Friday, February 10, 2012

Final Painting for My Solo Show


"Tulare Hills at Sunrise"
14" x 21" Watercolor
San Jose, CA

I had one last image in my head for my solo show at the Forum. My 49th framed work presented itself a few weeks ago on my way home from the gym. The sun was rising behind the Tulare Hills that cross the Santa Clara Valley just southeast of my house and continue west into the Santa Teresa Foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The gap on the right is where Santa Teresa Boulevard climbs 6 percent (from my bike computer) and drops back into the valley headed towards Morgan Hill. We live in the last development before the hills and open fields in San Jose. The city line is about three miles south of us.

I like the fact that though I live with a million other people in one of the nation's largest cities, I have a sense of rural California. From my front windows I see Tulare Hills and Santa Teresa County Park to my right. At the base of the park is a large golf course. A lot of electricity is required for a million people, so huge power towers march along the hills to the top of Coyote Peak in the park and beyond. Watching men working from helicopters on those power lines is quite a sight.

I created this painting with my South Side Art Club that meets every Thursday evening. The hills are very dry in the summer and green in winter, except this winter when we have had almost no rain. I like the simplicity of the piece.

8 comments:

Barbra Joan said...

I like it too Mary, and good luck with the show... I need to catch up on your blog.. and all blogs,
hugs from BJ

Christiane Kingsley said...

49 paintings! Wow! You are such a busy person, Mary, I don't know where you find the time to paint like this! You are an inspiration.

hw (hallie) farber said...

I like the simplicity of this piece, too. The quiet pink in the sky is perfect.

jyothisethu said...

beautiful painting...
and...
all the best for the show...

janice said...

Mary, I like the simplicity, too. I was mesmerised by the workmen stepping off helicopters onto the towers and restringing the power lines-they are braver souls then I!
Can't wait to see your show hung.

janice said...

THAN I! Sorry for the typo.

Autumn Leaves said...

I like the simplicity too but I really love that sky!

Nina Jørgensen said...

Wow! You having a solo exhibition?! Hope you post photos!
And thanks for your comment! I forgot that you live in California - yes the times I have been there I cannot imagine it snowing a lot!
I really enjoy your comment about knowing rural california whilst living in a city..! I guess since you did a bicycle trip across the country you must find it easy to cycle in and out when you fancy! I love cycling but I have to admit that London is not nice for cycling! Don't know how its like at yours?

Anyways, good luck with the show!