Pines and Lavender Hillsides

5"x7" oil on gessoed masonite archival panel

“Inward calm cannot be maintained unless physical strength is constantly and intelligently replenished.” -Buddha

I really loved getting to paint out at Keys Creek, it was such a beautiful, calm place - just a real balm to the senses. Funny how painting plein air just locks in those good memories to draw from & be able to paint it again in the studio from the wonderful views all over that place. (I keep thinking of the warm sun, the fragrance wafting over the blossoms, and the 'drunken' bees just humming around, oblivious to anyone else.) Then when you're quiet & standing painting, you notice hummingbirds nearby in the bouganvillia arch, hawks flying over the distant hills, songbirds in the trees edging the property. The magic just comes together...makes you feel lucky to be a painter! I know my fellow painters know that feeling! and yes, as Buddha says, that inward calm comes from replenishing and nurturing our physical selves. (Did Buddha ever walk through lavender?)

While it's wet:

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Price: $150 USD

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From Hilltop To Valley At Keys Creek

6"x8" oil on Belgian linen mounted on archival board

"There is only one difference between a long life and a good dinner: that, in the dinner, the sweets come last."
-Robert Louis Stevenson


I took a short break for some water and a snack, and set up my easel again at the farm, up near the top of the hill, by the farm house. There is a wonderful view across the valley. At this point it's approaching mid-day, and I've found a bit of shade to shelter in while I paint this view. I really enjoyed being out in this open space, with long horizons so far away.

Contact me for purchase information on this painting:
roxannesteed@gmail.com