"Center Stage"

24x36" Oil on canvas
This painting may be purchased at Judith Hale Gallery 'South' in Los Olivos, California

Finished this painting last week, let it set up - palette knife paintings take at least a year to fully dry, and then sprayed with retouch varnish. I delivered it last Wednesday in a lovely gold leaf frame that is 5" wide.
The San Luis River/stream passes thru down town San Luis Obispo and by the Mission, meandering South along the old El Camino Real Highway until it reaches Avila Valley, where it makes a right hand turn flowing west into the Bay and Port San Luis Bay.

I've tried to imagine the stories that must have unfolded along this part of the stream. We know the first settlers followed it, and I'm sure the native Chumash tribes must have treasured this area. There are several hot springs here. The weir was built to keep the salt water tides from flowing upstream and entering the wells there.

The Bob Jones biking/hiking trail now follows the stream to the ocean. It's quite close to where I live, and in the mornings, a beautiful light flows through the oaks. There are always ducks, herons or egrets paddling or standing patiently. The deer come down for a drink as do other furry cretures -including bobcats and an occasional Mountain Lion. It's like a well lit stage with a never ending drama.