Coming Home
11" x 14" Acrylic on wrapped canvas
$85 + $15 USPS and CA Tax

Learning to get around in our county, as "small" as it is, has been a challenge for me. For starters, Highway 12 turns into Highway 49 outside of San Andreas. It is still the same highway mind you but it gets a different designation. The next question is, am I going East or West, North or South? When I go to Murphys, am I coming down from Valley Springs or up from Valley Springs? And wait, I live in a subdivision of Valley Springs??? How can a town so small have a subdivision? 


In any case, learning each little part of each town and where everything is has been fun. You can't beat the scenery and two years later, it is only starting to seem familiar to me. It sure doesn't get old. One of the first landmarks that I began to notice on my way home from Jackson or any point to the East, was this water tower at the intersection of Highways 12 and 26. Now, once I see the tower, I know that I am almost home. I have waited some time to make this particular painting, believing that there really wasn't a good view or story about this tower. But there is a good story; and I think I am not the only one who must know it. Surely other people on their way home must see this tower and know that they are close to their goal. It really is a "rural beacon" for those of us coming home.


Libby

Sketches

I wrote about Campo Seco and the Adams Building ruins a couple of posts back. These small towns and landmarks dot the landscape in this area and seem like a quintessential California gold rush type of thing. They have a wider meaning and appeal than just that though. History is built in layers, one event or thing on top of another. People live here and work here still and are surrounded by the history of the place. To me, it feels like the merging and layering of old and new.

I did a quick color sketch of the oak trees in my front yard. I have been watching since August for the changing colors in the oak leaves. It seems like August through September was the time of greatest color: brilliant oranges and reds and browns. I found a fun page for younger children regarding why leaves change color and how the different chemicals in the leaves can produce different hues. The explanation is here. I think we have two types of trees in our yard, live oaks and valley oaks. I am just speaking broadly here. The ones in the front lose their leaves each winter and we have several in the back and on the side which don't. I found a good, if not a little confusing, site here explaining the different types of oaks (and why there is confusion).

Libby

Southworth Silo

Southworth Silo

8" x 10" acrylic on 3/4" profile canvas

$65 + $10 USPS or free local delivery

As part of my process in painting, I frequently go out and about in my neighborhood to sketch and take photos. In the effort to locate the old Evergreen Schoolhouse that I wrote about earlier, I was driving along Southworth Rd in Burson just a bit past Evergreen. This silo really caught my eye so I went back out to have another look. While I don't know specifics, I can see that there are horses being raised in the area, I saw a pumpkin patch farther down the road, I know there are olive orchards, and in general, I know that people have farmed in Burson. This silo may not be in use but it is similar to others of its kind. And knowing that this was an agricultural area, I can bet that this silo probably held some type of feed or grain at some point. Some of the fun of this project is guessing based on what you do or don't know. Good stuff. (picture included below)

Thanks for reading and let me know via email if you know any more about silos:)

Libby

Calaveras Lunch Ranch-Sketch

About a month ago, I learned about the Calaveras Lunch Ranch home. It is just up the street from my home and so I went off to snap a photo. The above sketch is done from that picture.

I learned also that the Lunch House was built by John Doak, a lumberman operating in Murphys. The home/hotel was a rest stop for travelers and also served to house Mr. Doak's family. The current home today is a private residence and can be seen from highway 26 on the left side, going towards town. I think it is interesting that road stops such as this existed. Traveling was a hard business in the 1800's (no McDonalds on every corner or a clean rest stop on a smooth highway) and I bet these inns and eateries were sorely needed. Some entrepreneur always seems to step in to fill a need.

Information on the Lunch House comes from the article written by Sal Manna and is included in his compilation booklet, Something From Nothing Volume 1.

Libby

Evergreen School-Burson

School Days

image size 4" x 6"; matted size 8" x 10"

gouache on watercolor paper

available: $35 + $10 USPS or free local pickup/delivery

My interest in old buildings continues with a study of the Evergreen Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse is located down Burson Rd about a half mile and change from Highway 12. The schoolhouse has a great history of course. I did a little reading about this in my Something From Nothing compilation. (Please see the resources page for information on this publication.) One room schoolhouses weren't uncommon and often times there may have been only one teacher for all grades. This particular building was built in 1894 as a way to serve children living in Burson who had to walk to school. (And not uphill both ways in the snow!)

