These old trees are magnificent. Junipers have thick trunks in proportion to their heights. Growing on granite faced passes most are twisted and contorted by wind, snow, and lightning. I continually search for old trees to paint. These textures, colors,and gnarled old limbs, influence me to carry a heavy easel up to find them. The Bennet Juniper in Sonora Pass California, is estimated to be 3,000 years old. I haven’t seen it yet. This summer I hiked up on Donner Pass with my easel to study one of my favorites.
the result was a small 12×12 inch study on location.
and it
became this.
Juniper occidentalis 30×48 inches
Crystal Harling 