily, that section does get a lot of visitors.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Truly, it's like another planet. Nothing to see but colored striations of reds and golds, some blue and purples, and a lot of orange red. Color. It's everywhere. And not just color.... Folds. Fingers. Jutts. Burps. All kinds of crazy formations, it's fantastic.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WeobZk-63WgPAZqO8oPBvqP3-I39R2IpG2n1xQ-UljRws_fJHz7kuFK8rP6tK8YUOY7vJEetvhC6Dm0B2lXO_eoeGFCZVvrR7f_oxDhLGraSFfb2d5GtUr5m8efLbza7pGuwyX0O3lUW/s1600/paintedhills_start_studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WeobZk-63WgPAZqO8oPBvqP3-I39R2IpG2n1xQ-UljRws_fJHz7kuFK8rP6tK8YUOY7vJEetvhC6Dm0B2lXO_eoeGFCZVvrR7f_oxDhLGraSFfb2d5GtUr5m8efLbza7pGuwyX0O3lUW/s400/paintedhills_start_studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketching the scene. Pastel on Trekell wood panel. 18x24 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z-a2Ld39UkMSXS0qgukNmzAAWUTXwya1KGq5vBu_BIHuRF4kwxB1XG2Uxuv1DwDRIltqMJ_CASSPlCPY5EEk-AZqqgZtK9Gwm1z_R1BkCWQrLTszClXUXhme1Hue9Vw-AYedkRSu9v-M/s1600/paintedhills_wrk_studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z-a2Ld39UkMSXS0qgukNmzAAWUTXwya1KGq5vBu_BIHuRF4kwxB1XG2Uxuv1DwDRIltqMJ_CASSPlCPY5EEk-AZqqgZtK9Gwm1z_R1BkCWQrLTszClXUXhme1Hue9Vw-AYedkRSu9v-M/s400/paintedhills_wrk_studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughing in shadows and color blocks.</td></tr>
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Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-33752739927248103032015-12-23T18:09:00.000-08:002016-02-20T10:04:15.419-08:00Christmas Present to Myself... <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Best Christmas present: a solid week of nothing but painting in my studio! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Rarely do I have the opportunity to paint multiple days in a row. Well, unless it's the weekend and I have nothing else to do! Usually I paint, I run errands, I do some cooking, I hike, I garden... but not Christmas week this year. I painted!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Selfishly, </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">unapologetically, I painted. All day, every day except Christmas Day. It was glorious!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">I wanted to finish the Sheep Rock painting I'd started in November. This was such a fun painting. One of my favorite things I've realized is that when I'm painting these larger landscapes I absolutely remember standing outdoors, painting the scene en plein air. I remember if it was hot, if it was windy. I remember if someone came by, if I spoke to them. Painting these paintings in my studio is like creating a time portal. I love it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Sheep Rock is so spectacular. It's rhythmic, heroic, and fittingly the 'icon' for the park. The Visitor's Center at John Day Fossil Beds looks out to this mountain. Visitors sit out with their lunches at picnic tables and admire its unique beauty. My last day at the park was spent painting this scene. I think it's amazing.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BtWy42lvJ_-E_yy8rRL-mXNsdi5OjxkcPRaOx561j9kmYKhz8Orq7lM2zkdu1eZIlEhJE82K5ww7uyExRymVcbec8P-G0CTJdqbEpzMLayKkPbYEMapDTdMyJa7RSgBx9XFjR_h13PQq/s1600/sheeprock_studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BtWy42lvJ_-E_yy8rRL-mXNsdi5OjxkcPRaOx561j9kmYKhz8Orq7lM2zkdu1eZIlEhJE82K5ww7uyExRymVcbec8P-G0CTJdqbEpzMLayKkPbYEMapDTdMyJa7RSgBx9XFjR_h13PQq/s400/sheeprock_studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep Rock. 18x24 oil on Trekell maple panel</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">(Someone told me they thought they could see a woman in a flowing dress in this painting. I think that is a beautiful, subliminal accident. Do you see it?)</span></span>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-31746703716788390972015-11-23T07:54:00.001-08:002015-12-03T13:02:50.209-08:00Eat, Drink, and be Merry!... And that was the theme for the 2015 Sarasota Chalk Festival held in Venice, Florida.<div><br></div><div>FLORIDA! A mad dash, red-eye flight, crossing of fingers to make it both in and out of Denver in November, and a 5:15am arrival in Tampa. Ooh, tired eyes, crooked neck and very excited heart!</div><div><br></div><div>Sketch and color study in hand, I signed in at the Festival office and Set out for Miami Avenue.</div><div><br></div><div>For the Eat Drink and be Merry theme... I knew I didn't want to create an image of anyone eating and definitely not anyone drinking, that made Merry my inspiration. Merry; I started thinking of laughing, happiness, joy, spinning, twirling, dancing, music. MUSIC!</div><div><br></div><div>After some sketching of people dancing followed by others of musicians, I drew a woman holding a moon like a Lute or Bass. Moon = Luna: Luna and Music: Luna's Merry Music of the Spheres!</div><div><br></div><div>Okay that last part is a bit of a jump, but after I'd finished my sketch and color rough, I was still massaging the title of the piece. I sent the art to my Mom and Sister and my Mom wrote back that made her think of The Music of the Spheres. Huh? What?</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you Wikipedia- I soon learned about a long ago concept of Pythagorous which in its essence describes the planets as consonants and whole notes - celestial sounds and music. </div><div>Perfect! "Luna's Merry Music of the Sheres."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTuEzeFsXua_0t0jSPa8T46evl_DbUwkCHQACTAURtmKpI33AxPRXCeW-u__VLx6j-ydEb254iSG3saPFA_-KnpFAGC4mHU9eHcOhpaB2qzOgCqMkOING3o9t2Ch9e0_6eQOvew3AKZwZ/s640/blogger-image-79553621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTuEzeFsXua_0t0jSPa8T46evl_DbUwkCHQACTAURtmKpI33AxPRXCeW-u__VLx6j-ydEb254iSG3saPFA_-KnpFAGC4mHU9eHcOhpaB2qzOgCqMkOING3o9t2Ch9e0_6eQOvew3AKZwZ/s640/blogger-image-79553621.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTuEzeFsXua_0t0jSPa8T46evl_DbUwkCHQACTAURtmKpI33AxPRXCeW-u__VLx6j-ydEb254iSG3saPFA_-KnpFAGC4mHU9eHcOhpaB2qzOgCqMkOING3o9t2Ch9e0_6eQOvew3AKZwZ/s640/blogger-image-79553621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-emCKUD-1FB18CurFgr7Zj7fMA9Ymqs_Yj1nHH6JH9LFM9muUcdEub5ZLc8AW7OrHJBgan-FvnhJDaFYmmTgUhme7DBnNeFeX6LMkoDLyNcmRHV4avMwLQVqpwGLgZVBQKft-dSK3XvwC/s640/blogger-image-228769656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-emCKUD-1FB18CurFgr7Zj7fMA9Ymqs_Yj1nHH6JH9LFM9muUcdEub5ZLc8AW7OrHJBgan-FvnhJDaFYmmTgUhme7DBnNeFeX6LMkoDLyNcmRHV4avMwLQVqpwGLgZVBQKft-dSK3XvwC/s640/blogger-image-228769656.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-emCKUD-1FB18CurFgr7Zj7fMA9Ymqs_Yj1nHH6JH9LFM9muUcdEub5ZLc8AW7OrHJBgan-FvnhJDaFYmmTgUhme7DBnNeFeX6LMkoDLyNcmRHV4avMwLQVqpwGLgZVBQKft-dSK3XvwC/s640/blogger-image-228769656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBviYVx1NCQxB4ySR-li17LcR-61gBpeokJ798MLW0VKLuZo1xF2GiHk-ZTfeGtuiUtWqNKdJTi1g9QC5eVJVN4jK6vsj5V9ehKiJM-EtBPhZ-nV_jxJyrKx8atehXRRZhl0wC2A4A7bM/s640/blogger-image-2022271738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBviYVx1NCQxB4ySR-li17LcR-61gBpeokJ798MLW0VKLuZo1xF2GiHk-ZTfeGtuiUtWqNKdJTi1g9QC5eVJVN4jK6vsj5V9ehKiJM-EtBPhZ-nV_jxJyrKx8atehXRRZhl0wC2A4A7bM/s640/blogger-image-2022271738.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-72068503813265362602015-11-01T20:10:00.001-08:002015-11-01T20:10:35.019-08:00Sheep Rock - in the studioA day of firsts.<div><br></div><div>Gathered my paintings, photo reference and sketches from my Residency in John Day Fossil Beds; set up 2 big easels; selected an 18x24 maple, cradled panel by Trekell; and worked up a series of thumbnail sketches to decide on the composition for my new painting.</div><div><br></div><div>First landscape painting to be created in the studio (instead of Plein Air.)</div><div><br></div><div>First of the final paintings, the last chapter, of my National Park Service Artist Residency.</div><div><br></div><div>First weekend in a really long time that I spent in my studio.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm very happy with my start today and it was fun! I was so happy out there!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FBPnkjYhExWhkRg5X9rknA0okt1HoXIgcZJTsbOXI6a8n7DR3MvqdAOthrOeD5FA6DmhYK00tZGD9W_a9Upexui4RA40PRPgwMhaQLCJ-Le8-r8d-mPSIhIy1AWS2hejr4-NYT9wbE5c/s640/blogger-image-8088911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FBPnkjYhExWhkRg5X9rknA0okt1HoXIgcZJTsbOXI6a8n7DR3MvqdAOthrOeD5FA6DmhYK00tZGD9W_a9Upexui4RA40PRPgwMhaQLCJ-Le8-r8d-mPSIhIy1AWS2hejr4-NYT9wbE5c/s640/blogger-image-8088911.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-37747458582250602232015-10-20T08:20:00.001-07:002015-10-20T08:20:54.525-07:00Reflecting and PlanningEnough time has passed that I can now objectively look over my paintings and even think (somewhat) fondly of the moths that would attack my hair at night.<div><br></div><div>It's always a bit of culture shock when I step back into my 'life' after a long trip. Weeks of painting and driving, my only concern really: where to paint, shifts abruptly to alarm clocks, public transportation and sitting. Sitting on trains, sitting in traffic, sitting at my desk.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm now through the 'shock' phase and excitedly in the what comes next phase! I LOVE this phase!</div><div><br></div><div>First, I set out all the paintings. I'm very pleased!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVEqVunVWOHaRjxl9Bg98WHRQiYL52sc31LfOMc32Vtf0fu9YHe01OS5lecg2AHv9Fahyk9wj7VicDZuVIngVbUyr9sEMeD9C4bs3X7aiVYJQg0uOPvK73NH_G6gJji99BRF6q3KQKsBy/s640/blogger-image-974250543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVEqVunVWOHaRjxl9Bg98WHRQiYL52sc31LfOMc32Vtf0fu9YHe01OS5lecg2AHv9Fahyk9wj7VicDZuVIngVbUyr9sEMeD9C4bs3X7aiVYJQg0uOPvK73NH_G6gJji99BRF6q3KQKsBy/s640/blogger-image-974250543.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVEqVunVWOHaRjxl9Bg98WHRQiYL52sc31LfOMc32Vtf0fu9YHe01OS5lecg2AHv9Fahyk9wj7VicDZuVIngVbUyr9sEMeD9C4bs3X7aiVYJQg0uOPvK73NH_G6gJji99BRF6q3KQKsBy/s640/blogger-image-974250543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAG3EgcUc3p-wC8C-yNQZd2YvfgnUTW_AqzjTLa7PeQfMS_0PLJnFUV7XiDzVFLiXzn-2R5UY59lv6cf5D8oIxyZFfIuwa1cKbRaIeM1IwRhojPrgmWzsyUlfjHooZVQjQjbnaAUhr46C/s640/blogger-image--1054590205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAG3EgcUc3p-wC8C-yNQZd2YvfgnUTW_AqzjTLa7PeQfMS_0PLJnFUV7XiDzVFLiXzn-2R5UY59lv6cf5D8oIxyZFfIuwa1cKbRaIeM1IwRhojPrgmWzsyUlfjHooZVQjQjbnaAUhr46C/s640/blogger-image--1054590205.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These are the New Mexico and Oregon residency paintings lined up together - a pretty nice set!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've also downloaded, and then uploaded, all the photos from John Day Fossil Beds; selecting some to print to use as reference for the paintings that I'll paint in my studio. This is an exciting time because I see finished paintings in my head... Combinations of my Plein air pieces, mixed with photos I've taken, and hopefully - HOPEFULLY - some images from Native stories... They all come together as rich images in my mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next, next phase is a frustrating phase (ha ha! so true!) where I try to reconcile the imagery in my mind with what I actually paint. I always get to the right place eventually but inevitably there is frustration and doubt on the road to I LOVE IT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm so grateful for the Residency experience in Oregon. The family that hosted me at their delightful B&B, Lands Inn. The Park staff that fielded my many questions and provided me with wifi and respite from the heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This coming weekend I'll order the photos, clear out any distractions in the studio and start sketching out my paintings! I'm really looking forward to this!</div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-72776466049964531422015-09-25T22:24:00.001-07:002015-09-26T07:18:19.781-07:00In Search of IndiansThe John Day Fossil park is a geological treasure. The Visitors Center and historic homestead across the road have an astounding collection of plant and mammal fossils, bones, seeds, minerals, rocks etc. etc. There's also farming equipment and early settlers' home items and books. What is hard to find though is information about Native Americans that lived in the area.