Watercolor #15 in 33 Years: Los Angeles Zoo
by Pasadena Adjacent
enlarge to appreciate
I was expecting plein air watercolor #15 to be Devil’s Gate Dam — from the western side of the bridge. But life is messy. Uninterrupted time is out of reach. Non interruption is how I process creativity. Lots of thought – occasional action. But since plans are in the making to spend this weekend with the shamans, Devil’s Gate Dam #2 may have to substitute for next Saturday’s session.
So this session was held at the Autry in Griffith Park. Only me and Barbara showed up (and she drove). The Autry was hosting an opening for ‘Western Painters.’ Highly skilled work but sadly anachronistic. What rocks is the extended show on beading. It’s onset, it’s influence, and as a practice that allowed for native wisdom (medicinal plants and beliefs) to be hidden from western eyes. Plus a small gallery show celebrating Jack Rabbit cabins out near Joshua Tree.
Barbara chose to paint the Autry sans the ding bats on the bell tower. A museum design so hideous Mr V refers to it as ‘Mission Impossible.’ She did a really good job on the redemption end. I painted the Zoo — mostly the sign (and in perspective). It’s an impressive sign featuring a California Condor. Did you know Los Angeles Zoo has played the largest role in rescuing the condor from the brink of extension? Something I was made aware of back when studying forestry at PCC. A precious few existed then. Maybe 17? Their return is something to be proud of.
[WARNING SHOP TALK] Where fools tread. Yes, first thing I chose to tackle was the signage with it’s one point perspective. Either you find the result quirky and charming or annoyingly inept. I parked myself on a curb at the far end of the parking lot, so as to keep a distance between myself and the onslaught of visitors. It also kept me from accurately seeing what I was painting — and once you set up, you can’t exactly leave to go in for close-ups. Didn’t help that I had left the chip out of my camera. So I interpreted what I couldn’t clearly see; like the entire entrance. The silverly softness of the palms as they make there way back in space is commendable. Palm trees and tiki lights lend a jungle air. And though the coyote is made up, it’s no stranger to the park’s trash cans. Plus it adds a touch of irony.
Pasadena Adjacent 
Our Editor Responds: I made the mistake of downloading Apples latest operating system Yosemite. Eats a ton of ram. Disabled my Adobe Suite. Eventually I found an extension to get it operating again. Phew! Wish I could dump the entire program from my hard drive.
Re Video: iMovie? Yosemite made a wreck out of that program too. It’s like being Helen Keller and entering a room where they’ve rearranged your cupboards.
Fuck Fuck Fuck
LikeLike
I love the coyote–those animal guides are smart–immortalizing themselves in your work:)
Our Editor Responds: They’re also ‘Tricksters’ which seems appropriate considering…..
LikeLike
Liz, I love your take as always! Just love your tiki approach for this piece. I had hoped to join the paint-out, even tho the farmer’s market isn’t there now, but as you say, my plans got interrupted…See you soon.
Our Editor Responds: Thanks Sherry. It won’t be this next weekend. I plan to be in the mountains hugging trees with my shaman community. Maybe I should bring a sketch book…. I could use the practice?
LikeLike
Keep them coming. I find these paintings to be cheerful and
appreciate the disassociation from technical accuracy.
I wonder if coyotes ever jump the fence into the Zoo.
Our Editor Responds: Thanks Chef King. The disassociation isn’t on purpose. I’m just lacking in ‘straight line’ ability.
Re Coyotes – I bet they do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is your best one yet. Your eccentricity is perfectly suited for this kind of scene. It’s the sign that makes all the difference. Most watercolorists would have stuck to landscape.
Our Editor Responds: You say that every time. Which is why I like you.
LikeLike
I really, really like this. The Zoo should buy it from you and use it as a poster.
Our Editor Responds: I think they would make nice post cards — do you hear that Los Angeles Zoo Gift Shop?
LikeLike
I like the graphic, two-dimensional “stacked” quality reminiscent of the “primitives” which lends this piece charm, wit, and playfulness; an absolute delight!
Our Editor Responds: [WARNING SHOP TALK] It must be an aspect of my inability to organize and edit. I pull everything into the picture frame, thus the compressed space. It’s funny how the best aspect of this exercise is how it’s teaching me about myself.
LikeLike
Very appealing. I notice there is a unifying repetition of stemware shapes. The zoo should definitely carry the postcards. Also the zoo should make the tiki torches larger, like yours.
Our Editor Responds: Dinner party for 40? My tiki torches would make a fine bar-b-que out of the zoo.
I’m thinking those two houses on the left are pretty sweet. 4 colors.
LikeLike
Turns out 56 is a powerful number; red oxide [rust]. The last number in a chain of chemical reactions leading to a stars death.
LikeLike
I like the inclusion of the coyote, PA ~ and your palms remind me of old-fashioned feather dusters, aka the ones that actually had feathers. I agree, this would make a lovely postcard or poster for them!
Our Editor Responds: You are so right. They are feather dusters! this painting is turning into a kind of Rorschach test. Hmmm I see ‘a lack of buyers’ lol
LikeLike