Across the Orchard

On an overcast day a few weeks ago the Saturday plein air group met at the Waldo Ward Ranch in Sierra Madre.  I've painted there quite a few times and posted my previous watercolor in Back at Ward Ranch.  Another visit to the jelly factory property is always fun and there are a variety of views to paint.  I've liked the look of the house just to the west of one of the orchards and decided to give it a try in watercolor.  After a rain, the bright green grass and bright yellow flowers caught my eye.

8 x 10" Watercolor

      

The Nursery!

I love to take snapshots at nurseries but didn't have painting opportunities at any until last Saturday.  Bellefontaine Nursery in Pasadena was on the list of our paint-out locations and I was looking forward to it.  We almost didn't get permission to paint there but happily we were finally OKed.  The nursery is owned by a Japanese family and has been open since 1939.  The main building is an old, wood frame style that you just don't see here much any more.  Wonderful that it's still standing for us to enjoy.  The nursery has so many alcoves of plant varieties, lath structures, and pots that I spent too long walking around investigating and had to quickly chose a view to start painting.      

I've always loved the look of lath houses.  Lots of interesting shapes and all those patterns of light and shadow catch my eye.  I chose a spot to paint with a view into one of the lath houses that was roped off.  My painting (approx. 8"x10") and view, and also a photo of the modest set-up I'm using right now.  I hand-hold a watercolor block.  I was waiting for my first wash to dry when I took this shot.  There's also a photo below of a little friend I saw while investigating.