<div><br></div><div>So history from 45-15 million years ago and from 100-150 years ago, easy, but what about 300 or 500 or ?? Not so much.</div><div><br></div><div>So after spending Thursday morning at the Visitors Center looking for info on Native people of the area, followed by working on my last painting, unfinished, of Sheep Rock...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4rYa_7UT4b5SbNM-dWZYeEsKVLut6-2MB16LAEo7wy1ewyYPKsmAGa5gDb6SymTuA03QoyAL5Rzcc4FnC3iGZYTyGkXH4-osbVN-OVoj9XtNS4nfS6JpjkDJ10uth3t4V6JiMZzsOvYh/s640/blogger-image--170977028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4rYa_7UT4b5SbNM-dWZYeEsKVLut6-2MB16LAEo7wy1ewyYPKsmAGa5gDb6SymTuA03QoyAL5Rzcc4FnC3iGZYTyGkXH4-osbVN-OVoj9XtNS4nfS6JpjkDJ10uth3t4V6JiMZzsOvYh/s640/blogger-image--170977028.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I packed up my apartment at Lands Inn and spent my last night in the airplane hangar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Farewell sweet, beautiful overly affectionate kitty. Goodbye road hogging cows!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hzr30F6Gi3jdZu0PKCtoB2ZCnJBm03uWcUr5hEFSF-lY-EBsgfv1HsT0UbEDym1TlucnDkv8WUNbxfvYHs1CdsLJc447W0d213yBSw8Pk8s8FZ447oF-MkUchndw41O5DYf2IPhIt2Qt/s640/blogger-image--1903331704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hzr30F6Gi3jdZu0PKCtoB2ZCnJBm03uWcUr5hEFSF-lY-EBsgfv1HsT0UbEDym1TlucnDkv8WUNbxfvYHs1CdsLJc447W0d213yBSw8Pk8s8FZ447oF-MkUchndw41O5DYf2IPhIt2Qt/s640/blogger-image--1903331704.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hzr30F6Gi3jdZu0PKCtoB2ZCnJBm03uWcUr5hEFSF-lY-EBsgfv1HsT0UbEDym1TlucnDkv8WUNbxfvYHs1CdsLJc447W0d213yBSw8Pk8s8FZ447oF-MkUchndw41O5DYf2IPhIt2Qt/s640/blogger-image--1903331704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD1SzJPJJB15R9D6A4B2hCBYuFSYM2boy1RJm6oa3UimEnhDglmb8inTmWhvF8QUCaaNmzUGuzi1swmcUaqRspEIWsz_KKEkdYKJPYpjenQUSNrxOCfRgaHlrXQfsHAj7FvbbEufW8wdH/s640/blogger-image--846672476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD1SzJPJJB15R9D6A4B2hCBYuFSYM2boy1RJm6oa3UimEnhDglmb8inTmWhvF8QUCaaNmzUGuzi1swmcUaqRspEIWsz_KKEkdYKJPYpjenQUSNrxOCfRgaHlrXQfsHAj7FvbbEufW8wdH/s640/blogger-image--846672476.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm so grateful for the wonderful hospitality and beautiful location of Lands Inn. I can't imagine a better place to stay in the area. Friday morning, car packed, apartment and kitchen cleaned, I headed down that 5 mile gravel road one last time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just about the time I was leaving the Ochoco Forest I could smell smoke. The sky was sooty orange brown, somewhere nearby was a wildfire. Very glad I was off the mountain!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still in search of information on any Native American Indian Tribes from the region, I headed North to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation to meet with the curator at their Museum. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNusEmtQb-ujDOgNMylzzkQLC8cus5GB9SSTS5MXKPo1Uskg3CzpA4mAkM-3wvNl1AoDgaIGSmwbCVA8f_oXCCH70f797k6nY84bA6Fgl7IzY14wD9IKDaJ7NQPR3mUXqg1dkVwMulNx8Q/s640/blogger-image-101784319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNusEmtQb-ujDOgNMylzzkQLC8cus5GB9SSTS5MXKPo1Uskg3CzpA4mAkM-3wvNl1AoDgaIGSmwbCVA8f_oXCCH70f797k6nY84bA6Fgl7IzY14wD9IKDaJ7NQPR3mUXqg1dkVwMulNx8Q/s640/blogger-image-101784319.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNusEmtQb-ujDOgNMylzzkQLC8cus5GB9SSTS5MXKPo1Uskg3CzpA4mAkM-3wvNl1AoDgaIGSmwbCVA8f_oXCCH70f797k6nY84bA6Fgl7IzY14wD9IKDaJ7NQPR3mUXqg1dkVwMulNx8Q/s640/blogger-image-101784319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zqAdt-cIrTsIXGc0S744dwNDlilI0QfEYOKvvVJ_8zz5Eq5l1hhyphenhyphenclYV569nRtUBwR35T_nE1HI9tAanrpC42VCsvPurfKAUWZrEnvH6L9Inn353AIjK1BcWhJuwUACSPpGWs7U6CLAN/s640/blogger-image--130956712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zqAdt-cIrTsIXGc0S744dwNDlilI0QfEYOKvvVJ_8zz5Eq5l1hhyphenhyphenclYV569nRtUBwR35T_nE1HI9tAanrpC42VCsvPurfKAUWZrEnvH6L9Inn353AIjK1BcWhJuwUACSPpGWs7U6CLAN/s640/blogger-image--130956712.jpg"></a></div></div>I didn't learn a lot but did come away with a general area to begin my search: the Paiute Indians were very likely in the John Day River area. It was also suggested to me that I visit the High Desert Museum in Bend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Good thing I was headed that way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd6ZzAJnlV_bj2c7tfbQON8epOzYB_QjSjn-4SfCbTzBZuUYbgzAsIIKrr7dwWNWXSzl78dvfjjdqQlfWbeYUkS8QzZeKbOmx4C7lwgZT78wTJyDIKEOCCBwUcvTCbPJTJHYZD57HxJgN/s640/blogger-image--1421716667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfsq_Net3JJhyphenhyphenRZSK5FfPGmoyiv_BGezo9RtaVSSW_s6efOshv1_vkeOUaU-sopkBwTo0kAyaTOumcnAI7nK-caw_odI59fCUGcSmz16N4DdHL_ArXjXSAcJa3MhCweUulQMJo1OPSIG5/s640/blogger-image--371365793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfsq_Net3JJhyphenhyphenRZSK5FfPGmoyiv_BGezo9RtaVSSW_s6efOshv1_vkeOUaU-sopkBwTo0kAyaTOumcnAI7nK-caw_odI59fCUGcSmz16N4DdHL_ArXjXSAcJa3MhCweUulQMJo1OPSIG5/s640/blogger-image--371365793.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the High Desert Museum I saw snakes and spiders and eagles and an interpretive Indian life exhibit but didn't learn much more other than the Paiutes were a nomadic, seasonal tribe: traveling for root, salmon, eel and berry seasons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think my best bet for information, particularly any native storytelling, will be found in an online search ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nice to be back in Bend. Saw a section of the Deschutes River here in town that was set up with obstacles to simulate rapids and people "white water" kayaking through that area, looked like a lot of fun!! I opted for a 90 minute massage ;)</div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-30751360332974602402015-09-23T20:12:00.001-07:002015-09-23T20:12:21.705-07:00An Incident with a CowNot an accident thankfully, but definitely an "incident."<div><br></div><div>Heading out this morning for the '5 mile drive down a gravel road' I first have to park, get out of the car, open a gate, drive through the gate, park the car, get out of the car and close the gate. You are picturing this, right? Every day- coming or going- this is the routine.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, I drove up to the gate and there, on the other side were cows. Maybe 8 or 11? Big cows. Waiting. Staring. Chewing.</div><div><br></div><div>What to do?! </div><div><br></div><div>I parked as close as I could to the gate and decided to push the gate out towards the cows. I shoo'd them. They stared. They chewed. I got into my car, I said 'STAY!' to the cows. I pulled through the gate. I got out of my car. I went to close the gate. The cows stared. They chewed. ALL BUT ONE.</div><div><br></div><div>ONE made a run for it. ONE cow trotted past my car and into the Lands Inn property. Oh no! I called out to the cow. I asked it to come here, this way, no no, come back... It stared. It chewed.</div><div><br></div><div>Now the grass IS better on this other side of the fence because there IS grass on this side. The cow would not come to me. And I was NOT going to it! I couldn't go back to tell anyone because I was certain the other cows would all then make a go of coming in... So, I drove away. The group of cows looking concerned and more likely jealous that their buddy was locked on the other side... and had plenty of food to munch away on!!</div><div><br></div><div>I had to drive about 45 minutes until I found a few bars of Verizon so I could call and report (confess) the cow incident to the Inn. There was probably a better way to handle a small herd blocking the gate and I'm sure I did it all wrong :(</div><div><br></div><div>Moo'ving on...</div><div><br></div><div>Today I drove to Clarno, the furthest section of the park, to hike, meet with Josh the Ranger/Paleontologist, and do some painting or sketching.</div><div><br></div><div>It's a pretty drive along the John Day River and it takes about 2.25 hours. (With the cow incident I was now about 45 minutes behind schedule.)</div><div><br></div><div>But Clarno is heroic! It's regal! It's huge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMfOnE9sfDjI8xZZ5LwVQto2D0cmp22LhJ44TzPDbYtECQ4RJ-32JvibcTPwxoS_qxanetPfRlp8yrssygoBCneW16U_bCUxt78lIXzw16ULQ1xhhVR3EtGcaB_C3XnjeJDeLZbuoCQDd/s640/blogger-image--529795803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMfOnE9sfDjI8xZZ5LwVQto2D0cmp22LhJ44TzPDbYtECQ4RJ-32JvibcTPwxoS_qxanetPfRlp8yrssygoBCneW16U_bCUxt78lIXzw16ULQ1xhhVR3EtGcaB_C3XnjeJDeLZbuoCQDd/s640/blogger-image--529795803.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMfOnE9sfDjI8xZZ5LwVQto2D0cmp22LhJ44TzPDbYtECQ4RJ-32JvibcTPwxoS_qxanetPfRlp8yrssygoBCneW16U_bCUxt78lIXzw16ULQ1xhhVR3EtGcaB_C3XnjeJDeLZbuoCQDd/s640/blogger-image--529795803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9X5Jhml6g0xdHPMhasBr9iXCEiqSYn959Dq8r4WoUKKdDmRXJgf27zqzNxizItZcDgXDDpcgPWnSIAcjXteiX1GzBnswdGAVO4nfGS-SVbQrfKpXu3uUNFDizYPWeE9544VSC-zh1wj_/s640/blogger-image-1659499064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9X5Jhml6g0xdHPMhasBr9iXCEiqSYn959Dq8r4WoUKKdDmRXJgf27zqzNxizItZcDgXDDpcgPWnSIAcjXteiX1GzBnswdGAVO4nfGS-SVbQrfKpXu3uUNFDizYPWeE9544VSC-zh1wj_/s640/blogger-image-1659499064.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hiked up to the base of the palisades and completed two different trails. On the first, a couple I passed said to me, "umm, there's a rattle snake up there on the rock so watch out." Uhh, whaa- yikes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is not easy looking up at these towering pillars of rocks and at the same time watching every step and scoping out every single rock for a rattle snake!! Sheesh. Never did see a snake but I did see fossils ;) Leaves on rocks from about 40 million years ago which is pretty awesome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLmUvRx1mrsmVVPq-l7z-daX5t3PQ44SkggD79KGdTN5x5u5js9wJ1iPkRdBrYsMzzr1F-A87Tre7SinEdPNOPRbnortYOqBCEIfe8UlJGYYDpMwV4rh3mExUHduUAnlVJ_sUXAELNBxB/s640/blogger-image-2130216876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLmUvRx1mrsmVVPq-l7z-daX5t3PQ44SkggD79KGdTN5x5u5js9wJ1iPkRdBrYsMzzr1F-A87Tre7SinEdPNOPRbnortYOqBCEIfe8UlJGYYDpMwV4rh3mExUHduUAnlVJ_sUXAELNBxB/s640/blogger-image-2130216876.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the second trail I stopped at the Ranger outpost to say hi to Josh. He talked to me about the park and what he does... But no there was no digging today :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, cow incident and near rattle snake sighting and extreme heat fatigue all prodding away at my nerves, I gathered up my lunch from my car and sat at a covered picnic bench where I sketched the Clarno Palisades and nibbled on string cheese, V8 and mandarin oranges sealed in a plastic cup :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgObwq-Zt56ArmurqHjW1nt0C1zVciARde_8b85CCL9bLWtNShu3NT6ACYaf9YZmXlLt0tMmM7ZRGVb5dic5cNJhYhLwzEYj82c5REGYQyLGtJgPOkOLev7DfhiAwIO9m4rjr6yPmc5-Od/s640/blogger-image-24981839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgObwq-Zt56ArmurqHjW1nt0C1zVciARde_8b85CCL9bLWtNShu3NT6ACYaf9YZmXlLt0tMmM7ZRGVb5dic5cNJhYhLwzEYj82c5REGYQyLGtJgPOkOLev7DfhiAwIO9m4rjr6yPmc5-Od/s640/blogger-image-24981839.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very relaxing. Just what I needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the return drive I stopped off in Kimberly which is well known for its orchards. I picked up a few Golden Delicious and some Ambrosia Apples (very good and super crisp!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3gNhdq3oaJwLzey_5zIfAgYrsE4PrfQKYJTms4yF60aQ5wgwtD952djN1nhQOqXdU6u-zBMcjBIVc1FHTcr0djoZGL-KCJ-yU-67BqurHm9-lgInkViaJ-IlOfCql3qCmSUa8t_ulM8/s640/blogger-image--1325571314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx3gNhdq3oaJwLzey_5zIfAgYrsE4PrfQKYJTms4yF60aQ5wgwtD952djN1nhQOqXdU6u-zBMcjBIVc1FHTcr0djoZGL-KCJ-yU-67BqurHm9-lgInkViaJ-IlOfCql3qCmSUa8t_ulM8/s640/blogger-image--1325571314.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I stopped too at Foree for one last shot of those blue green formations...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyK2yeufX1LUHuyy35MyM4HN7OCiMmpeRb0S7ALIxVQJ8B-8EVTH4Gl_5BYWBmSD4FFYMWvZjL9Dp3__iYVcxhwA5s68SwigceDvSs3GZ3NbbfSV8sRZbXRJDZfGE2oJ0OboqVtmIPFRs/s640/blogger-image--376833306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyK2yeufX1LUHuyy35MyM4HN7OCiMmpeRb0S7ALIxVQJ8B-8EVTH4Gl_5BYWBmSD4FFYMWvZjL9Dp3__iYVcxhwA5s68SwigceDvSs3GZ3NbbfSV8sRZbXRJDZfGE2oJ0OboqVtmIPFRs/s640/blogger-image--376833306.