WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA, 6X8, OIL

California is such a beautiful place.  Every time I go the word "rugged" is in my mind during the whole trip.  I think the weather, the sea,the landscape,  the people and the animals all seem to be larger than life.  Like everyone and everything there is tough.  Not to say it is a bad thing...I love it, but maybe it is a little tougher there than on the east coast where everything is pink and teal and the waves are 2 feet instead of 20.
Of couse my time has been in Northern California, never got south of Carmel, so maybe it weenie's out as you go south.

This scene is from an image by Shelley Smart.  If you have not visited her blog "A Year at the Beach" you must go.  She is a wonderful artist and photographer and did a project of photographing the beach every day for a year.   I hope she approves of this painting.

I just want to remind everyone that when you purchase an item from either of my Etsy sites between now and March 31, 2011, you will be entered in my painting give-away.  So hop on over to CarolSchiffStudio or CarolOnEdge and purchase a painting.  I have several choices in my "make me an offer" section.......

and then hop on over to Art by Karena where you can get a chance on winning this painting just by following her instructions on the bottom of my interview.

BRIDALVEIL FALLS, YOSEMITE, 8X6, OIL

More paintings from my recent trip to California.  Bridalveil Falls is just one of many majestic sites at Yosemite National Park.  Massive amounts of water falling almost 4,000 feet is an incredible sight, but even more incredible is that it is just one of many falls and stunning mountain scenes that you will see in every direction.  John Muir, an early pioneer, is responsibile for mapping out the park, which is around the size of Rhode Island.  He had a vision, and wanted to save this for generations to come.  Thank you , Mr. Muir for your foresite.  He made this park possible, the first time in the history of our country that land came under national protection.  Sad to say that even before this could happen, the settlers were cutting down massive Sequoia trees over 2,000 years old!

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SECURITY PATROL, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

These guys look pretty serious!  They are not Florida gulls who are pretty easy to get along with, but big burly California gulls.  I didn't want to mess with them.  Some would say they are looking for food, but I am not too sure.  They kind of remind me of security guards.  You can believe whatever you want, but I know what I saw!

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