The architecture of the building attracts me but really, it is the idea of a one room schoolhouse serving the needs of a small community that holds my interest. School districts are so complex these days and in my opinion, students are often under served. I wonder if a simpler schooling structure might have been more effective. In any case, the Evergreen School closed in 1955 as the county's educational system began to streamline itself. The building still stands and to my knowledge is occupied as a residence.

As always, if anyone reading has something to add just send me an email.

Libby

libbyfife@ymail.com

Campo Seco-Photo

I was in Campo Seco earlier in October to have a look at the Adams Building remains and historical marker. Campo Seco was settled in 1849 by Mexicans who worked the placers in Oregon Gulch. I did a cursory search and came up with this interesting tidbit on the type of stone used for these buildings. Campo Seco was an active town for awhile. I was interested to learn that these ruins may be from the "Chinese section" of town. The town is small so it is amazing to me that there were sections. I also found a link to some interesting history here.

As always, if anyone reading has some information just send me an email.

Thanks,

Libby

Campo Seco Marker Historical Marker Database

Malakoff.com-history of Campo Seco

Wrinkle Cove: Hogan Lake

Sunrise Wrinkle Cove

9" x 12" acrylic on 3/4 profile canvas

available: $65 USPS $10

email: libbyfife@ymail.com

One of my favorite spots so far this year for painting has been Wrinkle Cove. The view of the sun coming up over the hills is beautiful. Now is a great time to go to because the weather is still great and the season has ended. As with many things that I enjoy here, I don't know the "why" of why this cove is called "Wrinkle Cove." No matter, it is beautiful just the same.

In the meantime, Check out this resource for some history regarding the Army Corp of Engineers (they run the lake).

link here. The link also gives some basic info on Lake Hogan and other lakes in the area.

Thanks,

Libby

Wrinkle Cove-Hogan Lake

Wrinkle Cove

Image size 4" x 6"; mat size 8" x 10"

gouache on watercolor paper

available: libbyfife@ymail.com

$35 + $10 shipping or free local delivery/pickup

As is often the case, there isn't any specific history that I could find associated with Wrinkle Cove at Hogan Lake. People can swim or fish here of course and I have parked and hopped onto the nearby walking trail. Those rocks in front are there to prevent people from driving onto a particular area though I did see a car parked out on that point in the middle distance. Earlier this year when we received so much rainfall, Wrinkle Cove was closed. There was just too much water and it wasn't safe I suppose for parking or swimming or fishing. What attracts me to this area though is the sunrise. The sun comes up right over the hillside and splashes across the water to the banks on the other side. It is beautiful; overlooked I think too during the off season. I imagine that when the park is at peak season, people enjoy that sunrise every morning. I hope!

If you know anything about Wrinkle Cove, send me an email.

Libby

Rossetti's Bar: Update

It is always gratifying when something you do on the Internet actually works! I received a great email today letting me know that Rossetti's was not only a bar but a restaurant. I am originally from the Bay Area and so am not aware of the restaurant/bar's history. Hopefully, I will learn a little more info. Stay tuned and if there is additional information let me know.

libbyfife@ymail.com

I also have greeting cards available (4.5" x 5.75") and a few prints-image size 4" x 5.25" mat size 8" x 10"). If interested, send me an email to the address above.

Pardee Dam

Pardee Dam

11" x 14" acrylic painting on 3/4" profile canvas

available: libbyfife@ymail.com

$75 + $10 shipping or free local delivery/pickup

Construction on Pardee Dam began in July of 1927 and was completed ahead of schedule in 1929. I have read about Pardee before but in re reading the information, I was struck by the fact of just what was involved to build the dam. Specifically, much of the materials for the project came from our own Calaveras Cement Co; an additional railroad spur was built to accommodate the transportation of those materials; and men worked around the clock to get the project finished. It is a big deal I think to have our area involved in something that is so important to thousands of California residents.

I have done some reading through of EBMUD's information but hadn't realized the seriousness of the water situation in the East Bay at the time of the construction of Pardee Dam. Reserves were very low and a continuous supply of water was a real problem. I grew up in San Leandro and lived very close to Chabot Dam which was constructed prior to Pardee Dam. I don't know the answer as to why Chabot Dam was not utilized for the water supply. I did read that today, the dam is only an "emergency" source of water. If anyone knows the answer just send me an email.

I have spent some time recently at the dam to make the above painting. There is an area where you can turn off and park your car to view what I guess is the front of the dam. It is amazing that a person can get this close to it. I am assuming that EBMUD is somehow monitoring (I hope) activity at the dam. The spot is a great place to view the sunrise as it comes up over the hills; the sun shines across the water and onto the dam rim. The structure really is beautiful.