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, I made my way back up the 5 mile gravel road and was relieved to see not a single cow. Safely inside MY side of the gate I unloaded the apples and made up a quick dinner so I could catch a little of the sunset. Beautiful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNceTUvI6E-D95wrRrl480EqEuQBpl1W2o7FW8S53a95m7062F8zFN6HDUMwA04lYnC7aFI0CCWxgMOMSR1rgn3VYIrQGhFJnXcZ9tQJNCRarJmB2KyUervBRQ0484Hs_XqIP3EoJmPS1/s640/blogger-image--1323504624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNceTUvI6E-D95wrRrl480EqEuQBpl1W2o7FW8S53a95m7062F8zFN6HDUMwA04lYnC7aFI0CCWxgMOMSR1rgn3VYIrQGhFJnXcZ9tQJNCRarJmB2KyUervBRQ0484Hs_XqIP3EoJmPS1/s640/blogger-image--1323504624.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-60527339799564832712015-09-23T09:06:00.001-07:002015-09-23T09:36:13.641-07:00Wild HorsesToday I stayed 'local.'<br><div><br></div><div>I was up very early so got a great start to the day and was scouting out the best view of Cathedral Rock and setting up by 8:45am. </div><div><br></div><div>Pulled over into a few bends and turns but either the location wasn't safe, the shadows weren't great or they wouldn't be great soon... So I ended up painting in the same spot I painted the Cathedral Rock in watercolor when I first arrived. And I do love that view!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJNoLm_AIViYps6O31cWzwmX-JxsCp9FkmwnrsTLhUKwYch7XEA79jngU8x2zIv8dvVRpVOCGcFL-u2mPGNntR5L_-1v2fHFtNWqRUa_c1AcqKP9LIQ74udpR39_XWUrXUyP9SKYsh-cj/s640/blogger-image--652814552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJNoLm_AIViYps6O31cWzwmX-JxsCp9FkmwnrsTLhUKwYch7XEA79jngU8x2zIv8dvVRpVOCGcFL-u2mPGNntR5L_-1v2fHFtNWqRUa_c1AcqKP9LIQ74udpR39_XWUrXUyP9SKYsh-cj/s640/blogger-image--652814552.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'd like to paint the whole scene sometime but for now zoomed in to that ribbon of dark oranges, yellows, creams, peach and greens... It's just so showy and spectacular! It's Cathedral Rock!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A nice family, a mom with 5 boys, stopped by for a lengthy visit, which was really nice. Other than that, no visitors today. I kept hearing noises like someone walking on gravel behind me, so I'd turn around and then - no one. I finally realized it was miniature rock slides from the opposite side of the road ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My god it was hot! I thought I'd pass out so started packing things up before finishing... It's very close though! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINJE9RF4j71tn0EzaF2d7joRm6BwmBzctTR-KaQXltQkJO0riAafKdqXsvDnthyphenhyphenV9Kesu0S0MvPedYqmHH5M1p97QdfzuAnN4RcrlZ1jLK2JA6vA3loK3fK56n37B03Fz9s0iQ1UhxIv/s640/blogger-image--244339002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZINJE9RF4j71tn0EzaF2d7joRm6BwmBzctTR-KaQXltQkJO0riAafKdqXsvDnthyphenhyphenV9Kesu0S0MvPedYqmHH5M1p97QdfzuAnN4RcrlZ1jLK2JA6vA3loK3fK56n37B03Fz9s0iQ1UhxIv/s640/blogger-image--244339002.jpg"></a></div>I want to knock back a bit of the intensity and value on the orange capped rock but otherwise it came out really nice. 4.5 hours, pretty long for one Plein air painting. It's 11x14. I like that there is a layering in the rocks and a layering of foreground, center, middle and a few background masses. I am pleased with that.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAI-WBEFhS55Ai04ozUtE52ltmIbEpquuQzLv4ObkGs_kV439INyhVeICfnFkAx1nqDx2DPvWe2qTGnkd-LxGOfFAkp7WXPkeiMy0muhFNoTfrJBtOJ3sKd78RVt-tdNtgsN-s2BP4yHJ/s640/blogger-image--1395646955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAI-WBEFhS55Ai04ozUtE52ltmIbEpquuQzLv4ObkGs_kV439INyhVeICfnFkAx1nqDx2DPvWe2qTGnkd-LxGOfFAkp7WXPkeiMy0muhFNoTfrJBtOJ3sKd78RVt-tdNtgsN-s2BP4yHJ/s640/blogger-image--1395646955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Life is so interesting. I stopped at the Visitors Center to use the restroom and splash some water on my face and as I walked back to my car someone asked me "Are you Sara?" It was Megan, the Ranger from the park that I interviewed with via phone and that I corresponded with when I initially applied for this Residency. She had a vacation planned for the same two weeks of my Residency! Of course I was disappointed I wouldn't get to meet this person who had been so instrumental in my selection to work here.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So there she was, saying hi in the parking lot! Also, asking if I was coming over for dinner tonight ;) umm, yes. sure. Where? Was I supposed to know this?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Apparently word was sent and I would have learned about the dinner once I'd returned to Lands Inn. So after a much needed shower and short rest I met up with the girl who runs the Inn, Molly, and her Mom, Carol, and we drove down to Megan's to have dinner along with her friend Betsy, a Ranger from Glen Canyon in Southern Utah (another BEAUTIFUL park!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dinner was delicious and fun, and a great change to my routine out here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But a gift of gifts, a treat and somehow a spiritual experience, came from our drive back up the mountain. It's of course very dark, Molly's driving and around a curve, through some sage brush came running 3 wild horses!!! Amazing!! A little stocky; 2 larger and one smaller/younger. So cool!</div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-22467964554251989012015-09-22T14:18:00.001-07:002015-09-22T14:18:05.516-07:00Research, Scheduling and an ExcursionPretty serious words for a Monday!<div><br></div><div>Started off the day saying farewell to the other guests. It's been so nice to have such interesting people around to visit with at night; sharing stories of our explorations and our lives.</div><div><br></div><div>After a round of hugs, it was back down the mountain to the Visitors Center to schedule the rest of my week with the Rangers and choose the day for my on-location walk-about with a Paleontologist. </div><div><br></div><div>Next up was getting the addresses and hours for the different Indian Confederate Tribe centers where I will research the local Tribes of the John Day River area (which I learned today was originally called the Maha River.) </div><div><br></div><div>While I've been painting, sketching, hiking, taking photographs and absorbing the unique geography of the area during my residency, my goal is to incorporate these things with some of my research into Native Tribal folklore and storytelling. I want to weave the landscape with the stories and create a series of paintings in my studio.</div><div><br></div><div>As part of my Residency, I have 4 months to submit 3 completed paintings to a panel from the NPS here at John Day Fossil. The panel will then select one as the FINAL piece. I'll then have an additional 2 months to make any changes to it, let it dry, have it varnished, framed and shipped! ( Come to think of it I may have already explained this in an earlier post! Oh well...)</div><div><br></div><div>I gathered up my schedule for the week, took a walk down to the river for a peek, then headed out for my EXCURSION! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID6Ga05TwBNr3dGJlAWW5tXd6_y4QVWwv7Yjla9Rb6B7hzEUZoIswqxHYZFsqiYbOTU3uLNPPdK392mSU925S37qtuH0fEZ5IqQzU9rzxI7D67raCn1BcaW2fKZ0Jt26j0PqF7f73cIqx/s640/blogger-image-313959280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID6Ga05TwBNr3dGJlAWW5tXd6_y4QVWwv7Yjla9Rb6B7hzEUZoIswqxHYZFsqiYbOTU3uLNPPdK392mSU925S37qtuH0fEZ5IqQzU9rzxI7D67raCn1BcaW2fKZ0Jt26j0PqF7f73cIqx/s640/blogger-image-313959280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes. I, Sara. Drove. 3. Hours. To visit the Pendelton Woolen Mill in Pendelton, Oregon!! Gorgeous climbing drive up to 5075 ft surrounded by Ponderosa Pines then back down and across wheat colored grasslands and past weathered wind blown barns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I toured. I shopped. I drove down Main Street. Saw great, big old Craftsman Homes. I found a Starbucks! I got gas. I drove 3 hours back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, 3 hours and 12 minutes thanks to a mandatory sunset photo and cow traffic on my last 5 miles up the gravel road<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uQpW68NKToaD4KAfGxTu5UqWhzn7FKag1h2pPC6EjcWjzfrPbkjlkR7E_1NFVYX3EPJPoGbdMJk5wHXZF1AbrwywmE7-rho5Ev1SWO3Bb6OLAoRFiRTAmbzUuS25gCrLwqAt3rU6cYTf/s640/blogger-image--1339203127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uQpW68NKToaD4KAfGxTu5UqWhzn7FKag1h2pPC6EjcWjzfrPbkjlkR7E_1NFVYX3EPJPoGbdMJk5wHXZF1AbrwywmE7-rho5Ev1SWO3Bb6OLAoRFiRTAmbzUuS25gCrLwqAt3rU6cYTf/s640/blogger-image--1339203127.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-24795882858888377062015-09-20T15:30:00.001-07:002015-09-20T15:42:06.795-07:00Sunday at Painted HillsDespite a flurry of moths pinging off the walls and windows all night, and systematically throwing covers off and then blindly searching for them to put back on... I managed to sleep just enough and to wake up early to get off of the mountain and down to the highway in record time this morning. <div><br></div><div>An hour drive and a hike up to a great vantage point and I was ready to paint by 9 am! Applause, applause!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TzijQqK4HCrzaBYD6El3ia3WqWhf3QOT2qMTzB8CxiNKlhT5GZKJOz7xc5WPXmRzrwIQnWnyk2apFxBbWfseSBiU5EDMHBGRNLa7DR6tE1GzP1r_nZkNzwKaYgTcGLr217EDK_A3ljQl/s640/blogger-image--249279075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TzijQqK4HCrzaBYD6El3ia3WqWhf3QOT2qMTzB8CxiNKlhT5GZKJOz7xc5WPXmRzrwIQnWnyk2apFxBbWfseSBiU5EDMHBGRNLa7DR6tE1GzP1r_nZkNzwKaYgTcGLr217EDK_A3ljQl/s640/blogger-image--249279075.jpg"></a>Check out my fully loaded Kelty backpack, I was ready for anything.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jO-RKTNBKhyphenhyphen-LYG1HN9BE8wYPJEKOeU9biyHn0mLXgmLrQiLGi-ejpiATRkPyxMkpYwKcnKCcEFLntdMopTXK0AGy-sN0nf_kksgrJqI1L7G_IxXxPf7aGNixeMD9AA8mOmZHEAcJraC/s640/blogger-image-2029114962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jO-RKTNBKhyphenhyphen-LYG1HN9BE8wYPJEKOeU9biyHn0mLXgmLrQiLGi-ejpiATRkPyxMkpYwKcnKCcEFLntdMopTXK0AGy-sN0nf_kksgrJqI1L7G_IxXxPf7aGNixeMD9AA8mOmZHEAcJraC/s640/blogger-image-2029114962.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After some sketching I decided on a composition without a sky, I think my first landscape without a sky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd16ej2_AWWnJNG0HQW1_oduQx1NRC6_sU5cHe0jpUjJiyA-S-h2Ia7KfFQk7HeiZAcVzkRMjuSsr4RSEDhWL7dS_ewu9sLqjwPNCimUoLPQWjRGSCIma_TP5foweRVkUMXc37T8eWZ6tD/s640/blogger-image--1246519128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd16ej2_AWWnJNG0HQW1_oduQx1NRC6_sU5cHe0jpUjJiyA-S-h2Ia7KfFQk7HeiZAcVzkRMjuSsr4RSEDhWL7dS_ewu9sLqjwPNCimUoLPQWjRGSCIma_TP5foweRVkUMXc37T8eWZ6tD/s640/blogger-image--1246519128.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday seems to be a busy day in the park, I had a lot of opportunities to visit with people... Well anyone who made the hike up to the vantage point ;) I was surprised how many people just walk part way or just walk to the edge, take a photo and jump back in the car!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4 hours in, just doing some minor tweaks, a boy hiking ahead of his family stopped to see what I was doing. He was probably 8 or 9... "I think you're done. You've already achieved a lot of depth." His name was Cole, so Thank You Cole!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zw60sz9mav-BB2C4u3QubRggRa3UMNMrm0X6eXNG2qE6HSIhkS1VbJs3kehcxDVz3FvNCgV05A9X9bBCy5SetYpmUfq_hiJKQjxGUjKaFvsNuLcY-lmby1QH3o3mIkk9SqjYE-pmVmH_/s640/blogger-image--1141958064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zw60sz9mav-BB2C4u3QubRggRa3UMNMrm0X6eXNG2qE6HSIhkS1VbJs3kehcxDVz3FvNCgV05A9X9bBCy5SetYpmUfq_hiJKQjxGUjKaFvsNuLcY-lmby1QH3o3mIkk9SqjYE-pmVmH_/s640/blogger-image--1141958064.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple from Bend came up about then so I asked the girl if she would take a photo for me...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7E9_hOlJFyPDQj_M4WQ61AtlCRuLd-4eJ7hyYR7E3KfPLJAEdDxUARdY8PJb6s59o3TXvFOLqINg0THHsn2lcPo3wA5tbYbknK15fjjZ0Rf8a4Va1lnQy5lV3XSSqqbRgro35aZfV-a8/s640/blogger-image--1215418988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7E9_hOlJFyPDQj_M4WQ61AtlCRuLd-4eJ7hyYR7E3KfPLJAEdDxUARdY8PJb6s59o3TXvFOLqINg0THHsn2lcPo3wA5tbYbknK15fjjZ0Rf8a4Va1lnQy5lV3XSSqqbRgro35aZfV-a8/s640/blogger-image--1215418988.