Dear JTO,
When we return to a place we’ve been to before we always keep our fingers crossed, hoping that the property has been maintained as nicely as we remember. JTO only seemed better than ever! Your house. The landscaping. The setting. All amazingly gorgeous and artful.
Needless to say, my husband John and I had a fabulous time at JTO. Our first stay 2 years ago, I took photos but did more hiking and no drawing. This time I drew. I wanted to share with you what I came up with….
Attached is a detailed narrative from Urban Sketchers featuring the artisty of Marcia Milner-Brage, created at Joshua Tree Oasis…
An Iowa lowlander visits the Mojave High Desert of Joshua Tree, California: Part III
Junk and making creative use of junk seem part of High Desert culture around Joshua Tree, California, where my husband and I spent a week earlier in March. At the vacation rental house, a rusted out Chevy pickup, permanently marooned in the driveway, served as a firewood bin. Our initial days were cool, but finally warmed so drawing outside was comfortable.
Often when doing a watercolor, I first sketch with a warm grey Faber-Castell PITT artist pen, which is permanent Indian ink.
Rusted Out Chevy scanned once home.
A cactus garden, using cattle troughs and old red oil drums, was along the driveway-facing side of the house.
So much fun to get messy with my Neocolor crayons!
My last drawing before leaving Joshua Tree Oasis was in the guestbook. A quick ink sketch–a view from inside with cactus close to the house, rocks in the mid-distance, and mountains beyond.
Good-bye to the desert.
Paintings by Marcia Milner-Barge http://www.flickr.com/photos/marciamilner-brage/
