Garden Oasis

“Garden Oasis” was especially fun as it was my second time to paint at Sheilds Date Garden in Indio. Instead of struggling with my equipment, I focused on what captured my attention and worked to stay with that theme. That is difficult when there is so much beauty to see.  The prepared grid also created some fun surprises.

My goal was to keep the bright yellow greens that outlined the palms, trees and bushes against the blue mountain.  Knowing that, the beautiful reflections in the water were minimized.   The distant palms added distance to scene but displayed the light too. Choosing a focus, simplifies and unifies the painting.