Soda Springs Landscape – DETAIL – Watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)
I painted Soda Springs Landscape from another of those small, three-value Post-It Note sketches that have become the norm. I figure this might be as good a time as any to feature this image, as the next Soda Springs/Big Bend workshop is but a few weeks away.
The workshop is actually located in an area called Big Bend, just off U.S. 80. However, I’ve learned that when I mention Big Bend, California, many people never hear the word, California. They end up thinking I mean Big Bend, Oregon. Thus, I go with Soda Springs which is an area in which Big Bend is located.
Big Bend (Soda Springs) is a small, beautiful part of the Sierra mountain range, just south of Lake Tahoe, on U.S. 80, with alpine cabins, pine trees, a stream, and hugh, rock formations. The rock formations make great shape and shadow patterns, especially in the early morning, and evening light. Big Bend is one highway turnoff (Exit 166) north of Cisco Grove. Annually, we enjoy a great painting experience after setting up our easels only a few city blocks north of Royal Gorge’s Rainbow Lodge!
In the wintertime this is the general area of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Resort, including – if you hit it right – sleigh rides in the snow! Summer or winter, the Rainbow Lodge is a sight to behold, with a Bed and Breakfast, wonderful scenery, and great food!
1. See a larger view of “Soda Springs Landscape” at this DIRECT LINK.
2. View similar sized work (framed 16″ x 20″) at this DIRECT LINK.
3. View paintings of a larger size (framed 24″ x 30″) at this DIRECT LINK.
4. View all of Woody’s Watercolors on this blog at this DIRECT LINK.
5. View Woody’s Web Site and 150 plus watercolors at this DIRECT LINK.
6. Learn more about the Rainbow Lodge at this DIRECT LINK.
#1 by Russell Black on July 19th, 2007
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Hi Woody,
I’d like to encourage those in Sacto to attend the Soda Springs workshop. Due to recent circumstances, I cannot be there this year, but I want to say that its a great place to paint and enjoy the company (Woody and David especially) of other artists. BTW Woody, I think you should hike down to that spot we checked out last year. Those were some great boulders that truly need painting!
Also, the Rainbow Lodge has excellent, 5 star dining, and is definately worth the trip (the venison is outstanding, as is the pork, steak, chicken, veal, etc.). I’ve spent several years painting there with Woody, and I will miss the experience this time around.
Good painting to all those that attend.
Best,
Russell
#2 by Woody on July 19th, 2007
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Russell,
Thanks for the comment. The workshop, including painting, critiques, and meals at the Rainbow Lodge won’t be the same without you. You will obviously be missed. I look forward to working with you again in the near future.
#3 by David Peterson on July 20th, 2007
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Woody and Russell, I will be there. I hope, Russell, that a way is made for you to attend. This venue and this instructor combine to create a marvelous painting enviroment. And if you live in the valley you will neeed to come up and cool off!
#4 by Russell Black on July 20th, 2007
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Hi David,
Unfortunately, we had to deal with Katrina’s accident (the totalled car along with the insurance, legal issues, and the purchase of another vehicle). Though my place in South Lake Tahoe is available, the cost of driving up and back even for the weekend is prohibitive (and don’t think I didn’t contemplate it either).
We also had to cancel a trip to Yellowstone at the end of this month, so the entire family has had to alter their schedule this summer. Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans. I can hardly justify what would be a pleasure trip only for me when the needs of the family must come first. I know that’s an oddball idea these days, but I’m old. What can I say?
Tell you what I’m going to do, that weekend I’ll make an effort to paint something here while I suffer out back by my pool. I’ll swim, push a few brush strokes on the paper, swim some more, BBQ a steak, paint a little, swim some more, lounge on the back pourch – in short, I’ll try to have a miserable time as punishment for not being there with you and Woody. Yes, I’ll even attempt to have the temperature rise above the current 105 degree heat, just to make sure the conditions are difficult.
#5 by Woody on July 20th, 2007
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David,
Thanks for the workshop promo. You give me an idea for a new, promotional slogan: Be Cool, Attend a Hansen Workshop! It has a nice ring to it!
#6 by Woody on July 20th, 2007
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Russell,
The self-punishment you describe (swim, paint, swim, BBQ, paint, swim, lounge on porch, etc.) must be unbearable beyond belief! Maybe David and I will have to pack up our equipment and come to your rescue (grin).
#7 by Russell Black on July 20th, 2007
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Woody,
Plenty of room, for both you and David, Marlene, the dogs, etc. The pool is rather small though, only 15×30, but we could probably all fit. Of course, you might have to paint red rocks as we have tons of those lying around.
Hoodoos galore!
Russell
#8 by kris wilson on July 23rd, 2007
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what an absolutely wonderful painting, so nice! ,my new favorite, thanks for posting this image!
-kris wilson
Woody’s reply:
Ahhhh! Music to my ears. Thanks.