Libby

Backyard Study

Autumn's Last Light
original gouache painting on heavy textured watercolor paper
image size 4" x 6"; matted size 8" x 10"; sold matted
$35 + $10 USPS or free local delivery/pickup

As we head towards Autumn, I definitely have noticed a change in the landscape. The colors seem less saturated and the shadows have gotten bluer and longer. Evening is coming more quickly now and as the sun sets behind my hillside, I have taken note of the beautiful and changing view. In an effort to capture a little of that feeling, I did a small study. As I look out at the trees I wonder how long my oaks have been there and how many might have been cleared to make way for my home site. We lost part of one tree earlier this year during one of the last storms. Our tree man said that some of the oaks were sick but that that was typical of our area. A sick tree is weakened and this one partially fell down. One more reason to document what I can of my home while I can still do that. The trees will likely still be here long after I am gone.

Libby

Valley Springs Station-New Work

Forgotten Station
gouache painting on watercolor paper; matted
8" x 10" matted, image size 4" x 6"
$35 + $10 USPS or free local delivery/pickup

This is the second painting I have done of this train station. I may be a little obsessed. I have been reading bits and pieces about the station's history. The train came to town in April of 1885. I learned that the train system would connect residents of our area to the larger world-Stockton-and would provide economic relief from costs associated with having to move supplies in and out of West Calaveras. Like anything else, historical events conspired against long term success of this narrow gauge system. The railroad never reached to Big Trees as planned and seems to have puttered out with the advent of a new standardized gauge system, multiple sales to other railroad lines, and the invention and usage of the automobile. (Roughly-this is just my nutshell of events-there are other factors which contributed to the cessation of this system).


This second rough sketch is from one of my several trips to the station to do a little field "research." Trying out an idea and a composition prior to painting is useful for me. It allows me to problem solve prior to committing something to canvas.

I would like to cite the main source for my information (there have been several) as an article written by Sal Manna for the Valley Springs News. He can be contacted here. I recommend the compilations of articles that he is able to provide. They are entertaining and informative without being ponderous-perfect for us Internet junkies who have had our attention spans severely shortened:)

Thanks for reading. Please contact me with any questions.
Libby
libbyfife@ymail.com

Olive Orchard Road: New Work

Olive Orchard Rd
8" x 10"
original acrylic painting on 3/4" profile canvas
available: libbyfife@ymail.com
$65 + $10 shipping or free local pick up

This painting is from my outing on Sunday over on Olive Orchard Rd/Burson Rd. The morning time is always the best time for me to scope out a spot that I want to paint. The cooler shadows and soft light are ideal and frankly, I am a morning person. This particular road is of interest to me because it looks like there is a housing development in the area. Part of that development seems to be fenced off and I wonder if it never came to fruition. I can see from a cursory scan on the Internet that the site is about 256 acres and has/had olive trees on it. The parcels are 5 acres each but other than that I don't know how well the sales have gone. The land is beautiful though and I believe stretches out to Burson.

As a side note, I did also learn that these olives on this land have a history. Our area was home to the Rocca Bella Plant and up until the 60's, Calaveras County was involved in the olive industry. I am citing an article from recordnet.com that can be found here. The article, written earlier this year, details the efforts of Valley Springs resident Terry Beaudoin to revive the industry through his growing and bottling efforts. Sounds awesome to me. Who doesn't love olives?:)

If you are reading and have something to add, send me an email. Incidentally, the link to the current day Rocca Bella Olive co is here.

Libby
libbyfife@ymail.com

Burson Road Morning-New Work

Burson Road Morning
4.5" x 6.5"
original gouache (opaque watercolor) painting on textured, heavy watercolor paper
available: libbyfife@ymail.com
$35 + $10 USPS or free local delivery/pickup

As part of my efforts to learn about the county in which I live, I spend time out and about driving around. Sometimes I have a destination in mind but sometimes I just head up one of the highways. For this painting, I went west on 26 and right up Olive Orchard Rd. That Olive Orchard Rd. development area is interesting enough but then I turned on to Burson Rd accidentally. The town of Burson is just up the road from me so I assume that this road I was on is part of that-I believe it pops back out on highway 12. What a beautiful area though. The morning light was just perfect as I took some photos. I couldn't wait to get back home and work on this painting.

I did a little research this morning and came across an account of the history of the town of Burson written for the SPWCH by Sal Manna. Take a minute to visit the site and read the account. It was interesting to me just how much impact the railroad system had on the development of small towns such as Burson. I also did an earlier post on the Milton Masonic Hall located in Milton. The town of Milton seems to have been affected by the railroad as well.

