Elephant Mountain North

Climbing the trail up the north side of Elephant Mountain, the trunk being the peak in the upper right corner, this is yet another page out of the travel sketchbook. 

Desert foothill hiking on overcast days is very comfortable, but the real treat is when sun breaks through the clouds* sending patches of light that scan across Earth's contours, as if an almighty being were seeking something with its celestial flashlight.

*"Sun Through Clouds" piano instrumental by Matthew Morgan - thank you for the inspiration.

Elephant Mountain from Tortuga Trail

Today's offering is a sketch of the view of Elephant Mountain from Tortuga Trail in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The Aravaipa Running club has two long distance events scheduled for these trails on February 20th.

Saguaros at Spur Cross

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Their spines backlit by the late afternoon sun, saguaro cactus of Spur Cross Conservation Area stand out against the deeper shadows in the bed of Cave Creek. The profile of Elephant Mountain divides land and sky. - Nancy Boudreau

This painting is about 5 x 7 inches and is acrylic on gessoed mat board, protected in a cream colored mat. As with all these little studies, the text above is handwritten on the back of the painting, which is also signed and dated.

Below Elephant Mountain

Painting the profile of a face loved by many, the skyline of Elephant Mountain. Heavy spring rains have turned the desert below into a grassland with flowers soon to come: lupine, poppy, brittlebush and more. Part of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, there are many hiking trails here, of moderate difficulty, regularly visited by local hiking clubs. - Nancy Boudreau

This painting is about 5" x 7" acrylic on gessoed mat board, protected in a cream-colored mat. As with all these little studies, the text above is handwritten on the back of the painting, which is also signed and dated. For comments and queries, please feel free to contact me directly at: nb@nboudreau.com