It’s wonderful to have friends with generous hearts. As we often do, we’ve come away again for a couple of weeks of art making, this time in Indian Wells, California, in the vacation home of good friends in San Clemente.
Indian Wells is one of a string of desert communities stunning for its mountain views and the lush flora, like this, our morning view.
And the mid-morning view, looking down the street in the incredibly quiet, gated community (where very few live full time).
It’s not untypical to find a scene like this in front of a house . . . plants and stones straight from the desert, but arranged with a striking aesthetic sense.
It was inside the house that we spent the bulk of our time. Here’s Anne set up in the spacious kitchen, taking advantage of the island and counters for her materials and press (lower right).
Hand pressing at the dining room table which was also set up with San Clemente Opoly, a game we played over a few evenings. I was surprised to find the array of pictures on the wall, prints of paintings I made many years ago for our hosts, of their grandchildren and international children. It was my first venture into commissioned portraiture.
Back to the kitchen. A lot of Anne’s process involves the fine-tuning detail that goes into each piece.
Here she’s considering the ink colors and arrangement of shapes for a plate soon to be placed on fine printmaking paper and run through the press under pressure. Note my “studio” in the adjacent area, allowing for a togetherness in our mostly-introverted activities. What’s not apparent is the music we’re listening to, or the messages or interviews we tune into online, or just the periods of lovely quiet.
On both Sundays we visited local churches. The first was University Baptist (left) in a small but tastefully designed building. We were two of about 16 people in attendance. By contrast, our second experience was at Southwest Church (right) where we attended the second of three Sunday morning services, not counting two in Spanish. Another two (in English) were held the evening before. (Click for larger view.)
Speaking of Sabbaths (was I?) the jacuzzi called at least once a day. The desert sun in winter is perfect for soaking it in. For me, reading time, outdoors and indoors, was a big part of the stay.
But I got around to working too. Here’s my studio with one hombre mid-way. The two on the chairs are among those I traded out at “A Gallery” which shows my work in Palm Desert. By coincidence, that gallery was just minutes away. BTW, you’ll notice three different styles of work and approaches to painting right there. I suppose I’m schizophrenic that way. (Click to enlarge.)
Here’s yet another style, a floral done almost completely in palette knife. Makes the paint much thicker, the colors highly vibrant, and saves on having to clean brushes. (Click to enlarge this one, too.)
Here’s the result, all impressionistic. This one I left in the house as a gift. I hope they like it.
Speaking of things aesthetic being everywhere, orange trees are not rare in this part of the watered desert, including right on the property. We picked and enjoyed some for breakfast. Such health, such beauty, such flavor; we’re obviously blessed of God.
Here’s Anne’s array of finished work after just the first week. She’ll always point out that many were started earlier and that she’s just put more layers on, or printed over, or tuned in some way. She stayed with it eight to ten hours a day, completely self-contained and keeping her own council as to what’s working and what isn’t. She’s an artist that way.
One more photo, though there could be many, many, showing the stark and dry mountains juxtaposed with the flat, lush green and the spacious sky above. All beautiful.
FINALLY.
During this time I put together an Annual Report of my paintings made and contributed to mission organization in 2019. If you’re interested, it’s here:
12:21 pm
Especially love the floral painting left as a gift…
1:17 pm
Such a productive time away, in such a relaxing and serene setting. The impressionistic flower bouquet is fascinating… my favorite of your styles. And your Anne is one busy bee! Godspeed on all you two put your hands to!
3:26 pm
Fills me with joy to see you enjoying all the wonderful things God has given. You two are wonderful and your lives fill me with wonder… I too become “Wonder-full” by reading and seeing this beauty and creativity! Blessing! Your friend, Kerry
3:43 pm
Love the photos and the commentary. Thanks for letting us in!
Kim
4:08 pm
Hyatt:
As always I’m inspired by your report. You have a gift of making us aware of beauty and quietness and not always having to be where the big “action” is.
Thank you. As soon as the grandchildren go back to New Zealand (and we are having a wonderful time) I’ll go back to quietness, and painting.
Thank you for sharing to all of us with this report.
Ursula
5:28 pm
Lovely scenery. I lived in Phoenix for 2 years, and was in awe of the high desert beauty. Totally different world for a life-long Californian. Beautiful work from both of you.
5:57 pm
Love the report and the heart and vision behind it! Come stay at our house when we go to Paris. There is a well meaning dog. And two Chinese students but lots of space! And I like still life. Or mountains. (;
6:26 pm
Looks heavenly. From the land of snow and ice and cold!
6:30 pm
What, Carol, it’s not warm in Spokane?
11:47 am
great trip report! beautiful works by both of you. we love the desert too. welcome home.
8:42 am
Really fun to see what beauty you two are creating. The hombre has a ton of personality. He’s really fun.
The desert really does have inspired simple beauty.
It’s so great you share your art adventures.
11:59 pm
Hyatt,
Your flowers are gorgeous.
Looking forward to seeing you at HBAL on Feb.5th.
Jane Ice