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.
Acrobat VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL After all morning work picking berries, time for some sun. This was taken during August with the Rim Fire smoke creating good photo backgrounds. I now have painted this squirrel twice and still can see a few more paintings. What’s Up! 12x12in HCH
Rim Fire VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL The Rim Fire was located in central Sierra Nevada in August 2013.It created long lingering smoke north into the Truckee region. The morning and evening light became highlighted with warm hues of yellows and oranges backlighting the shrubs turning into autumn colors. With little water this late in … More smoke in your eyes
Quail VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL This is the second year this male has decided his reflection is much more appealing than a live female. He camps outside the window and patiently waits all day for action. At first he was interested in the house rabbit he could see thru the window but slowly that … More Faithful
This barn I discovered on a back road trip to Pismo Beach. I changed the background and added some cloudy sky to the composition. I think all the lack of rain in California this winter is coming into my painting with wishful thinking. Guess I also moved the barn towards the coast! Back Road … More Exploring Back Roads
This beautiful bird and its mate return every year and nest in a tall pine within view of my house. I think the morning I took this photo it was drying its feathers in the sun. They are very quiet until the eggs hatch and then get vocal about getting fed. Nester Red-Tailed Hawk 12x12in. … More Red Tailed Hawk
Monarchs in Pacific Grove VIEW SLIDE SHOW Monarchs hibernate in a grove of eucalyptus in a small sanctuary tucked in a corner of Pacific Grove. On a unusual warm Sunday morning in January they started fluttering to the blossoms of cherry trees in the neighborhood. I did close ups of the wing … More Pacific Grove Monarch
Roadside Attraction VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL Between Susanville and Janesville is Richmond Road which is the location of this barn. I wanted a weather change from the bright sunny day I took the photos, so in my painting, I made it more of summer storm gathering day. Richmond Barn 36x48in. HCH
Wandering around in aspen groves in the autumn I take photos of individual leaves with their impressive color and textures. Here is latest group now in HCH.
The Dream Begins Here VIEW SLIDE SHOW Cedarville, Modoc County. A great place for a excellent breakfast or lunch is what Surprise Café is about. I noticed this mechanical horse across the street. It had a sandwich sideboard with the “Dream Begins Here” leaning against the wall, I knew I would paint it. The sign can be … More Cedarville
Burros VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL I’m hooked on burros like people who love cats.. Something about them… These burros are in Sheldon Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. It is located in a remote northern corner of Nevada. There isn’t much information on this area and I was surprised to see this beautiful gorge! I want … More Sheldon Wildlife Refuge
Crystal Harling 