It Begins: One Down Fifty-One to Go

There is a wonderful variety of topography and scenery right in my hometown of San Jose, and I am often amazed at the many streams and rivers which flow through both the suburban and urban landscapes of Silicon Valley. Below freeways, around back alleys, behind fences are wonderful little scenes we hardly notice in the rush of modern life.

For many years, I have wanted to spend a year painting a different stream each week throughout the seasons, well, at least what mild seasons we have here! I’m putting it off no longer and am embarking on a project to do one painting each week throughout the next year of the Creeks and Rivers of Silicon Valley.

Due to traveling and other commitments, I won’t do a new painting exactly every week, but expect to have fifty-two 8×10 paintings by this time next year. Right now we still have lots of fall color in the valley, so I will try to capture that in a number of works the next few weeks between a busy holiday travel schedule.

Below is painting number one. I went just a few miles from the house and painted Silver Creek as it wraps around Lake Cunningham Park. I was at the corner of Capitol Expressway and Cunningham Ave.

Here is a link to Google Maps on the location.

(Note: you can click on any photo to see a larger copy.)

The general view I am painting in Cunningham Park. For those who are familiar with the area, Raging Waters is just to my right, and Capitol Expressway to my left.

A little closer shot focusing on the specific scene. There was still a lot of fall color in the tree to the left.

By the time I was done, the sun was getting pretty low.

Silver Creek 8x10 OIL — Silver Creek 8×10 OIL

The painting took a little over an hour to complete. I did use a little artistic license by moving in a few red trees which were just to my right in the Raging Waters Parking lot!

So, if you don’t see any new stream paintings posted from me in awhile, shoot me an email with a gentle reminder to encourage me keep me going!

BTW, these paintings will not be for sale until the entire year is complete.