Leslie Landers

Autumn in the Eastern Sierra

This is the second year in a row that I’ve been fortunate enough to paint along Eastern Sierra streams with gorgeous fall colors. We were thinking we might be hitting Highway 395 a bit late for peak color and there had been forecasts of rain and snow.

Fortunately for us, there was tons of color to savor while we were there and a dusting of snow on the peaks as a bonus. Our first stop came along Tioga Pass itself as we approached Lee Vining. There was just time for a quick painting next to the sounds of rushing creek water. The aspen leaves blowing on my palette served as a color check. My painting of the spot has been pretty much left as is though I’m not sure I consider it to be a finished piece. In any case, I am very interested in hanging on to the sense of fresh air in this little painting. “Autumn, Lee Vining Creek”

I didn’t get a chance to paint in McGee Canyon last year but fell in love the stunning views. Not only are the aspen beautiful but the purples, greens and magenta tones of the brush make a lovely counterpoint. Too windy for a tripod, I painted this in my lap and found my wet panel covered in seeds from the surrounding brush. The painting is not finished but I have been able to remove the seeds. “Waking Canyon”

I painted this in the June Lake Loop area near where we were staying. I’ve only had enough time to sort out the composition and block things in while I was by the stream and took it from there once I was home. I am not sure it’s finished but it is close. I thought I ws going to add the drifts of aspen leaves as they came down the stream but now think there is already plenty going on for very small painting. I left out the ducks too. I may have a go at a larger studio painting of a similar view. “Rush Creek at Rest”

The Lundy Canyon views of mountains, rock formations, colorful aspen and quietly reflective beaver ponds is pretty magical. Unfortunately, we had to call a rain delay at when we arrived at our planned painting spot. Still, as we were leaving the canyon, the sun came out and we happened on a delightful spot by the river. Turned out to be wonderful to the colors of the water and rocks beneath the surface. Joyful low-key moments to wrap up our experience. “Mill Creek in Gold” and “Mill Creek Bank”

I’m still basking in the glow of the Eastern Sierras and hoping for an opportunity to visit and paint again there next year.

Egg Rock, Pacifica

11″ x 14″ oil on linen panel

1I started this on the Devil’s slide trail on a glorious early fall day. The main thing I was trying to capture was the warm glow into the water of the sun hitting the rock and the action of the surf. I have painted the Egg Rock Sea Stacks several times and realized when I got home that this time I didn’t catch the rocks at their best angle so I took some liberties with the shape of the main rock back in the studio.

Painting Mariposa

I’m posting this while on a on a painting trip with Allied Artists West. We are chasing fresh air and fall colors.

“Circa 1860, Mariposa“
“Leisurely Breakfast”
“Mariposa Airstream“
“Blue Oak Bolero“
“Peace and Quiet“

Most of these pieces were painted on the property of a friend who has a home here. Veronica hosted dinners each evening of our Artists Retreat and taught us a bit about mono-printing as well. I may post on that separately.

Next … A few of us are on our way to the Eastern Sierra hoping to catch some fall colors.

Beneath the Headlands

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

Perched on a bluff in Mendocino, this painting invites us to lean over the edge and feel the power of the Pacific below. The turquoise water churns against dark rocks, while bright wildflowers cling stubbornly to the rugged coastline. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between the raw force of the ocean and the quiet resilience of life along its edge.

Late Summer Clarity

8″ x 10″ (sold)

On an impossibly clear late summer day along Highway 1 near Elk, CA, I set up my easel overlooking the rugged beauty of Coffey’s Cove. This piece is all about the contrast of the golden grasses in the foreground and the blues and turquoise tones in the water.

Autumn Lundy Canyon

8″ x 10″ oil on linen panel

This was painted by a quiet beaver pond along mill Creek in Lundy Canyon. The fall colors were peaking in the Eastern Sierras as the time and I felt so exhilarated to catch the scene. I was also fortunate to be with a friend with a very beefy 4WD truck as the road to the spot was challenging.

Reflections of Half Dome

14″ x 11″ oil on linen panel

This piece was created on location in the heart of Yosemite Valley in early autumn. I have painted Half Dome many times. For this painting, I focused on the contrast between the towering iconic granite formation and the softness of its reflection with the rocks in the foreground revealing themselves below the surface.

Navarro Beach Morning

12″ x 16″ oil on linen panel

In this coastal scene from Mendocino, I’ve focused on that quiet, fleeting moment when the morning sun begins to burn through the lingering fog. The air is fresh, the beach is hushed and rising tide is creeping closer. You might get your feet wet if you linger too long.