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Umm, could you get any FURTHER AWAY?? Too funny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Overheated, thirsty and tired, I retreated to a small cafe in the bustling town of Mitchell ;) <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGMEKCYzrGC3fsXrfQE_wdIPbqA2snGwmChN0Sn_uNG68xAMpK-DxXO66Hk1ca9LhDtHQOzbD931uBAHy_WVipk9HY_iOn9sUo5elI2xOcfK7wdyXwKqTmdhtf65qAbPdXXL0rjDnUbcJ/s640/blogger-image--992727826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGMEKCYzrGC3fsXrfQE_wdIPbqA2snGwmChN0Sn_uNG68xAMpK-DxXO66Hk1ca9LhDtHQOzbD931uBAHy_WVipk9HY_iOn9sUo5elI2xOcfK7wdyXwKqTmdhtf65qAbPdXXL0rjDnUbcJ/s640/blogger-image--992727826.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-42055022001632699932015-09-20T07:54:00.001-07:002015-09-20T07:54:55.119-07:00A Very Good Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Legs stretched out across a couch, I'm eating apples and sipping a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA (I'm going to miss these!) and I'm thinking... This was a really good Saturday!</span></div><div><br></div><div>I made it off the mountain in pretty good time, earliest time yet :) I drove up the road to Foree and hiked out to the end of a trail to paint this giant blue geological formation, ie "rock." I'll have to check with one of the ever growing number of Geologists staying here what the real name of the 'rock' is, probably some lahar butte or such and such... <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRRgGwZP9SSmQo53vJ-E1Y4ow_aKjZfsP2uAX0XAfSiIpiSkvPlrfchSNWAXk99ifk0kawobZXcl4mB-rU-pJJr_tx1-_IbegJeOLsZ_-9nRcejFp1sQkiyvugwpEESlO7AAuVmvLITAV/s640/blogger-image-2105720507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRRgGwZP9SSmQo53vJ-E1Y4ow_aKjZfsP2uAX0XAfSiIpiSkvPlrfchSNWAXk99ifk0kawobZXcl4mB-rU-pJJr_tx1-_IbegJeOLsZ_-9nRcejFp1sQkiyvugwpEESlO7AAuVmvLITAV/s640/blogger-image-2105720507.jpg"></a></div>but I just like how it is the only free standing blue rock and it has beautiful shapes within its mass. It also seems like the same shape as all my gear in my Kelty backpack;)</div><div><br></div><div>I was out there and set up at 10 am. Already hot. No one else around. So, so quiet. About 3 hours in, a couple from Vancouver, Washington hiked by and stopped to visit for awhile. Later a young couple came through, didn't stop or visit but did have their selfie stick trailing them the entire time. Sigh.</div><div><br></div><div>As I said it was hot. It was bright too with the sun bouncing off all the light blue, green and pale yellows... I decided to paint my piece in those 'high-key' colors and values. Came out great.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dMGPF4LmJ4vB8keWwPzMgTDCrnbXznGJuszUKkUsUu5bYVKopaFAnDo5KLPMq4VvlPPoWeIocBG_-lIUmzqlzc0_vJpEsW7nlL2046lS4M4yKt8w4ai9c1PM75p2pYzK92VUuSOqWVw-/s640/blogger-image--1002294695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dMGPF4LmJ4vB8keWwPzMgTDCrnbXznGJuszUKkUsUu5bYVKopaFAnDo5KLPMq4VvlPPoWeIocBG_-lIUmzqlzc0_vJpEsW7nlL2046lS4M4yKt8w4ai9c1PM75p2pYzK92VUuSOqWVw-/s640/blogger-image--1002294695.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After packing everything back into my backpack and hiking to the car, I needed shade desperately. That's pretty impossible to find out here. I headed down the road, eye out for a pull out and shade... and 30 minutes later I found myself in the small town of Dayville in a cafe with ice tea, wifi and Marion Berry Pie. I had a salad of course too :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While I cooled off and had a great lunch I was able to back up all my iPhone photos to Dropbox thanks to their wifi (hallelujah!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Feeling like the morning and afternoon had been very successful, I drove up to Blue Basin for a hike. AMAZING! The trail takes you around a blue rock gorge and to an overlook with spectacular views. On one side is a hill that is black from the big June fire and the other side opens out to the John Day River valley and the ash/rocks. Can't explain it but, look!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPBwM7eNXgRx-_lJZplkfqdvSRWEGlKylNhWt0BzbkMqOu4YT75v5H_reXVEYW2kkZiJ88PHPgMROO4-kZ009Aqdq-TZS3JusqUgS3xJurXs90Nvx34is0oWhH-rRIG3PGzizs3ztpA2z/s640/blogger-image--337996148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPBwM7eNXgRx-_lJZplkfqdvSRWEGlKylNhWt0BzbkMqOu4YT75v5H_reXVEYW2kkZiJ88PHPgMROO4-kZ009Aqdq-TZS3JusqUgS3xJurXs90Nvx34is0oWhH-rRIG3PGzizs3ztpA2z/s640/blogger-image--337996148.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPBwM7eNXgRx-_lJZplkfqdvSRWEGlKylNhWt0BzbkMqOu4YT75v5H_reXVEYW2kkZiJ88PHPgMROO4-kZ009Aqdq-TZS3JusqUgS3xJurXs90Nvx34is0oWhH-rRIG3PGzizs3ztpA2z/s640/blogger-image--337996148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHUFqVRjl0iibWZOY5uSHlsJz1nX2tGlRJOCW5G1az5YxYY9dnaIttGcmGPF40GHfUEZjcoJsPDXKu2ocfYNajZS9-KjjLBzCHOYxCPiC7TapkiGOIU-i9ag2iYbFo6O3wM5youusZ1xG/s640/blogger-image--1898717039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHUFqVRjl0iibWZOY5uSHlsJz1nX2tGlRJOCW5G1az5YxYY9dnaIttGcmGPF40GHfUEZjcoJsPDXKu2ocfYNajZS9-KjjLBzCHOYxCPiC7TapkiGOIU-i9ag2iYbFo6O3wM5youusZ1xG/s640/blogger-image--1898717039.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHUFqVRjl0iibWZOY5uSHlsJz1nX2tGlRJOCW5G1az5YxYY9dnaIttGcmGPF40GHfUEZjcoJsPDXKu2ocfYNajZS9-KjjLBzCHOYxCPiC7TapkiGOIU-i9ag2iYbFo6O3wM5youusZ1xG/s640/blogger-image--1898717039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg5nHREUg8HWgTpm0ev1lWJlykkHmmtRwYGi69zKpcSL8lJPx5Poelxuu6DiTG3fhcghnYF1bED_Sqj4Geee8iAe_iwdekkAQS9xErINLlRg62Xi5FkoXr1q926m353hwtF6gU9zcHSkp/s640/blogger-image-949762606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg5nHREUg8HWgTpm0ev1lWJlykkHmmtRwYGi69zKpcSL8lJPx5Poelxuu6DiTG3fhcghnYF1bED_Sqj4Geee8iAe_iwdekkAQS9xErINLlRg62Xi5FkoXr1q926m353hwtF6gU9zcHSkp/s640/blogger-image-949762606.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg5nHREUg8HWgTpm0ev1lWJlykkHmmtRwYGi69zKpcSL8lJPx5Poelxuu6DiTG3fhcghnYF1bED_Sqj4Geee8iAe_iwdekkAQS9xErINLlRg62Xi5FkoXr1q926m353hwtF6gU9zcHSkp/s640/blogger-image-949762606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNRv355H63Mmt0si6LS9gCL-ezpkkhQZGxPYubDyzT_GiNloTJJEz00020ILo-uiukXTLN2tskUhYwVKEDsiy8ZWhgdGf3FD5BRvQnj2Hw7IKxW9nTs_fSi7uailVgYWCB7S7hQKqVXM/s640/blogger-image--809007662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNRv355H63Mmt0si6LS9gCL-ezpkkhQZGxPYubDyzT_GiNloTJJEz00020ILo-uiukXTLN2tskUhYwVKEDsiy8ZWhgdGf3FD5BRvQnj2Hw7IKxW9nTs_fSi7uailVgYWCB7S7hQKqVXM/s640/blogger-image--809007662.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNRv355H63Mmt0si6LS9gCL-ezpkkhQZGxPYubDyzT_GiNloTJJEz00020ILo-uiukXTLN2tskUhYwVKEDsiy8ZWhgdGf3FD5BRvQnj2Hw7IKxW9nTs_fSi7uailVgYWCB7S7hQKqVXM/s640/blogger-image--809007662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPWsc0qbYwtik6z82yYIzEUFOuZyy_hfeaJn61LZyAmToHY2MbqUhJbx-JnKsW-tiQ-2MHng9FrPJvuXFw5laHHagBRwJa5NQi1bMwA5LF3k9UAYUJ7IbT0Y1-6_7NLulgfB8f3DxBcpn/s640/blogger-image-662329004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPWsc0qbYwtik6z82yYIzEUFOuZyy_hfeaJn61LZyAmToHY2MbqUhJbx-JnKsW-tiQ-2MHng9FrPJvuXFw5laHHagBRwJa5NQi1bMwA5LF3k9UAYUJ7IbT0Y1-6_7NLulgfB8f3DxBcpn/s640/blogger-image-662329004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Took me about 1.5 hours, it's very steep and you climb for 2 miles and then switch back down for another mile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, a very good Saturday!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-28739550367542270422015-09-19T09:13:00.001-07:002015-09-19T09:13:54.564-07:00Small World and SketchesIt's Friday, it's here so fast!<div><br></div><div>It's also sunny, blue and warm! (85 this afternoon) I drove back out to Foree this morning and hiked up to the 'Ring of Fire' - a steep but not too far trail up to an overlook with a sweeping view of layered rocks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw13vxb4y2SOOylWuqJ4y-JR6TAK8bWadlFYKwSrE1NQou6WHT66z8sD61T5KxiPigaqVwPYoIqI3UPcKQVojX9kmFVEoUzryJl1Nwkh6NN9a8lFixKbryMZSGJ0bkf25jyRuCZVYQD2f/s640/blogger-image-1215510156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw13vxb4y2SOOylWuqJ4y-JR6TAK8bWadlFYKwSrE1NQou6WHT66z8sD61T5KxiPigaqVwPYoIqI3UPcKQVojX9kmFVEoUzryJl1Nwkh6NN9a8lFixKbryMZSGJ0bkf25jyRuCZVYQD2f/s640/blogger-image-1215510156.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The formations here are so unique, I started a painting but quickly realized I was making up some of the forms, not really understanding what was actually in front of me. I'm not a realist painter, don't even want to be, but I do want to understand what I'm seeing so I can push and exaggerate from something "real." </div><div><br></div><div>So I walked to another viewpoint and sketched...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAI-OBK6afkduR80f0npj5N32Cau2qDcHIhhszLZfWlKLGxitJ7vlYjFw2S63KIyfgl7ObQfLoXk9IPgXbVo-Ta6WK4yE6FPrS2LcCLmuAvzzJAlR_0-w-I98IOkke7R7O20kgWJMscAy/s640/blogger-image--1472056743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAI-OBK6afkduR80f0npj5N32Cau2qDcHIhhszLZfWlKLGxitJ7vlYjFw2S63KIyfgl7ObQfLoXk9IPgXbVo-Ta6WK4yE6FPrS2LcCLmuAvzzJAlR_0-w-I98IOkke7R7O20kgWJMscAy/s640/blogger-image--1472056743.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAI-OBK6afkduR80f0npj5N32Cau2qDcHIhhszLZfWlKLGxitJ7vlYjFw2S63KIyfgl7ObQfLoXk9IPgXbVo-Ta6WK4yE6FPrS2LcCLmuAvzzJAlR_0-w-I98IOkke7R7O20kgWJMscAy/s640/blogger-image--1472056743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfThtUObAsl6jR09We_1cq6mj6DLburoy4AAVifaDPiQoPYhsYk2rhFZt6LQJ8Vy5rY8nHry4_lSFzoZxVFmtg5neIwQYc8j7naAMv8YUk1UdH8uMNKH-PVEsDkyKlfH-jcA2Re9zONb5h/s640/blogger-image-497362948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfThtUObAsl6jR09We_1cq6mj6DLburoy4AAVifaDPiQoPYhsYk2rhFZt6LQJ8Vy5rY8nHry4_lSFzoZxVFmtg5neIwQYc8j7naAMv8YUk1UdH8uMNKH-PVEsDkyKlfH-jcA2Re9zONb5h/s640/blogger-image-497362948.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The formations are a lot like folds of fabric, triangles spilling down to triangles and fluid forms like curtains. The blue greens are a Celadonite (sp?) a type of low temperature Mica. Very beautiful.</div></div></div><div><br></div><div>As I was out at the end of the trail I saw a guy walking towards me with a huge backpack with a strange green contraption coming out of it... A Google trail camera. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cyOcUV3dPcHO9i6DF5fhcmadjncQbYUZA-uD9X1b1eGEqc-7BMTjmyj1e-qTNplu95n5l4pJpmFXpQV5eY-u2w4x2eZFK23IBxFu7CBhj4KT7yhMW4I1wLxjGo6PEoK_0iw6xOKpQVZI/s640/blogger-image-1211790225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cyOcUV3dPcHO9i6DF5fhcmadjncQbYUZA-uD9X1b1eGEqc-7BMTjmyj1e-qTNplu95n5l4pJpmFXpQV5eY-u2w4x2eZFK23IBxFu7CBhj4KT7yhMW4I1wLxjGo6PEoK_0iw6xOKpQVZI/s640/blogger-image-1211790225.jpg"></a></div>So bizarre. Also, the guy was from San Jose :) His girlfriend was with him too, she is also an artist... Such a small world.</div><div><br></div><div>I met a lot of people today, I think because it is Friday and it was the first sunny warm day in about a week. I'm expecting it to be 'busy' this weekend here in the park, we'll see.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll stay close again... Which only means somewhere within 45-60 minutes of driving, as nothing is CLOSE and even if I see something stunning, I can only paint THE PARK.</div><div><br></div><div>We have two new campers tonight up at Lands Inn, the woman is a book artist :)</div><div><br></div><div>I love how random and small life can be and the interesting things you learn about someone when you don't have your face in your phone and strike up a conversation with strangers. Today I met a couple who live on a boat in Mexico, a BLM Ranger/security patrol guy who lives in Pahrump, Nevada and a Photographer from Idaho.</div><div><br></div><div>Where I'm staying is very beautiful and pretty remote. No wifi. No internet. No cell service. Off the grid, solar and propane. Coyotes yapping. Cats running around. Somehow big moths get in my room every night... So my bedtime ritual is to catch and release the moths, write the blog, catch some more moths and go to sleep about 9! I post the days blog the next morning, when I stop by the visitors center :)</div><div><br></div><div>So goodnight! (Or good morning!)