Twice before we’d been to our friends’ small resort in northern California, but only for an overnight. We’d been invited to stay longer so this time we did, for two weeks. It turned out to be a glorious time and place for what we do on these trips, focused art-making, as well as taking in the interest and wonders of a new place.
We were already in the area, my having done a public painting at a centennial event at Simpson University in Redding. From there it was just an hour’s drive through light rain and abundant scenery to our next destination. Ahead, the Trinity Alps.
Near the top of the map is Redding; our venue was just west of there.
Fall colors were in abundance, along with lots and lots of green.
That’s our cottage, with the van parked adjacent, highly convenient for unloading all our gear.
We had barely moved in and Anne was already at work, which she did pretty much non-stop, but for evenings, all the 14 days we were there.
I took daily hikes around the area. A recent fire had swept through. Happily nothing at our friends’ place was affected, being well maintained (cleared of underbrush, etc.) and thanks to the firefighters. Still, there was a beauty in the contrasts between the burned and not burned.
Some areas were not so fortunate, houses and cars were in ashes, as well as somebody’s prize Harley-Davidson.
We set up in the small living room and kitchen and found the situation very accommodating for our needs.
Anne’s press is on the kitchen counter; we bring our own work table with extendable legs, good for standing at it.
Here’s my half of the studio, this taken on our third day; the space became a lot fuller and busier as the time progressed. In the end I produced 17 pieces of art, large and small, some of them commissions, others in preparation for our next show (announcement below).
Behind our cottage grew a beautiful Persimmon tree, the leaves as colorful as the abundant fruit.
I found the fruit to be great subject matter for painting, this one, “Persimmons Three,” is oversize at 12″x24.” (Click on it to enlarge.)
“Persimmons Four” at 12″x12″ is closer to the actual size of the fruit itself.
Then I came into a whole new way of doing small fruit still lifes on highly abstracted backgrounds: a yellow onion, an apple, an orange, a red onion, a yellow pear, and another persimmon. (Click the picture for a larger view.)
The spare bedroom was handy for space to set out works to dry. By the end of the time all four walls were full of Anne’s work, and the beds, and the closet.
One more of the majestic scenery, the Trinity River maintains its energy, its melody and its everlasting beauty, rising and falling with the rains and snowmelt. Some fish in it, some kayak or raft on it, I just walk the edge and thank God for life.
Greetings from us to you at the Trinity River.
.
Next Show
We’ll be opening our home and garage again for a great display of art and general friendship December 11 and 12. If you’re at all close, come if you can. We’ll be having an Internet sale during that time as well.
New Book
Check out my new book, just released, available on Amazon or on my website. It’s all about this young man’s finding his way, through all manner of adventures and turns, many long trips into Mexico, hitch-hiking across the USA just to do it, marrying Anne on four day’s notice (55 years ago), reaching early goals as a magazine art director (Surfer), experiencing anguish at the state of things, finding God, and starting again on a whole new road. Click the link for more info.
4:51 pm
What a beautiful area. Sue and I drove the Trinity River from Eureka to Redding. This was about four or five years ago and I had never heard of Trinity River at the time. I kept wondering why a highway so beautiful had escaped me all these years. I would like to get a cabin for a couple of weeks and just relax and read along with taking hikes. Thanks for the posting.
5:34 pm
Thanks Alex. You can stay where we stayed; it’s probably the best, Straw House Resort: https://www.strawhouseresorts.com/
6:13 pm
Loved the picture of you two. A tribute to a life well lived and God’s faithfulness. Still remembering you regularly even though we now live near JAARS in South Carolina.
Blessings to you and Anne,
Tom
2:05 pm
You two are amazing in your art and the areas you visit to give your artistic talents new thresh holds. Rivers are wonderful places to be near. They animate your whole being.
I lived on the Penobscot River that flowed from Northern Maine to the Atlantic Ocean. That River still runs strongly in my blood and draws me back to its shores every summer.
Loved the art you two created near a river.
Jane Ice
8:06 pm
Hyatt, you are such a good writer and following your expressive adventures, I feel like I am there experiencing alongside with you two. Thanks for the ride and look forward to seeing your lovely artworks.
8:47 pm
Beautiful area and photos. I always enjoy the way you see things from the perspective of an artist and bring that out in your photos and paintings.
7:42 am
Beautiful!
10:36 am
Happy to receive your message.
What is your address of art display? We want to visit you open home and garage.
Viktor, Svetlana
3:51 pm
33752 Big Sur Street, Dana Point, California
6:22 pm
Such beautiful representations of a fruit I have only just discovered. Living in the UK, Persimmons are very exotic and almost impossible to find. I love their taste, so to see your lovely paintings, and the photo of Anne next to an abundant crop took my breath away. Thank you. Your work is a tonic to the soul as it always has been. I thank God for you. I am so glad to be on your mailing list.
8:11 am
Interesting approach to fruit still-life. The scenery is gorgeous, and you two look happy after 55 together.