Sunday, June 03, 2007

Illustration Friday: Paradise

There's a small river that springs from the Ventana wilderness of central California. It's called the Arroyo Seco... or dry... well, dry arroyo, which I guess translates to wash or riverbed. But this little river generally has water year-round.

The Gorge, Horse Bridge, Fred's Camp, Miller's Lodge... all these spots are on this river. Charlie and Louie frequented them all in past days. Neither have been there in years.

Should have finished this awhile ago, and I think it shows... seems a little over-worked; like I didn't know when to stop. And, no, I didn't know when, and I don't think it's done, but it's time to move on away from it. Sort of the way Charlie and Louie had to move on with life and leave the places and times of their youth behind.

Peace to all, and may we all treasure the memories of paradise lost.


Added note below: looking at this and reading some of the comments, I think it may be a little under-worked, but I'm still gonna leave it as is. Below is an illustration of the Salinas River, with Valley and Santa Lucia Mountains in the background (the Arroyo Seco comes out of those hills). Really can't beat the weather here, though the wind can come barreling down the valley from Monterey Bay and the Pacific beyond.
The vantage point for this drawing is very close to Steinbeck's setting for Of Mice and Men... ' A few miles south of Soledad...'

18 comments:

studio lolo said...

Not overworked at all. I think Louie and Charlie would concur. Very nice Twiz!

AnaGF said...

I think it looks perfect just as it is - I actually love it!

buep said...

It's a good one, not overworked at all. Maybe another style... It's not bad trying something new :)
Nice paradise your Arroyo Seco!

Babe in the Woods said...

Its all in the eyes of the beholder. This is very nice, very tranquil, just what you were trying to convey. It also shows your other talents beautifully.

mcscrub said...

nice simple and very peaceful

DaisyB said...

I am becoming a fan of your work, not overworked, I just love the lines. It's very peaceful. :)

carla said...

I think it's just right! I feel as if I'm there, even thought there is the feeling of a faraway time and place.

steve said...

Oh no, this is perfect, really! Definitely a place I'd love to spend some time at.

valerie walsh said...

I feel it! Love this, everything about it. I hope it can always be like this!

Anonymous said...

i like it! you could live there forever as in pre historic times!



victorie/vfm4
who's account won't work... :-/

get zapped said...

Nice piece. I love rivers and their tributaries. I love your drawing of the Salinas River, it's gorgeous.

Tony LaRocca said...

I just want to go & lie down on the soft grass... cool picture!

AndyDoodler said...

Yes- perfect just the way it is! Ahhhhhh

Ellen Byrne said...

yes, this is paradise!

Janice Ykema said...

you might think me mad... But the effect you have achieved is a glass collage... I love it!. there is a luminescent quality to it ..(not sure if that is the correct word or that I spelt that right! ).

Catalina Alvarez said...

Oh! I love this Name.
"Arroyo Seco" nostalgic and bucolic landscape!
Thanks for your kind comment in my blog!
Grazie e arrivederci Mr. guancie rosse! hehehe
Cata.

HARDWAX said...

I am kind of privileged to glimpse a bit of Charlie and Louie's haunts. I think paradise is in reality and memory as well, and never really lost. Beautiful pieces, full of heart!

° said...

seems u have a nice slice of paradise out by u. lik eth vast expanse of the bottom piece and the reastful quitness of the top