</div><div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-25245222487244002872015-09-18T09:52:00.001-07:002015-09-18T10:10:09.927-07:00Mixing Things UpWell it did finally rain.<div><br></div><div>I stayed up pretty late Wednesday night, sitting close to the wood burning stove, nice and toasty, reading a book on my Kindle and listening to the fire crack and the rain hitting the hangar.</div><div><br></div><div>What I didn't realize was that it was actually raining pretty good. I found THAT out when I went to my little apartment and heard a drip, squish, drip, squish... and saw a very wet bed. </div><div><br></div><div>Not my bed THANKFULLY!!! but a twin bed down at the opposite end of the big room. Water dripping pretty steadily from the metal roof, hitting the edge of the bed and then squishing into an ever growing wet swath of carpet. It was 10pm. </div><div><br></div><div>So I pushed the bed out of the way, grabbed a plastic garbage can and set it under the dripping.</div><div><br></div><div>The drip squish turned into a tap, tap, tap as water drops hit a plastic liner in the plastic can. So, so glad I packed ear plugs!!!</div><div><br></div><div>After capturing and releasing 3 good sized, near black moths who seemingly wanted to read my glowing book with me - I went to sleep.</div><div><br></div><div>Thursday morning was drizzling and grey so I set out to find a good spot to paint Cathedral Rock. The rain pumped up the colors, gorgeous, and kept me from setting up the oil paints. So I pulled out my watercolor pans and painted the view from the back of my car, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Met a nice couple from Holland who stopped by to see what I was doing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBl9Py8KSlXdQ1f0aN8heJqxepgbV73bILcPoLviV5t-Y5_bFz7BXRXOliG-xrtWwXjy_ryj83zvtGBP6gFRjFyXd_MVMWbJCjAi91AuQyHleRekLS1Pq3B7SdPOXX3h2WCaujiICvGRA/s640/blogger-image-940707850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBl9Py8KSlXdQ1f0aN8heJqxepgbV73bILcPoLviV5t-Y5_bFz7BXRXOliG-xrtWwXjy_ryj83zvtGBP6gFRjFyXd_MVMWbJCjAi91AuQyHleRekLS1Pq3B7SdPOXX3h2WCaujiICvGRA/s640/blogger-image-940707850.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBl9Py8KSlXdQ1f0aN8heJqxepgbV73bILcPoLviV5t-Y5_bFz7BXRXOliG-xrtWwXjy_ryj83zvtGBP6gFRjFyXd_MVMWbJCjAi91AuQyHleRekLS1Pq3B7SdPOXX3h2WCaujiICvGRA/s640/blogger-image-940707850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r1lfeW-Oqdw3-0oqoRBeludhp14yYAGKTPhk4eF_SIqE2s0t4u6IhrzwjUyLrqGppAzvHIwtbdQaIqWN55vEvXslDBX4Mgp6RDqNJ5MHdNCJtaH7fN4h8cDm9za-QtUSBZwKbkkvIHI7/s640/blogger-image--652086455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r1lfeW-Oqdw3-0oqoRBeludhp14yYAGKTPhk4eF_SIqE2s0t4u6IhrzwjUyLrqGppAzvHIwtbdQaIqWN55vEvXslDBX4Mgp6RDqNJ5MHdNCJtaH7fN4h8cDm9za-QtUSBZwKbkkvIHI7/s640/blogger-image--652086455.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't paint in water colors that often anymore, but just after today I'm reminded how much I love it. It was my first love! I'll have to not neglect it so much ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It continued to rain and was 56 degrees so I drove up to Foree, another section of the Park that has beautiful blue/green formations to hike around (ie: I needed to warm up!) <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiondIM-5Xn6NidgQVjYVgX9nXqCYYWL98WBgl-mi6TpSgxRgvXQ-ZERcWsIXwCjZ8ZmAsc-UcBS9afzhl4mbqk9iOFNtymYJH5TlkFUL-I53UZWsoF7FsV3rVcTk2K2Kigjcc0toxh7D8J/s640/blogger-image-891661370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiondIM-5Xn6NidgQVjYVgX9nXqCYYWL98WBgl-mi6TpSgxRgvXQ-ZERcWsIXwCjZ8ZmAsc-UcBS9afzhl4mbqk9iOFNtymYJH5TlkFUL-I53UZWsoF7FsV3rVcTk2K2Kigjcc0toxh7D8J/s640/blogger-image-891661370.jpg"></a></div>but as beautiful as it was I got frustrated and fixated on my stupid iPhone which wouldn't take anymore photos. I sat in the car seeing what I could delete and did this and did that but nothing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I drove back down to the Visitors Center and did some more deleting and checking what photos I'd already backed up etc etc and managed to make a little bit of room on the phone. Tomorrow I'll drive to Dayville where there is a cafe with wifi and Pie ;) I'll back up photos to Dropbox and then delete the rest on the phone. So frustrating!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">OK. Thankfully I made some room because the sky opened up and there was spectacular light! This is Sheep Rock right across from the Visitors Center...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpr_NlKnB6UpjFhjEM_h_hTNQP-90ONS1_ZZdS7zwBkrZj8sJkTTC6AQiWYMDGt5rxpb0j8q1pHASCUoXuEGygrb8Z_kxtIoaaw9tFGWnNmUUTMusnkFCdnXOLmFfMIwkIFBB62ZUV9nx/s640/blogger-image-855717322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpr_NlKnB6UpjFhjEM_h_hTNQP-90ONS1_ZZdS7zwBkrZj8sJkTTC6AQiWYMDGt5rxpb0j8q1pHASCUoXuEGygrb8Z_kxtIoaaw9tFGWnNmUUTMusnkFCdnXOLmFfMIwkIFBB62ZUV9nx/s640/blogger-image-855717322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crisis postponed, I drove up to Blue Basin to hike. I only brought my sketchbook because it looked like it was going to open up and pour any moment. It's fantastic! Gorgeous! I'll go back and paint when it's not wet but wow wow wow! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqS-0ldR-Fo8aRM6Xkn092XRVK5eIBQOzS_rI5RbsxiqAJjS12uXDVdYPL0NG2F0458tKrLksnjxb6AFXikSqkR3qtZRehB9IqbnlJqNMSX39qRKYqVB3Rd4iMKDVLP-Kt1pKAAmij-uB/s640/blogger-image--1686208978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqS-0ldR-Fo8aRM6Xkn092XRVK5eIBQOzS_rI5RbsxiqAJjS12uXDVdYPL0NG2F0458tKrLksnjxb6AFXikSqkR3qtZRehB9IqbnlJqNMSX39qRKYqVB3Rd4iMKDVLP-Kt1pKAAmij-uB/s640/blogger-image--1686208978.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqS-0ldR-Fo8aRM6Xkn092XRVK5eIBQOzS_rI5RbsxiqAJjS12uXDVdYPL0NG2F0458tKrLksnjxb6AFXikSqkR3qtZRehB9IqbnlJqNMSX39qRKYqVB3Rd4iMKDVLP-Kt1pKAAmij-uB/s640/blogger-image--1686208978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPOtodr-KVWjIuxRVggejQ870c6dGydCrW1ePokWFwNuOpBoj9jqwFN5UNk33-a2KehOlpBmBqL7MDDpUANpICKUrAA95ZA5Rozd7mS-AndTUCnqkT60xudugu2IFIIVHnRgiQf9prxmz/s640/blogger-image--1591157923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPOtodr-KVWjIuxRVggejQ870c6dGydCrW1ePokWFwNuOpBoj9jqwFN5UNk33-a2KehOlpBmBqL7MDDpUANpICKUrAA95ZA5Rozd7mS-AndTUCnqkT60xudugu2IFIIVHnRgiQf9prxmz/s640/blogger-image--1591157923.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look at that sky! Sketched though and met some nice folks curious about what I was doing and why I had Volunteer gear on :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight is game night. I'm here with 4 Geologists and the girl who is running the Inn, Molly, a few cats and the dog, Black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow, more iPhone shenanigans and then hopefully blue skies and oil painting.</div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-68492991099284782992015-09-17T09:31:00.001-07:002015-09-17T10:14:52.507-07:00Clarno, the Furthest and the OldestI'd heard rain was on the way so planned on staying close and exploring Hwy 19 and the Sheep Rock section of John Day Fossil Beds.<div><br></div><div>As I drove up 19, I first came to an amazing layered and perfectly named 'Cathedral Rock.' No great pull-outs for roadside painting but I'll figure that out and be back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaUlstQ726v2dlz_0Ev61m0Vcl8YRPsDaDD_SpXMQMhMHKzC9ZLWb0OQgzUda_tEz31vHPZmTGDRtuJwkjC2H6891QHN71029XKODThh15eVaC-5gWLkYvz9ifaztQ1trxs9a3ubSAy5l/s640/blogger-image-1650144595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaUlstQ726v2dlz_0Ev61m0Vcl8YRPsDaDD_SpXMQMhMHKzC9ZLWb0OQgzUda_tEz31vHPZmTGDRtuJwkjC2H6891QHN71029XKODThh15eVaC-5gWLkYvz9ifaztQ1trxs9a3ubSAy5l/s640/blogger-image-1650144595.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The sky had tiny patches of blue, still mostly grey but no rain - so I decided to keep driving and head out to the furthest section of the park, it also happens to be the oldest Geologically; Clarno. (Approximately 53-40 million years ago.)</div><div><br></div><div>The weather held thankfully, and now I will have seen each section of the park and can more easily plan where to go for early morning light and for afternoon shadows. </div><div><br></div><div>It took so long to get to Clarno! .. a bit over 2 hours. A beautiful winding road following the river, more mountainous and with great big pine trees... But it seemed to take forever. FOREVER!</div><div><br></div><div>Ahhh, but Clarno! So spectacular!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JkgzWxeKh3OeLdWau8X8nwlFxbq-xuwo4Nk0lHFSvh2t2iuuO-nje6VA_qZZgG_65j_FzP6eYUF4DBAsXslhx5m_k-fwU6zq0UFzc1EH20ikYc2z27OCoP3UY5H8eyVpQpZKpQBDmmY3/s640/blogger-image-288433426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JkgzWxeKh3OeLdWau8X8nwlFxbq-xuwo4Nk0lHFSvh2t2iuuO-nje6VA_qZZgG_65j_FzP6eYUF4DBAsXslhx5m_k-fwU6zq0UFzc1EH20ikYc2z27OCoP3UY5H8eyVpQpZKpQBDmmY3/s640/blogger-image-288433426.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The palisades are enormous, you come around a bend and there they are! Deep rusts and golden greens mixed with blues and mauves. Lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Originally I wanted to go for a hike, just check out the area, but I had to get a quickish painting in, I mean - I'd come so far! It was fun to talk to visitors, not a lot of people out that way but nearly everyone I saw came over to say hello and see what I was doing. Of course I was decked out in my NPS Volunteer clothing, and people were curious about the Artist in Residence program :) I met people from Ohio, Germany, Portland, 'the Tri-Cities' (still not sure where that is) and Australia. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa_9z-hoeUMtoo1G7nliv8lN6m5Ar__FvwNHR1yNciXhBslisi5GA4W7nPHAVmjIiZHBEQWBHee2Wngjyfs3dp_y1VwLQeKtZryQ_Y8qP8H2TnUsRgMavl0jL2F6ZPgHjermCS2dbCzgj/s640/blogger-image-459691119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa_9z-hoeUMtoo1G7nliv8lN6m5Ar__FvwNHR1yNciXhBslisi5GA4W7nPHAVmjIiZHBEQWBHee2Wngjyfs3dp_y1VwLQeKtZryQ_Y8qP8H2TnUsRgMavl0jL2F6ZPgHjermCS2dbCzgj/s640/blogger-image-459691119.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa_9z-hoeUMtoo1G7nliv8lN6m5Ar__FvwNHR1yNciXhBslisi5GA4W7nPHAVmjIiZHBEQWBHee2Wngjyfs3dp_y1VwLQeKtZryQ_Y8qP8H2TnUsRgMavl0jL2F6ZPgHjermCS2dbCzgj/s640/blogger-image-459691119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrWGwMcddKMW_oemJBKWvKX0_DgpcViBQ6zrCjBtM93nMmmVot3sdBW2W7lNrFJXTDVmD6dbeIUMDfaFPTFRDycWmDU1_LOjHaqf4oEaUO9VDnSPbSAgMKz6ikvDBKWaBwjPky7fdnHbr/s640/blogger-image-1647925370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrWGwMcddKMW_oemJBKWvKX0_DgpcViBQ6zrCjBtM93nMmmVot3sdBW2W7lNrFJXTDVmD6dbeIUMDfaFPTFRDycWmDU1_LOjHaqf4oEaUO9VDnSPbSAgMKz6ikvDBKWaBwjPky7fdnHbr/s640/blogger-image-1647925370.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I stayed as long as I dared because I knew I had a minimum 2 hours of driving to get back, I needed to get gas (station closes at 5), I wanted to get a good picture of the John Day River <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3K-0PS6D1dr7XoL06iKsy4-m17GsnT85DejNZvixUI7NJ5qViA_3xVVtT4EWkdhFifar_KK-omzPPZIyQTUMVSgJqjvLHez19rGW8-DMT8d0fqgupRBTl95SHdajbaI-xMzWlm-XZkp/s640/blogger-image-1855013468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3K-0PS6D1dr7XoL06iKsy4-m17GsnT85DejNZvixUI7NJ5qViA_3xVVtT4EWkdhFifar_KK-omzPPZIyQTUMVSgJqjvLHez19rGW8-DMT8d0fqgupRBTl95SHdajbaI-xMzWlm-XZkp/s640/blogger-image-1855013468.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">... and I didn't want to get back to Lands Inn in the dark because of all the deer!(Instead I had to maneuver around some annoyed cows.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccCh_G4-n4vSzAHnKLOqy-cA_CwqFoAbVob3jgn7ZpSeN8r_V8ursXMEGr0wec9j2Fc7hdgiDqI00JczYaZJgz4vLSddTm6mBQUc0jJRWRHypaMdW7pUySd_2rwegLR4i-1GYJFtASKVE/s640/blogger-image-2000204520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccCh_G4-n4vSzAHnKLOqy-cA_CwqFoAbVob3jgn7ZpSeN8r_V8ursXMEGr0wec9j2Fc7hdgiDqI00JczYaZJgz4vLSddTm6mBQUc0jJRWRHypaMdW7pUySd_2rwegLR4i-1GYJFtASKVE/s640/blogger-image-2000204520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just as I was closing the cow gate behind me, the rain began.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will not go on a long drive tomorrow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm now drinking a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA (a fantastic local beer), eating scrambled eggs for dinner and visiting with Abby (the Geologist.) She just told me that tomorrow is game night and that a couple other Geologists from the park are coming up here for cards. Too funny.