Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is native to the area around Pacific Grove, California. But more than a century ago people began to plant it along the north coast in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. It can be a contorted tree in areas of high wind, but can also soar to be a towering tree. A century ago, Arthur Frank Mathews (1860-1945) an Arts and Crafts tonalist painter from the Bay Area, became known for his paintings of tall trees backed by cumulus clouds. This is my attempt at the genre. For the background I took my photo of the north coast beyond the Westport Headlands (north of Fort Bragg). I found the Monterey Cypress trees at the Pierce Point Ranch at Point Reyes National Park. 230123. Watercolor, 14" x 21". |
