Spring always means California Poppies. But this year is special. After years of drought, we had exceptional rainfall, making it a superbloom year in California. So I headed to the Fortini Trail, just 10 minutes south of home with Nina Khashchina.
Just look at the bounty of flowers we sat among that day!
The day called for mixed media, so I just went at it, layering crayon and gouache over watercolor and ink.
And then I did this quick little piece where I started off by using the cast shadow of the poppies as my composition.
There are probably a few more weeks when I can catch these orange fields before it gets too hot for them, and then it will be time for the true summer poppies, the Matilija Poppy.
Sketch Away: Travels with my sketchbook 
Lovely landscape. I like the white foreground. It seems to draw the eye upward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your works is an inspiration. I love it. Thanks for sharing your discoveries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing these poppies for those of us who have yet to see them. Love your cast shadow composition to start your painting – and love your hat, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for sharing these gorgeous poppies for those of us who have yet to see them. Love your shadow composition of them, too – and your hat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love your artwork side-by-side with these photographs!! What a captivating location!
LikeLiked by 1 person