</div></div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-53968489844227275042015-09-16T11:38:00.001-07:002015-09-16T15:44:40.198-07:00Checking in and Checking it OutIt didn't take me long to grow accustomed to the sounds my home away from home makes: wind on corrugated metal, squawking hawks, cats fighting, moths throwing themselves against the windows and the pops and snaps of temperatures cooling. Snug under a heavy wool blanket and a down duvet, I slept.<div><br></div><div>Today I checked-in for my Residency. I drove to Sheep Rock where the visitors center is and met Rangers Bethany and Michelle. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgawmFXxNLRN44XJALFVmbeu8zKRGDlhcgXcOrAuHHOUY9DeRzzSmtKmFiu6fthH8z46kxDU4YH46_AATxotnv7djd4TZcQEdyPo03R_RM31IBYJzZMoAoqVf7Ye0Fg5fLGcDcMud8ykz/s640/blogger-image-1670660977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgawmFXxNLRN44XJALFVmbeu8zKRGDlhcgXcOrAuHHOUY9DeRzzSmtKmFiu6fthH8z46kxDU4YH46_AATxotnv7djd4TZcQEdyPo03R_RM31IBYJzZMoAoqVf7Ye0Fg5fLGcDcMud8ykz/s640/blogger-image-1670660977.jpg"></a></div>I signed paperwork, received not only a hat and shirt to wear while painting in the park... I have a few hats, a few shirts and best of all a fleece vest. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKzuzLN4XdlnRbUxoJqneDEPukz8zDuVTtv7axII1Cgx2tSeOlIwOnNUOoGt8O-ShjvOVoj1BHO84tZoRtoD3Qe-HJ80u6lVKjmULBh-JShtMgME1ULgYdw9hY3mcJiPF8z46AviWLR8y/s640/blogger-image--53768867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKzuzLN4XdlnRbUxoJqneDEPukz8zDuVTtv7axII1Cgx2tSeOlIwOnNUOoGt8O-ShjvOVoj1BHO84tZoRtoD3Qe-HJ80u6lVKjmULBh-JShtMgME1ULgYdw9hY3mcJiPF8z46AviWLR8y/s640/blogger-image--53768867.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKzuzLN4XdlnRbUxoJqneDEPukz8zDuVTtv7axII1Cgx2tSeOlIwOnNUOoGt8O-ShjvOVoj1BHO84tZoRtoD3Qe-HJ80u6lVKjmULBh-JShtMgME1ULgYdw9hY3mcJiPF8z46AviWLR8y/s640/blogger-image--53768867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3McppS15hFf5KG_n7bGEb66uZ_BNKzIjrtK1t8itYH0_RuagMvEE4Pp_Htpzn90M1dBJdDQljzya-ZsowvAV_NPI6737p1VCqstGI1Z12R0YjT1ao859MMKpLpplRp0RA2YYBzux41ne/s640/blogger-image-1755019253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3McppS15hFf5KG_n7bGEb66uZ_BNKzIjrtK1t8itYH0_RuagMvEE4Pp_Htpzn90M1dBJdDQljzya-ZsowvAV_NPI6737p1VCqstGI1Z12R0YjT1ao859MMKpLpplRp0RA2YYBzux41ne/s640/blogger-image-1755019253.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I toured the center; it has Paleontologists working in a lab which is viewable through large glass windows, a very impressive history center with mammal fossils and diorama murals with minerals and bones on display. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm a bit obsessed about not running out of gas and locating the closest stations so I drove to the small town of Dayville to fill up the tank and then drove 1.5 hours to a section of the park called Painted Hills - stunning even in today's grey flat light.</div><div><br></div><div>Did a few very short walks through various points of interest and took an embarrassing number of photos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_VrwL-cLvSPIQ-3SYJnuEWiAi1tlXk91NSy-KYwxdOWPIiaOMO4jAM30L8DsW4_0sDObZnMo3h3oxHUBfoqWFgk0xaC_xMcHdOtm76_vQ-6K7NAdLyrsow2bIpCVz5rfPOzQEo-8UA21/s640/blogger-image--40871991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_VrwL-cLvSPIQ-3SYJnuEWiAi1tlXk91NSy-KYwxdOWPIiaOMO4jAM30L8DsW4_0sDObZnMo3h3oxHUBfoqWFgk0xaC_xMcHdOtm76_vQ-6K7NAdLyrsow2bIpCVz5rfPOzQEo-8UA21/s640/blogger-image--40871991.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_VrwL-cLvSPIQ-3SYJnuEWiAi1tlXk91NSy-KYwxdOWPIiaOMO4jAM30L8DsW4_0sDObZnMo3h3oxHUBfoqWFgk0xaC_xMcHdOtm76_vQ-6K7NAdLyrsow2bIpCVz5rfPOzQEo-8UA21/s640/blogger-image--40871991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0DSYHv9Od0HxsmD0nFtIABFWCqozKrT2Vnec8b3rj0Hebau7jYnELQWHfIrVOTLcVyGhAEFkLVIVzbEGBKL0unhDB_IftG2EzM5Ff3xseAruDkZlg_0AmKJ6iYLEIxibnjfTAxouy2hi/s640/blogger-image-1646552007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0DSYHv9Od0HxsmD0nFtIABFWCqozKrT2Vnec8b3rj0Hebau7jYnELQWHfIrVOTLcVyGhAEFkLVIVzbEGBKL0unhDB_IftG2EzM5Ff3xseAruDkZlg_0AmKJ6iYLEIxibnjfTAxouy2hi/s640/blogger-image-1646552007.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0DSYHv9Od0HxsmD0nFtIABFWCqozKrT2Vnec8b3rj0Hebau7jYnELQWHfIrVOTLcVyGhAEFkLVIVzbEGBKL0unhDB_IftG2EzM5Ff3xseAruDkZlg_0AmKJ6iYLEIxibnjfTAxouy2hi/s640/blogger-image-1646552007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXXeNpC9kpVjtzgvRLMHpeO6z-IeqNelYDPjAT82fs8t22i6ormGgRojyggBISk0A3O8dMmJlBVuP1DT-N0CbcxZR_Lsdy-9Ehyphenhyphen8UWZfRG87a_1C3d3_NE1AI5tOlj04HiQnZelmpFHBf/s640/blogger-image--1384772471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXXeNpC9kpVjtzgvRLMHpeO6z-IeqNelYDPjAT82fs8t22i6ormGgRojyggBISk0A3O8dMmJlBVuP1DT-N0CbcxZR_Lsdy-9Ehyphenhyphen8UWZfRG87a_1C3d3_NE1AI5tOlj04HiQnZelmpFHBf/s640/blogger-image--1384772471.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXXeNpC9kpVjtzgvRLMHpeO6z-IeqNelYDPjAT82fs8t22i6ormGgRojyggBISk0A3O8dMmJlBVuP1DT-N0CbcxZR_Lsdy-9Ehyphenhyphen8UWZfRG87a_1C3d3_NE1AI5tOlj04HiQnZelmpFHBf/s640/blogger-image--1384772471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByY66T16ke8E2KFvBlnHFXXyquMZS1RXg12uwingcgydPv9bEbBM-i0i4PTc2DZEYvVjWoVpYlinSaiay2eUmFwrgMmYYXZRy7CVqU-rSNVEqGWqPxMf5-Ckg2YsXghwPkchg7aGsv7jx/s640/blogger-image--556147830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByY66T16ke8E2KFvBlnHFXXyquMZS1RXg12uwingcgydPv9bEbBM-i0i4PTc2DZEYvVjWoVpYlinSaiay2eUmFwrgMmYYXZRy7CVqU-rSNVEqGWqPxMf5-Ckg2YsXghwPkchg7aGsv7jx/s640/blogger-image--556147830.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow so I plan on scouting nearby locations and sketching... Painting I'm sure will be on Thursday!</div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-83680293929258742762015-09-15T10:47:00.001-07:002015-09-15T13:26:22.283-07:005 Miles Down a Gravel RoadFirst though, 90 miles from 'town' THEN the dirt and gravel road up to my lodging. <div><br></div><div>You'd think I was stocking a bomb shelter by looking at my cart at the last grocery store for 2.5 hours. Beans. Quinoa. Packages of Mandarin oranges, tuna and chicken. Cans of vegetarian baked beans, tomato soup and a jar of almond butter. Green bananas, 12 Fuji apples, 8 oranges. Seriously, a very funny cart. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKg4sVFmHATon7Rt4nsqV-M8y9sFkIJZAIQSHUduhyphenhyphenCBsAAsq9GNhQZO4KN_F3w1eTXBB9SZoHyxzk2F-fWiO6JMsjuQ89cIBuhkIBDARVF-iQU_8GxQBObn7pv5E8aEOunOGmftgEQr5/s640/blogger-image--1549582849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKg4sVFmHATon7Rt4nsqV-M8y9sFkIJZAIQSHUduhyphenhyphenCBsAAsq9GNhQZO4KN_F3w1eTXBB9SZoHyxzk2F-fWiO6JMsjuQ89cIBuhkIBDARVF-iQU_8GxQBObn7pv5E8aEOunOGmftgEQr5/s640/blogger-image--1549582849.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Smart though, because I am truly, really, removed from it all. </div><div><br></div><div>I filled the tank in Pineville and the next stop was a tiny town called Mitchell, known for having a public restroom.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg2f5Qz5OnDEbz6yVwpQqF3QC23b8S_2CpQn3SuKlsGvaTk80yc-QgR_WRBLdDByun1xalSRRDRA5kpoSjzEoOUJ9y5mf99YpnzWZxEYwAOf6Gxu6gcdpMw-2RIwP63Ml4KOzCkVWbU99/s640/blogger-image--1589287707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg2f5Qz5OnDEbz6yVwpQqF3QC23b8S_2CpQn3SuKlsGvaTk80yc-QgR_WRBLdDByun1xalSRRDRA5kpoSjzEoOUJ9y5mf99YpnzWZxEYwAOf6Gxu6gcdpMw-2RIwP63Ml4KOzCkVWbU99/s640/blogger-image--1589287707.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Finally, up and up the gravel road, through obviously recent burned hills, I turned in to Lands Inn, my new temporary home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddB7Y7aQNVLyupWLrejCWRE6OuOr4mDYBLNIHj-JiL2mJnA7V2EmxdOTgDy7o7lPu-85b8PQlbl19Ct4ZA8p7MJI4rbbSHF9qT_Uc1ifD3eP2WP4adVOMGnFHL4l25GYzluJueKeinG-z/s640/blogger-image-1781231321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddB7Y7aQNVLyupWLrejCWRE6OuOr4mDYBLNIHj-JiL2mJnA7V2EmxdOTgDy7o7lPu-85b8PQlbl19Ct4ZA8p7MJI4rbbSHF9qT_Uc1ifD3eP2WP4adVOMGnFHL4l25GYzluJueKeinG-z/s640/blogger-image-1781231321.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddB7Y7aQNVLyupWLrejCWRE6OuOr4mDYBLNIHj-JiL2mJnA7V2EmxdOTgDy7o7lPu-85b8PQlbl19Ct4ZA8p7MJI4rbbSHF9qT_Uc1ifD3eP2WP4adVOMGnFHL4l25GYzluJueKeinG-z/s640/blogger-image-1781231321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw6HPQyhWws84hCjCivYc4-T-RGl8DmrPfYqo48IxpnxYzw99V0C0bwbzpCmVB6j0AzsbhGs3JQfIQBPgZCFJUlk5XSQRRpzVLI5JcdHuP0WV2FmFYhqoX4Om0TVM_M36sHzj1dtZ88M_/s640/blogger-image--1332585746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw6HPQyhWws84hCjCivYc4-T-RGl8DmrPfYqo48IxpnxYzw99V0C0bwbzpCmVB6j0AzsbhGs3JQfIQBPgZCFJUlk5XSQRRpzVLI5JcdHuP0WV2FmFYhqoX4Om0TVM_M36sHzj1dtZ88M_/s640/blogger-image--1332585746.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have a lovely apartment inside an airport hangar. My room has antique toy airplanes and various wheels and metal signs hanging from the ceiling. I love it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLebfXE1Vgii-gsfvYA6hV2mbHrFE8_z6t5LYCdcUGm-rXsTrpn9aFHYQro7RsG-C_oT2Tw8FBMdwXa33HvWNY-rPVOxot68G9yA8KP_6wQ0X685ezZ_nUEfVzNgZTW_A-DTx4522sRiY/s640/blogger-image--679949882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLebfXE1Vgii-gsfvYA6hV2mbHrFE8_z6t5LYCdcUGm-rXsTrpn9aFHYQro7RsG-C_oT2Tw8FBMdwXa33HvWNY-rPVOxot68G9yA8KP_6wQ0X685ezZ_nUEfVzNgZTW_A-DTx4522sRiY/s640/blogger-image--679949882.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I learned how to work the solar, the on demand hot water and was introduced to a sweet old dog named Black and a menagerie of field cats. I checked out my studio (perfect!) The view from my room is so serene.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cS9BWrBIWrfk1Q0uvgBecIK2FaMtaYwL1asd7JIRXboAN9RViP183ZW6vLSxyMaf9ZL6K1h3Ttm-aDiyWhqn73I_D7mjVr1WfvKu2R0LvTkh8oYEqFixvGZLSbvp7ef58eYKcUEgl2RI/s640/blogger-image--1428423090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cS9BWrBIWrfk1Q0uvgBecIK2FaMtaYwL1asd7JIRXboAN9RViP183ZW6vLSxyMaf9ZL6K1h3Ttm-aDiyWhqn73I_D7mjVr1WfvKu2R0LvTkh8oYEqFixvGZLSbvp7ef58eYKcUEgl2RI/s640/blogger-image--1428423090.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Three adorable A-frame cabins line up outside the hangar, and I met the Geologist who has been staying here during her internship at the Park where I have my residency. She lives in Redwood City. I kid you not. She brought her cat, Apricat. Yep. Amazingly it hangs around outside while she's away at the park and then is here when she returns. Impressive.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HJFxd9a6cDrY0S_KtUlOl8eu2WGrA4ljQeQk0Op6ro7fsvE5hgY1KF3Y5eDMHYxdK09t_u-Xlfd4eX4T_sWCwtt7HAol61GEGR_gYHkgruoN3zdnfQ6wfM_qxKJqUtBkHuWq71Sil5QW/s640/blogger-image--1439671771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HJFxd9a6cDrY0S_KtUlOl8eu2WGrA4ljQeQk0Op6ro7fsvE5hgY1KF3Y5eDMHYxdK09t_u-Xlfd4eX4T_sWCwtt7HAol61GEGR_gYHkgruoN3zdnfQ6wfM_qxKJqUtBkHuWq71Sil5QW/s640/blogger-image--1439671771.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We had a great visit and shared a Shiraz I brought from home. Such a small world.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm writing this tonight but know that there's no wifi out here, so hoping I can post this tomorrow from the visitors center when I check in with the Park Service.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm so happy.</div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-29049327859823920172015-09-14T08:55:00.001-07:002015-09-14T08:55:03.658-07:00Heading NorthI'm on my way.<div>Headed North by way of a car show in Cottonwood, CA followed by a delightful but quick visit with my NorCal family.</div><div><br></div><div>Cottonwood is like a movie set, with its 3' curbs and rings for tying up your horse. But the only horses I saw were the horse-powers under the hood of some beautiful classic cars! My Dad's car club, from Weaverville, had a couple cars in the show, so I stopped by to take a guided tour of the cars with my Pop. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa0Oam-viT5dKlFZY5EemxHitR7UmB5Fhv2MMRwn8PpHbEOO8w6YKNsgjAARvx0Gfssu-iSsHEoUyCbDqXXrmni3017XlIeoCV3lUlR_Mz1cPu8uSOtfK7QMbBme5-5zpbpWzXafwzQZo/s640/blogger-image-1234250248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa0Oam-viT5dKlFZY5EemxHitR7UmB5Fhv2MMRwn8PpHbEOO8w6YKNsgjAARvx0Gfssu-iSsHEoUyCbDqXXrmni3017XlIeoCV3lUlR_Mz1cPu8uSOtfK7QMbBme5-5zpbpWzXafwzQZo/s640/blogger-image-1234250248.