Author: crystal harling

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.

Weatherworn

August 30, 2021

Here is some background on a 36x36in painting of a barn that I painted this spring. It started on a road trip to see the big spring bloom of 2019. I snap photos of barns out the window on backroads through out California. This one wasn’t far from San Luis Obispo. Also saw a beautiful … More Weatherworn

Chip and Dale

August 7, 2021

Chip is a Golden Mantle Squirrel that I feed peanuts. It has been around for two years. I enjoy its company and love sketching it. There is a constant battle with the groundies, (California Ground Squirrels) and Chip as to how the peanuts are divided up. The groundies also enjoy cuttings from vegetables which aren’t … More Chip and Dale

Donner Lake Blues

July 19, 2021

I was painting on location up above the Rainbow Bridge on Donner Summit concentrated on getting subtle blues and the soft light. As I painted I noticed a stream of light colored clouds on the horizon which I added to my painting. Only when I got home did I find out it was smoke from … More Donner Lake Blues

A stick and a tree

June 23, 2021

I took a class from Friends of the Sierra Nevada Field Campus featuring Tree Portraiture with Laurie Wigham. I went to Donner Summit and picked one of my favorite trees to try this method out after the class.