Oldies, but Goodies: Henry Cowell State Park Series

With all the New Year looking-forwardness that comes with this time of year, I thought I’d try to balance that with a bit of looking back.  I love my painting “Amongst the Redwood Sorrel.” It is one of my favorites. I have no idea why it has never sold. It’s come very close to sold a few times. Some paintings are like that.

This painting hangs in my bedroom. I’ve spent countless hours staring at it. “Amongst the Redwood Sorrel” from the Henry Cowell series.

I went on a hike in April of 2008. My best friend and I were on a hiking kick where we went to the Fall Creek section of Henry Cowell Redwoods every weekend. Here we would burn some calories, shed some work stress (still had my “day job” back then), and enjoy our friendship in a beautiful place. One day the Redwood Sorrel were blooming at the same time as the Trillium. I took lots of photos, and eventually painted it while living in the Midwest. In the heart of the snowiest winter in 40 years I pulled out my paints and saved my sanity with a bit of Spring.

Painting the Redwoods can have it’s challenges. The lighting is really, extremely, even. When you have tall mountains covered in very tall trees, it is all shade. With the exception of when a tree has recently fallen, then a patch of sunlight makes it all the way down the forest floor, or in the case of “Fall Creek Light” all the way to the crystal clear creek that flows through the forest.

©Kristen O’Neill, Fall Creek Light, 36″ x 48″, oil on canvas

I live about an hour and half from the redwoods now. As soon as I leave Oregon and cross into California, they all seem to be waiting for me. I love the ancient feel of an old-growth Redwood forest. They are one of my most favorite places in the whole world. If you’ve never been, I cannot recommend a visit enough.

Perhaps that is why I enjoy living with these two paintings so dang much. They remind me of these wonderful places and times. I hope they sell, but I sure do enjoy them while I have them!

To see information about visiting Fall Creek in the Henry Cowell Redwoods SP click here for their website.

To see more information about Jedediah Smith Redwoods (my current haunt) click here.

Both are some of the most beautiful spots in the whole world.

If you want to purchase either painting, or find out more information, simply click on the photo of the painting. Or contact me directly with any questions. All prices include free shipping in the continental US.