December at Ward Ranch

Our Saturday paint-out group returned to charming Waldo Ward Ranch in Sierra Madre today.  We were there last December to paint and we also like to check out the store for holiday goodies like jams, marmalades, and condiments.  Last year I painted this scene near the gift store, Ward Ranch Holidays.  It was so busy with people that I looked on the other side of the main house and factory buildings for my view today.  We were surprised to see the orchard of old tangerine trees so full of fruit that I just had to paint them.  I also included the barn since I like to have a structure in my paintings.  It was foggy in the morning and I loved the mountains behind the ranch looking very pretty and hazy.  There were still quite a few people coming by to get their holiday gifts, and asking me directions to the store.    

5" x 7" Gouache