Live Oak and Aloes – Huntington Gardens Plein Air Painting

Oak and Aloes – 9 x 12 oil on canvas

In the desert garden area of Huntington Botanical Gardens there is a mature live oak tree surrounded by exotic desert and tropical plants, many of which have an origin in South Africa. Winter is the time for aloes to bloom – and their red flower stalks are holiday cheerful amidst the green of succulents and cacti. Nature puts on a fabulous show every day of the year.

An epiphyllum (orchid cactus) nestled between the trunk and the branches – but they will bloom much later in the year.

In Southern California we are finally in the middle of autumn. Liquidambar trees are turning, the gingkos are fully yellow, sycamores are a blend of green and gold and some trees are already bare. It takes us a long time to get around to the seasons, but we try to do a good job with it when we do.

California Country Road – Karen Winters

California Country Road 9.5″ x 7.5″ watercolor on paper

A spontaneous sketch of an out of the way byway in California’s beautiful hills. Around the bend may be a tired old barn or a vineyard. You just never know what to expect when you go for a drive.