Early this November, the colors of autumn stormed into Sonoma County, lighting up the countryside in vivid gold, orange, and maroon. Entire vineyards washed hillsides in color almost overnight, making even the most ordinary views extraordinary.
To take advantage of the beauty, I headed out to sketch under partly cloudy skies, donning a hat and sweatshirt to keep warm. I wanted to paint a nearby pear tree that I discovered hidden behind some bushes while walking the dogs.
The pear tree’s trunk is split from top to bottom, as if struck by lightning, and is now withering from age and decay. Its canopy contains few leaves, but surprisingly, produces an abundance of tiny pears. At its base, a small blackberry bush wraps the tree’s trunk in thorns.
At this time of year, the weather can be moody, changing from hour to hour and making the need for coats and gloves unpredictable. Since it was mostly sunny when I left the house, I thought that my hat and sweatshirt would be sufficient, but the weather turned cold and cloudy as I sketched, and by the time I finished painting, I was shivering. Sprinkles of rain dotted my page, and I covered the painting until the weather passed. Then I packed up my gear and headed home for some hot tea and a warm fire.
Fantastic job, Richard! Love the sky… and all the great colors here.
I’ve been carrying a “dry bag” for several months now, in case of rain. I used to put my camera gear in it, but since I’m doing more sketching these days, it just makes more sense to use it when a sprinkle comes along.
Thanks Steven for the comment! I like your idea of a dry bag. I think I’ll get one together since I’ll be on my bike all winter. I’m still working out my supplies and changing things as I need too. Great idea and thanks for the tip!