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa0Oam-viT5dKlFZY5EemxHitR7UmB5Fhv2MMRwn8PpHbEOO8w6YKNsgjAARvx0Gfssu-iSsHEoUyCbDqXXrmni3017XlIeoCV3lUlR_Mz1cPu8uSOtfK7QMbBme5-5zpbpWzXafwzQZo/s640/blogger-image-1234250248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXD4bTWSJQljjTuk3Ks-PeueSrAeV9HsJci38j3DUAElEP1fxXHLTb6KNF4ByGjpv9DHD-tXsQ1AyJYjAPQA9NBZ2RID9ZXAM5OzVyNJMqsAEzZECVTlwETqO58jobKQ7xdkPiunIfg2q/s640/blogger-image-398745830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXD4bTWSJQljjTuk3Ks-PeueSrAeV9HsJci38j3DUAElEP1fxXHLTb6KNF4ByGjpv9DHD-tXsQ1AyJYjAPQA9NBZ2RID9ZXAM5OzVyNJMqsAEzZECVTlwETqO58jobKQ7xdkPiunIfg2q/s640/blogger-image-398745830.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3zHz5wSE4yAR2D__vF3YJ82BWcsjGURo3nZ0NOVsSUcsPp9vARlIQTigB-J3Nt9l3SpQ06mASaDaTh6B-cOz6bKmK6bbi0P4UZ_nPW2fnorVHPuF20KbxgjHMeU5THlZMT26IvdDJLW/s640/blogger-image--1984626487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3zHz5wSE4yAR2D__vF3YJ82BWcsjGURo3nZ0NOVsSUcsPp9vARlIQTigB-J3Nt9l3SpQ06mASaDaTh6B-cOz6bKmK6bbi0P4UZ_nPW2fnorVHPuF20KbxgjHMeU5THlZMT26IvdDJLW/s640/blogger-image--1984626487.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the car show, I pulled my Subaru in behind a line of 57 Chevys and 38 Fords, and we drove North to Redding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Redding was my pit-stop for the night, and I was thrilled to get a proper visit in with my Sister-in-Law, Sarah (I know! Yes, there are now two Sara(h) Mordecais in our family!!) and my Nephew Nico (4) and identical twin Nieces Ruby and Zoey (2). My Brother is out fighting fires near Napa so I didn't get to see him.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9at5vuyq15UwRKV4N3IYyKojW_FLzEFPMgHTM89XySmEtQ-gFk5Hy2k28boBpHmuP19ljst1pxzloSvL7cPz4MqI7T3PGgWMbcvLgcrIpnzZIwtDeMsRe2cN4vFMEbuoArrvLPr-B8g8/s640/blogger-image-1685073075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9at5vuyq15UwRKV4N3IYyKojW_FLzEFPMgHTM89XySmEtQ-gFk5Hy2k28boBpHmuP19ljst1pxzloSvL7cPz4MqI7T3PGgWMbcvLgcrIpnzZIwtDeMsRe2cN4vFMEbuoArrvLPr-B8g8/s640/blogger-image-1685073075.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPS7Xse9mq4uXNFFQhyrzZIp7UPk5OoqQ17Ia3ZZMutNS4kN_-bXHysZvtb1bmx0A80xrcccuFcjldvCzp1SASgnIbtbZxaOgMOVYtNS1HkF3ptUcg75mX1iULnUETcuvDgwL02wTpTrK/s640/blogger-image--38934293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPS7Xse9mq4uXNFFQhyrzZIp7UPk5OoqQ17Ia3ZZMutNS4kN_-bXHysZvtb1bmx0A80xrcccuFcjldvCzp1SASgnIbtbZxaOgMOVYtNS1HkF3ptUcg75mX1iULnUETcuvDgwL02wTpTrK/s640/blogger-image--38934293.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My Dad and his wife Pam provided my Bed and Breakfast and sent me off in the morning with big hugs and well-wishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More North...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The drive was a gorgeous one, past a very low Lake Shasta and then a right at Weed and through the mountains and a very full Klammath Lake. I love these mountains!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More North still... and finally, Bend, Oregon. Love this town! The Deschutes was dotted with colorful paddle boards and kayaks, the temperature a tolerable 82, and it just plain smells good! It's the trees. Maybe all the breweries too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW78nl27JmApPVjfSyP_smAqatsT575N1p-mx1-mZz_fOf75pvS6W511NBPcnly8qEUnPf2F1u_gmM42xqcr7VOES1oXtAE1Z7cJzEnFr2GwV8LrJOnuZklYaY1Yr50j9Igi1095mAs6Sd/s640/blogger-image--2133542355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW78nl27JmApPVjfSyP_smAqatsT575N1p-mx1-mZz_fOf75pvS6W511NBPcnly8qEUnPf2F1u_gmM42xqcr7VOES1oXtAE1Z7cJzEnFr2GwV8LrJOnuZklYaY1Yr50j9Igi1095mAs6Sd/s640/blogger-image--2133542355.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'd scheduled an in-room Massage (I'm a genius!) and a wonderful Jane gave me a well earned 90 minute deep massage followed by a terrific suggestion on where to grab dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lot! A corner on the west side of the river with Food Trucks :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM717-1_hiU3tsBd0fFEKZsZkaKLij9y5d0ffUjji4LPlGwvtkcdRi4Wr7JyXLq0wu8sck70ry5IrS7fr2s7o75K7RlD-QqUYwW7aYEKMbcv6fNjgY8EB8AWYyXpAWquPTfXRNsYgKox2s/s640/blogger-image--1486445128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM717-1_hiU3tsBd0fFEKZsZkaKLij9y5d0ffUjji4LPlGwvtkcdRi4Wr7JyXLq0wu8sck70ry5IrS7fr2s7o75K7RlD-QqUYwW7aYEKMbcv6fNjgY8EB8AWYyXpAWquPTfXRNsYgKox2s/s640/blogger-image--1486445128.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM717-1_hiU3tsBd0fFEKZsZkaKLij9y5d0ffUjji4LPlGwvtkcdRi4Wr7JyXLq0wu8sck70ry5IrS7fr2s7o75K7RlD-QqUYwW7aYEKMbcv6fNjgY8EB8AWYyXpAWquPTfXRNsYgKox2s/s640/blogger-image--1486445128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD5pz1edUu4PgSsHOqi_wnvAF0hRjHFxOfRjZ4tpPJ7IQKWe2D6Em9nZIYAdGp6XI4hyphenhypheneYM5V5SzNghl0tQEtSRW6QgFlqvIDZ6kJ1J-ZhIu_a8G-zVhynOuMv1nBFzTMDr2Qm4dEzFia/s640/blogger-image-1752151319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD5pz1edUu4PgSsHOqi_wnvAF0hRjHFxOfRjZ4tpPJ7IQKWe2D6Em9nZIYAdGp6XI4hyphenhypheneYM5V5SzNghl0tQEtSRW6QgFlqvIDZ6kJ1J-ZhIu_a8G-zVhynOuMv1nBFzTMDr2Qm4dEzFia/s640/blogger-image-1752151319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today my North will list to the East and after I stock up on groceries for 2 weeks, I'll make my way to John Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope I have wifi!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><br></div></div></div><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-57980686376698809852015-09-07T21:54:00.002-07:002015-09-09T20:00:59.858-07:00NPS AIR OMGYes, that actually means something!<br>
I'll elaborate...<br>
<br>
<b>National Park Service + Artist in Residence = Oh My Gawd!</b><br>
<br>
Something I have wanted. Something I have dreamed about. Something that seemed attainable but most likely out a few years... has happened: I have been selected as an Artist for the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Residency program, and I couldn't possibly be more proud or more excited.<br>
<br>
JD Fossil Beds, as the locals call it, is in the high desert of Eastern-Central Oregon. When I began my search for a Residency opportunity I was immediately drawn to this park for its rich colorful topography, the geological diversity and its prehistoric significance. Let me go all Wikipedia for you...<br>
<br>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">"...the park is known for its well-preserved layers of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Fossil">fossil</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> plants and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mammal">mammals</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> that lived in the region between the late </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eocene" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Eocene">Eocene</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, about 45 million years ago, and the late </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miocene" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Miocene">Miocene</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, about 5 million years ago. "</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">"...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The (park) covers a total of 13,944 acres of semi-desert shrub-lands, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riparian_zone" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Riparian zone">riparian zones</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, and colorful </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badlands" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-decoration: none;" title="Badlands">badlands</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">."</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">AMAZING, right?!</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Now, LOOK at this place, of course I want to paint here!</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAtGoeIlw5R6uZ4k49zY28R3d8gVIhc4WSVilGleMWvkF2HWdPka-b9qsmHk6-M7QvHGI3EDvLpmrHOeqhJkLLhepnEjDExdjP0jZTbcwLYBqysVK-ai2hIE_OZLY05p1yNt7_TfjwSdo/s1600/9606533886_2546912b3b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAtGoeIlw5R6uZ4k49zY28R3d8gVIhc4WSVilGleMWvkF2HWdPka-b9qsmHk6-M7QvHGI3EDvLpmrHOeqhJkLLhepnEjDExdjP0jZTbcwLYBqysVK-ai2hIE_OZLY05p1yNt7_TfjwSdo/s640/9606533886_2546912b3b_b.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument brings together two of my first loves: Painting and Geology. Only my family knows that there was a time when I considered studying Geology instead of Fine Art. I was the little girl with the rock tumbler in her closet who was lulled to sleep by the sound of rolling rocks and swishing water. My favorite book as a child was a large coffee table book called something like OUR EARTH, and I would spend hours throughout my childhood looking at the chapters on sediment, earth crust, layers of rocks, fossils and shifting plates. It was mesmerizing! But, in<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">stead I followed my love of color and composition and I became an artist - an artist who paints outdoors. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenpn50QnmnZitFVRJWumDSSSgu5sy9ww9IErmYgv2KFA-Vbq6edj4T6TV47RGW7szvRrcqTi2fGw9VxTROdFcDHH1zTY4bn_XQDzvEIePkuSZ_lj6q8JhtIpDkASWbhAaILdhjSFA9Q1W/s1600/John_Day_Fossil_Beds_NM%252C_Painted_Hills_Unit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenpn50QnmnZitFVRJWumDSSSgu5sy9ww9IErmYgv2KFA-Vbq6edj4T6TV47RGW7szvRrcqTi2fGw9VxTROdFcDHH1zTY4bn_XQDzvEIePkuSZ_lj6q8JhtIpDkASWbhAaILdhjSFA9Q1W/s640/John_Day_Fossil_Beds_NM%252C_Painted_Hills_Unit.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>Outdoors, I see rhythms and folds and stripes and angles. I love design in nature. John Day Fossil Beds has ribbons of colors, heavy folds on windblown outcroppings, vertical pillars of basalt and waves of blue volcanic ash hillsides. It is heavenly!<br>
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This Labor Day Weekend was a labor of love: I spent it running errands, packing up painting supplies, ensuring I had plenty of supports and panels for paintings... getting ready for this honor, this thrill, this Artist in Residence at one of our National Parks.Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-63709879347406919152015-06-30T08:18:00.001-07:002015-06-30T08:18:02.279-07:00Middle of the RoadTruly. Literally. <div><br></div><div>That's where I was over the weekend.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlCufm1p2vLEzzrNVbWNH-BkutpbygsQjw9yjRcom5XMcaVLxbCd5ONiJxVHfAdik9_zdZ9pJ3t_ighw7tvhKqTaOKHrIf2J2MzHVmiyDazzzVw0K_CTrNVzLo5fJxZ8BaQFouc5321pG/s640/blogger-image--108941092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlCufm1p2vLEzzrNVbWNH-BkutpbygsQjw9yjRcom5XMcaVLxbCd5ONiJxVHfAdik9_zdZ9pJ3t_ighw7tvhKqTaOKHrIf2J2MzHVmiyDazzzVw0K_CTrNVzLo5fJxZ8BaQFouc5321pG/s640/blogger-image--108941092.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of the best chalk festivals in the nation is held every June in San Rafael. This was their 22nd event! My first festival was 1998 I think!</div><div><br></div><div>The Italian Street Painting Marin had a theme this year of Venetian Carnivale- artists created murals of masks, costumes, gondolas... A wonderful variety of colors and textures and scenes. There were also people in costumes parading through the festival!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwf0fu0tdPp0t6HWvcLlfI1v9gUaMNZnvpYBKT5_qZ_Dv6Z1bhbiAo4VtebQgQ9kgrWAMHugTFUZDPkrplHnVEt-MUegZ_ZgFyj9JGi6eOuKX7EQlSiJRIJpTU-YGqxOGArccN3STnIwaU/s640/blogger-image-690056708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwf0fu0tdPp0t6HWvcLlfI1v9gUaMNZnvpYBKT5_qZ_Dv6Z1bhbiAo4VtebQgQ9kgrWAMHugTFUZDPkrplHnVEt-MUegZ_ZgFyj9JGi6eOuKX7EQlSiJRIJpTU-YGqxOGArccN3STnIwaU/s640/blogger-image-690056708.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I always come up with an original design and this year I wanted to give a nod to the fantasy, beauty and surrealism of a Carnivale.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TvsDVcrTIq-RHPLgqfSossOdh78vmPB2aJSP8C8t4XTqkFIkCms8u6HFOREGrJYGxTyjgv4oieIvYoVaBZQgZGdRVm3_trp1RLDfKK_g1NZ9AaYREjLhw4nN6lLMXlXUeaXGa9dUZjUK/s640/blogger-image-412355550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TvsDVcrTIq-RHPLgqfSossOdh78vmPB2aJSP8C8t4XTqkFIkCms8u6HFOREGrJYGxTyjgv4oieIvYoVaBZQgZGdRVm3_trp1RLDfKK_g1NZ9AaYREjLhw4nN6lLMXlXUeaXGa9dUZjUK/s640/blogger-image-412355550.