The election of 2008 is over and you are either thrilled or really cranky. Me, count me thrilled because whether you are Democrat or Republican, it's a wonderful milestone proving once again that anything is possible in these United States of America.

This landscape painter is out and about. Right after the votes were counted and the results posted we took off for one of my favorite places, the small mile high village of Idyllwild. If you have not been there it's a great place for a quick and inexpensive break away. We stayed at the Idyllwild Inn in cabin No. 1. Firewood was supplied for use in the big stone fireplace. I was so tired that I fell sound asleep on the floor next to our dog, Trooper, in front of the fire. Ahhh... I needed that.

Captured lots of scenes in my sketchbook and with the camera. Even started a couple of paintings with enough information in them to afford finishing in the studio in the days to come. The light on the manzanita trees and tall pines was fantastic. The golden glow of fall morning light is a treat for the eyes! I can hardly wait to get to work!!

Meanwhile, here's a painting just finished up and off my easel. It's an 11 by 14 inch oil on canvas of a grouping of sycamore trees in Mission Trails Park near the equestrian area. I blogged earlier about that pesky grouping of cactus smack dab in the middle of the composition... those bad boys had to go!

"Fall Sycamores", 11 by 14, oil on stretched canvas.