“The Path in Rice Canyon” painting

“The Path in Rice Canyon”, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 12×9″

Near my home there are several places to go hiking. They’re a little hard to find, but the search is worthwhile. One such place is Rice Canyon and East Canyon, just off the I-5 freeway south of Santa Clarita. Last winter I had the opportunity to walk in Rice Canyon and East Canyon, ending on a hilltop that provided a breathtaking view of unsullied canyons and forested hills. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend it.

When I was there, a plein-air painting class had set up in a meadow near the entry to Rice Canyon. There was something enchanting about seeing so many artists sprinkled about, each painting something different, yet all connected by the common thread of creativity.

Instead of setting up an easel, I snapped photos on my little digital camera, storing up images for later consideration. I admire those who can create on the spot with such spontaneity and certainty. I prefer to gather my reference material freely, like a bee pollinating several flowers in rapid succession. Then I can go sift through the photos later, without the time pressures of a setting sun or threatening clouds.

Nearly a year after my hike in Rice Canyon, one of those photos finally ended up as the basis for this painting.

This painting is sold. Please consult my website for available work: www.barbarajcarter.com