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>My piece is 'Bella Dea' or 'Beautiful Goddess'. She appears in the canals in a gondola, her hat (which is the night sky) casts a shadow across her face which is her mask.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGjup-yXDC2hV1jfwQH0FFvxIcaTYMiCt1-LtdkcKitu5DCu0IMCzdnQTXZLeq18kOyF75KBUkPUGD39ZBqRF5gH1AfyuNBBqe53Bpmrynep3hoInZQJ-MARE4vTXd2xpdznkAB1Nucc7/s640/blogger-image--523078722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGjup-yXDC2hV1jfwQH0FFvxIcaTYMiCt1-LtdkcKitu5DCu0IMCzdnQTXZLeq18kOyF75KBUkPUGD39ZBqRF5gH1AfyuNBBqe53Bpmrynep3hoInZQJ-MARE4vTXd2xpdznkAB1Nucc7/s640/blogger-image--523078722.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGjup-yXDC2hV1jfwQH0FFvxIcaTYMiCt1-LtdkcKitu5DCu0IMCzdnQTXZLeq18kOyF75KBUkPUGD39ZBqRF5gH1AfyuNBBqe53Bpmrynep3hoInZQJ-MARE4vTXd2xpdznkAB1Nucc7/s640/blogger-image--523078722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFubNNFp1CMmckGygXZerT8KVd_0onwgx8wVE0jEUmODtNhN95SirhBXzY8J0zvAEwvKYbgUXWPpcwnGm0u-k5Xmr1x9T3tZsby2XcFa61b818z4EFtc1yi5f_WppD0MVynMRScu735ff_/s640/blogger-image-1603072032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFubNNFp1CMmckGygXZerT8KVd_0onwgx8wVE0jEUmODtNhN95SirhBXzY8J0zvAEwvKYbgUXWPpcwnGm0u-k5Xmr1x9T3tZsby2XcFa61b818z4EFtc1yi5f_WppD0MVynMRScu735ff_/s640/blogger-image-1603072032.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFubNNFp1CMmckGygXZerT8KVd_0onwgx8wVE0jEUmODtNhN95SirhBXzY8J0zvAEwvKYbgUXWPpcwnGm0u-k5Xmr1x9T3tZsby2XcFa61b818z4EFtc1yi5f_WppD0MVynMRScu735ff_/s640/blogger-image-1603072032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ZgTc_v5_iep0tGXlR_ddVVla2SnOA8eii1CZdFqwdPmHpV0H89ye10NFHlVi_RpulFjiu2ui-yvxgqeQ0b2kf-7dBLuZNGMm-YZahWBUZwdQcvCjOaparHVYU-wAc61kXPfLQ0jLtpo/s640/blogger-image-717673926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ZgTc_v5_iep0tGXlR_ddVVla2SnOA8eii1CZdFqwdPmHpV0H89ye10NFHlVi_RpulFjiu2ui-yvxgqeQ0b2kf-7dBLuZNGMm-YZahWBUZwdQcvCjOaparHVYU-wAc61kXPfLQ0jLtpo/s640/blogger-image-717673926.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have two very talented little nieces who assist me each year. They're 9 and 12. We talk about color and light sources, school and plans for the summer. most of all, we laugh a lot.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35vj0e_PZoi09wEA8tOlvYCjA_zBSF0jQ2pG6x1kem77-JhUA3SMgPEwNAZG4z5w87F4LGEEp64_IyTkk_lBPq19ZVFH9wqKd3N71aHirL5OsfCAahdhhPlwvH5YvE2_S4QgBjeu633X/s640/blogger-image--262834423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35vj0e_PZoi09wEA8tOlvYCjA_zBSF0jQ2pG6x1kem77-JhUA3SMgPEwNAZG4z5w87F4LGEEp64_IyTkk_lBPq19ZVFH9wqKd3N71aHirL5OsfCAahdhhPlwvH5YvE2_S4QgBjeu633X/s640/blogger-image--262834423.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35vj0e_PZoi09wEA8tOlvYCjA_zBSF0jQ2pG6x1kem77-JhUA3SMgPEwNAZG4z5w87F4LGEEp64_IyTkk_lBPq19ZVFH9wqKd3N71aHirL5OsfCAahdhhPlwvH5YvE2_S4QgBjeu633X/s640/blogger-image--262834423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLnXI3kl9Qk2M-xOvTRIdYrhz6hKjrTUBbq6DrD8yx5XRvpPE_yEWwI7G8pMGgW9KUJicg1HauUldwT5cx-V0NHeLDJur08Bx5WsnAm065enk2gqKkjrDdmyDIUQbELhrCVBTaN3XIyg/s640/blogger-image-1719856925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLnXI3kl9Qk2M-xOvTRIdYrhz6hKjrTUBbq6DrD8yx5XRvpPE_yEWwI7G8pMGgW9KUJicg1HauUldwT5cx-V0NHeLDJur08Bx5WsnAm065enk2gqKkjrDdmyDIUQbELhrCVBTaN3XIyg/s640/blogger-image-1719856925.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Huge kudos to the ISPM organizers and volunteers for a wonderful event and congratulations to all the artists on their amazing talents and stunning murals!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXCh_63Wm26_SpDRVOZI-rUW37sEJ-CMfQpF7yymyLSpwxerQ6lHrn7eRLRzKYHQFB8b0J1PQwpONgrYzKEDEP2mWST7MYFuYZuU5kdYYgnuIVIMQ08Vz1Pipo86ETFCw8gKTgNbRIgm/s640/blogger-image-2134024991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXCh_63Wm26_SpDRVOZI-rUW37sEJ-CMfQpF7yymyLSpwxerQ6lHrn7eRLRzKYHQFB8b0J1PQwpONgrYzKEDEP2mWST7MYFuYZuU5kdYYgnuIVIMQ08Vz1Pipo86ETFCw8gKTgNbRIgm/s640/blogger-image-2134024991.jpg"></a></div></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-25571095122921173732015-06-07T09:32:00.001-07:002015-06-10T08:41:53.634-07:00H O M ELeft Barstow at 5:15 and was rewarded with a vivid orange sunrise over the desert. I'm heading West!<br />
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A straight shot, no stops, get-me-home drive up Hwy 5. A few rolling twisting turns through Pacheco Pass and a heavy strand of grey fog welcomed me into the home stretch. Something about the golden yellow hills and oak trees... Feels like home.</div>
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3965 miles.</div>
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17 paintings.</div>
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1 (first) Artist in Residence.</div>
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I'm certain as time goes by I'll reflect on this experience, this gift of focus, this pause from the hectic pace of my real world and understand its impact. </div>
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My work grew; earlier paintings are thinner, smoother. By the end of the trip there is a looser and thicker more confident brush quality. Throughout my compositions are strong and I can see the observations and interpretations I've made on form, line, mass and design. These are all strong and consistent.</div>
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The final paintings where I take these strengths and add more brushwork, show more depth in the environment but keep my heightened colors... These are the best. I feel them.<br />
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I'd always wanted to be an Artist in Resident, an A.I.R, and the Starry Night Residency in New Mexico was a great introduction to the work that is required, the focus and commitment, the communal arrangements as well as saturating oneself with an unknown environment and landscape. I'm well suited to this Residency thing!!</div>
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I'm now looking forward to future Residencies and how they will balance my day to day work life, my day to day studio life and my weekend warrior Plein Air life.</div>
Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-47280322637518159102015-06-06T05:03:00.001-07:002015-06-06T05:03:00.397-07:00From Moody to Hell to HomeThought I'd be able to get a quick painting in yesterday morning...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsuaQhtccNZDrSnrC4aJAAEyWJpgwcZC20yPFnQ0z_ZSTuMPt6bXdAr5yJRn7E9Jur-cJCTye_zx3FQVsqoqNKJsonxd-iw5VAVUeyEq05iU7ntGs7awuITAnizLMQvWFmKWRfGenKQlv/s640/blogger-image--1759499578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsuaQhtccNZDrSnrC4aJAAEyWJpgwcZC20yPFnQ0z_ZSTuMPt6bXdAr5yJRn7E9Jur-cJCTye_zx3FQVsqoqNKJsonxd-iw5VAVUeyEq05iU7ntGs7awuITAnizLMQvWFmKWRfGenKQlv/s640/blogger-image--1759499578.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Packed up my things, grabbed a bite to eat and the clouds only darkened. Drizzle. GORGEOUS! But yeah, storm approaching. Since I had to drive back up out of the canyon (Sedona) up to Flagstaff... I opted to start the drive back west.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWZI2_V_5eCiImw4dnR3xDAg1-e04C8G7dGiKWJmRB-ToYJrA54i0mYF2XoZjmOJ9M7N9mtaR8QvJ2ie9WyTH0PRXQauULIsxOl6-jkFP1lFXWGtOz9vmQEW41xhFNZSmXMT4xknqYKI/s640/blogger-image--846279456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWZI2_V_5eCiImw4dnR3xDAg1-e04C8G7dGiKWJmRB-ToYJrA54i0mYF2XoZjmOJ9M7N9mtaR8QvJ2ie9WyTH0PRXQauULIsxOl6-jkFP1lFXWGtOz9vmQEW41xhFNZSmXMT4xknqYKI/s640/blogger-image--846279456.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Farewell to the spectacular Sedona!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And 5.5 hours later... A special kind of hell: Barstow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a shock. What is this place?? Outlets. Buses. Masses of shoppers. Hot like hell. Where am I? A pit stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm heading home. </div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2990106421335403299.post-29168341985780176712015-06-04T20:46:00.001-07:002015-06-04T21:24:58.450-07:00Adventures in SedonaWhere to begin?!<div><br></div><div>Woke at 5:30 so I could get out to Red Rock Crossing Park early to catch the best light. It takes about 40 minutes to get there...</div><div><br></div><div>Arrived. Closed. Open at 8. Shoot!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Ate breakfast and coffee in the car and then cleaned the car.... Until 8.</div><div><br></div><div>I'd painted here before, when I took a Plein air workshop through the Sedona Art Center with William Scott Jennings. We painted at this spot, along the river looking up at Cathedral Rock.</div><div><br></div><div>But today... The river was FULL! All along the banks you couldn't see the Cathedral. I walked every which way.... Nothing. I had to cross the river. </div><div><br></div><div>With my pochade backpack, my tripod, my umbrella AND my coffee... I climbed around trying to find a way to cross. 20 minutes of ducking under trees and poking around, nothing. I knew I'd have to go through. </div><div><br></div><div>Pants rolled up. Coffee held high. I waded through a rushing river, only to just under my knees... to a rocky bank with a perfect view!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRKfxBZZD6Y4F_xPVwqrEYoMZrjWoK-vN-7Gv7b8SyvPW3FNp0o1PiJjlSYr2Bxo6tWSQz-93zz8oVl_zOVWBH-4tOJyHdHCjvgB_g7_GRAQoo735enL7oB-z607cr1JEGiou5Yivz6X/s640/blogger-image--2004730893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRKfxBZZD6Y4F_xPVwqrEYoMZrjWoK-vN-7Gv7b8SyvPW3FNp0o1PiJjlSYr2Bxo6tWSQz-93zz8oVl_zOVWBH-4tOJyHdHCjvgB_g7_GRAQoo735enL7oB-z607cr1JEGiou5Yivz6X/s640/blogger-image--2004730893.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Perfect spot! People started arriving and many couldn't figure how I got where I was... I said walk on through! Your shoes will dry! None did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I caught the morning light despite all the hiccups - the colors were beautiful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQXtP1GvAmIdKapzR3klBuQL1xqWCclqBcBvYM8A0LjaLXmJu9ce4AocC4nTu6ORVb4tNstxux0AjkgX7Xc_ORejDo6wAAGZJqgb9f9YfZDugvlGYgMS3fCb6b7jf3dnwiZBXZJ9k3RT8/s640/blogger-image--1658144743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQXtP1GvAmIdKapzR3klBuQL1xqWCclqBcBvYM8A0LjaLXmJu9ce4AocC4nTu6ORVb4tNstxux0AjkgX7Xc_ORejDo6wAAGZJqgb9f9YfZDugvlGYgMS3fCb6b7jf3dnwiZBXZJ9k3RT8/s640/blogger-image--1658144743.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQXtP1GvAmIdKapzR3klBuQL1xqWCclqBcBvYM8A0LjaLXmJu9ce4AocC4nTu6ORVb4tNstxux0AjkgX7Xc_ORejDo6wAAGZJqgb9f9YfZDugvlGYgMS3fCb6b7jf3dnwiZBXZJ9k3RT8/s640/blogger-image--1658144743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IhyJG48FkKE9NQOhC-2yq3NYLQ50bRkJgCJU71hPSUj9bN6DHufvl5nWyyd8L93FvJMsyFJEfP6Klio6ItFNkSEtRfFUMmQUUCAoo7M6m7ovc4mULpwclZ1DVSwoUoEOdF5JrQi-8sSD/s640/blogger-image--1113396729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IhyJG48FkKE9NQOhC-2yq3NYLQ50bRkJgCJU71hPSUj9bN6DHufvl5nWyyd8L93FvJMsyFJEfP6Klio6ItFNkSEtRfFUMmQUUCAoo7M6m7ovc4mULpwclZ1DVSwoUoEOdF5JrQi-8sSD/s640/blogger-image--1113396729.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">About half way through, a family walked by on the other side of the river. They said, excuse me lady... Just so you know, there is a snake right there. WHAT??!!! "I don't think it's poisonous" said the Dad. Oh, great. My not so little, 4' friend, slithered off..... First snake sighting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Painting is great, super pleased. But only time for one today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wind. Crazy wind arrived. I was walking around town and everyone was taking cover in shops and then the dark clouds appeared. 20-64 mph. This I know because I took refuge in a gallery and the gallery employee looked it up :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I treated myself to a massage tonight, felt wonderful after hauling about my painting equipment, my luggage duffel and my electric cooler for 3 weeks. I needed it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My plan is to squeak in a painting in the morning and then head WEST. As I'm eating dinner now, 8:45, and drinking a delicious Cucumber Margarita- we'll see....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Sara Mordecaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152789175214517690noreply@blogger.com0