Eagle Lake is probably the most popular destination in Mineral King. It is about 3.5 miles (feels like 5), and the last 1/2 mile or so is on a terrible trail. The lake has a dam built by the Mt. Whitney Power Co. in the early 1900s (1909? 1911? I’m just guessing, because it is hard enough to remember the relevant dates in my own life.) And it is a beautiful place.
Last year I painted it twice. One was for my niece and newly acquired nephew as a wedding gift; one was to sell. My niece asked if I just pulled theirs off my wall or if I painted it specifically for them. My answer was that I painted it specifically for them, but that I had tried to sell it first. (My family likes honesty.)
That 6×18″ shape is very appealing to me for some reason. So, here it is again, but this time I am working from two photos: one for the mountain ridge, and the other for the lake. All of it is squashed or stretched to make it fit, with the goal of keeping it believable.
I think I am developing more confidence in painting my chosen subject matter of various Mineral King scenes. It is about time, since I have been painting almost 13 years.
I wonder where I am getting these metaphor type ideas for blog posts. It’s kind of fun, a new way of thinking and writing.
Today my dad would have been 87 if he had not gotten that dang brain tumor and died a few days before his 67th birthday. I bet he would have thoroughly enjoyed the internet, including my blog.
4 Comments
Hi Jana,
Your dad would have loooooooooooooved your blog and I am sure would have had lots of fun and witty comments. I cannot believe he has been gone this long. He would be so proud of you, you are an awesome artist, daughter and trusted friend. Encourager of all! thanks!
Melissa
Melissa, you are such an encouraging friend and I appreciate you!
Love hiking to Eagle Lake, despite that lung-busting half mile! And I like the 6×18 canvas! It’s like a panorama view of the lake. Beautiful!
Sorry about the loss of your father. Yours passed way too young, as mine did at age 69, 22 years ago. I still miss him!
Sharon, I don’t love hiking to Eagle Lake, but I do love being there. And I have a real thing for those 6×18″ canvases right now! Thank you for the kind words about my dad. Sometimes it does seem as if Billy Joel was right about “only the good die young”.
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