It seems like the only time I visit Joshua Tree National Park is when I have friends visiting. It is a beautiful park, and I only live 5 minutes from the entrance. However, dogs are not allowed on the trails, and since my main hiking companion is a fuzzy dog, I tend to find other places to hike near the park. Fortunately, I do get visitors, so I do visit the park from time to time. Last Thursday was just such a time.
I took quite a few photos, but today's star will be the manzanita. Also known as "little apple", manzanita is the common name for a species known as arctostaphylos. I am drawn to the wonderful red and grey bark and the tiny, urn shaped flowers.
A wonder of the desert world.
My talk at the Joshua Tree Public Library on Saturday was a success. A big thank you to all of you who came! It meant so much to me, having familiar faces in that crowd. I had prepared a talk that only lasted 11 minutes, but there were enough questions to keep me talking for nearly an hour! I had a friend video recording it, and I hope to have the video online by the end of the week. So if you missed it, hang in there! The work is still hanging at the library, and you can go and see it during regular library hours.
I leave you with another new painting.
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| "Spill." Oil on linen, 40 x 40 inches. ©2012 Karine Swenson. |
4 comments:
Oooooooh an artist talk!! I can hardly wait. Love the new piece btw. What's behind this new direction?
Hola! I've been lurking for some time and really enjoy your blog, so thought it was time to actually say that to you. LOL
Love the abstract pieces and the pictures of the desert are so gorgeous.
Great blog!
Cheers,
Nicole
Hi Patty! I think I might have to write a whole blog post about what is behind this new series. I will say that they are layers of paint - as though I were painting one painting over another and another. I like to leave little bits of the underneath layers. Thanks for the comments!
Hi Nicole!
Thank you so much for your comment! I am glad you are enjoying the blog. Are you an artist? Or a desert dweller? Just curious how you found me.
I'm an artist too. Can't quite remember how I found you exactly...although it was through the blogosphere somehow. Someone had a link, but I certainly don't remember exactly who...just glad I did. :-)
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