Truckee and San Rafael, California, United States I work in oils and watercolors. The Sierra Nevada is the biggest inspiration for my paintings and sketches. As a fifth generation Californian, my family came to California with the Gold Rush of 1849. Wherever I travel I am inspired by nature. I enjoy sharing what catches my eye and how it evolved into my paintings. Reach me at my website, www.crystalharling.com. You you can see some of my artwork in High Camp Home, at 10191 Donner Pass Road, Truckee Ca. 530-582- 6866.
Across from Northstar in Truckee, is a trail that leads to the meadow where Elizabethtown once stood. Flowers from our big winter cover the meadow. Streams of shooting stars, onions, larkspur and yampahs cover the meadow. I went out there for three days to paint. The second day thunder coming closer had me make a … More ElizabethTown
California spread a carpet of flowers to celebrate coming out of the drought.
Flowers are spreading across the Bay Area Ridge Trail I sat on top of the ridge and did a watercolor of a rock outcropping and with poppy spreading out around it.
Drop Off 8×10 inch panel This spot along the Blackstone canyon trail is a good sign we got some rain. I sat and did a watercolor sketch near the trail. Then came home and painted this view in oils on a 8×10 inch panel. The panel is 1 1/2 inches deep.
You can follow this creek all the way up to the top of a ridge. I like the shapes of bay trees and buckeyes that grow along the trail and sound of flocks of band tailed pigeons feasting on Madrone berries in the winter. Watch your step for newts and banana slugs. Follow Me 6×6 … More Follow Me
Newts were looking for mates along the creek in Blackstone canyon. The photo below shows a female newt laying eggs. The female trys to protect her eggs as other newts and waterlife will eat them.
These trees are harder to find with all the snow the Sierra has got these winter. They are trees outside my kitchen window. Snowbound 8×10 inch linen panel framed at High Camp Home. Snowday 8×10 inch linen panel framed at High Camp Home. I am guessing the leaner on the right is probably completely covered … More Snowbound
I like to test myself to see how close I can match the paint to the trunk of a tree. Nailed it !
I started a year ago on four 8 inch panels of aspen leaves I collected while out painting landscapes. I put the leaves on my easel for reference. I then worked on all four and put in a darker red orange background, but kept changing my mind, Then put them away for a year. I … More Evolution of a Leaf
While painting a view of trees, all these leaves filtered down in a gentle breeze. I picked up a few, to paint. I put them on tiny canvas and started by tracing their outlines. Fast studies of colors of the moment.
Crystal Harling 