Joshua Tree National Park
Artist-in-Residence



Cyclops Rock                         oil on board   12" x 16"

The first couple days were a struggle, the sun was fierce and the landscape unfamiliar and intimidating.  Then,
I was taken by the sun behind this feature, Cyclops Rock.   My fast sketch was followed by a painting done over
several mornings.  It was tough, as I was sitting in the sun.  As I finished one morning I spoke with a boy scout
troop setting up a rope to climb to the "eye."  They invited me and was able to climb up into my painting.


 



Saddle Rock                                              oil on canvas 9" x 12"

Rock formations on the side of Ryan Mountain, second highest peak in the park.
Drawing from the summit.

All the following formations were a short walk from my lodging.



Echo Rock                                oil on canvas 12" x 16"
Grass, Lost Horse Valley                            oil on canvas 9" x 12"

Sunset Lost Horse Valley           oil on canvas 9" x 12"
Angle Rock                                              oil on canvas 12" x 16"

 

      In 2002 I was selected as visiting artist for Joshua Tree National 
     Park during April.  I was given this fantastic house all to myself
     deep in Lost Horse Valley.  During the month of hiking and 
     exploring the high desert I created ten paintings and numerous  drawings

    

Larger version of Lost Horse Valley, painted recently


Lost Horse Valley                                           oil on canvas 24" x 30"

Later in my residence I started to explore the manmade ruins in the park.



Pink Ruin                                   oil on canvas 9" x 12"
Truck                                        oil on canvas 8" x 10"

"Wall Street Stamping Mill", artifact from the gold mining era.



Cactus Garden                            oil on canvas 8" x 10"
see the coyote?
The coyotes in Joshua Tree are habituated to people.
This one had learned to fake a limp and walk slowly
in front of cars...

Of course I did manage to get out and explore a bit too...



Rowland Russell, Tim Terrell and I decided to climb 
the highest peak in the park, Quail Mountain.
Back country travel (without trails) isn't hard in this desert.

The summit!  We returned to the car a whole different way.
Of course the rock climbing is great in the park.

Petroglyphs at a remote and hidden location
Wierd formation in the maze called 'Wonderland of Rocks'

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email me at art@frux.net