Libby

Masonic Hall, Milton: Update

In the process of researching the locations for "The Historic Dozen" , I came across some additional information on the history of the Milton Masonic Lodge Hall. The building began as a saloon and was later the town hall before it was eventually purchased by the Freemason group in 1881. The link to that info is here. Both sites (SPWCH and Our Valley Springs.com) referenced in this post are available on the "resources" page tab at the top of the main page of this blog.

Thanks,
Libby

Photos: Olive Orchard Road and Burson Road

Much of what I enjoy about being an artist revolves around selecting a subject and learning about it. To that end, photographs, notes, and observation are a large part of what I use. They serve as references for when I am back in the studio. While many artists paint their pictures "on scene", my work is a combination of starting in the field so to speak and finishing in the studio.

As part of my process, I try to do research in to the history of the place or building in order to connect with my subject. Sources include The Internet, books, or a verbal discussion with someone with some knowledge of the building or area. Sometimes the subject that I have selected may not have a lot of information associated with it. The building or land is so specific or too general that it needs to be viewed in some larger context in order to be explained. I think the below three shots may fall under this category.


The above shot is of the view up Olive Orchard Rd, just off of Highway 26 going West towards Linden. Short of asking someone who lives there, I am guessing that this is a housing development that may or may not have gotten off the ground.


I love signage of nearly any type and the above housing development sign certainly qualifies. I wasn't able to find anything on this in a cursory Internet search. Again, short of asking someone who lives in this area about the history, I couldn't find much out. I will say that there is a very nostalgic small town quality to this sign. It reminds me of It's a Wonderful Life and the housing development funded by George Bailey's bank. I can imagine the hope and anticipation experienced by the builders, planners, and residents.


Lastly, this is a view up Burson Rd just a little way off of Olive Orchard Rd. I was actually headed back towards 26 but this shot is looking towards where I had just come from (Olive Orchard Rd.). Country roads of any type hold a draw for me. As someone who grew up in a small suburban town, roads like this just aren't very familiar. I have learned to appreciate their curves and vistas and how they meander from one place to another. The roads seem quaint but in reality, they are what connect people to each other, to the wider world at large, and can be seen as a common thread running through the lives of many residents of rural towns across America.

OK, as always if there is information to be learned let me know.
Libby

update: please see the post from 10/13 for what I learned about olives and the Olive Orchard Rd Developement

New Resources

I have added a new resource to the resource page at the top.

Calaverashistory.org

This group was formed to enhance and protect the historic archives of Calaveras County. There are a number of pages with information.

Thanks,
Libby

Hogan Lake: Fiddleneck Boat Launch

Lake Hogan-Fiddleneck Boat Launch
11" x 14" acrylic on 3/4" profile canvas
$75 + $10 USPS or local pickup free
email: libbyfife@ymail.com

Lake Hogan is just a couple of minutes away from where I live. I like to go there during the winter and spring when there aren't a lot of people around. There is definitely a season for boating and camping which are the primary activities that people engage in so I try to go when it isn't crowded. In most instances you can walk right down to the water if you like or get up higher to obtain a different view of the lake. Fiddleneck boat launch is attractive for me as a spot to sketch because of the different views. This particular view looks across a slice of the parking lot, down the launching ramp, and out to the water and mountains beyond.To learn a little about how Lake Hogan was begun, I went to the Wikipedia article here. It is run by the Army Corp of Engineers and is a man made dirt bottom lake bed.

Additional Resources:My Lake Hogan: basic info about the lake

Friends of The Lower Calaveras River: riverofskulls.wordpress.com- updated blogging about the lower calaveras river

Thanks,
Libby

Hillside Study 2

Hillside Study 2
5" x 7"
Acrylic on hardboard
sold

I live in an area of Valley Springs called Rancho Calaveras. This painting is a view of the back of my land looking out towards highway 26. This part of town was created in 1967 when several ranches were combined by the Boise Cascade Co. Our house is located on a 3 acre tract which is typical of our street. My neighbor tells me that as a little girl she played on the land where my home currently stands. Lake Dennis is just down the street from us. Our area is rich in oak trees and the beautiful rolling hills and mountains characteristic of CA gold country.

The link is here for the information on Valley Springs, compiled by Sal Manna at The Society For The Preservation of West Calaveras History Group.

On The Way To Copper'

On The Way To Copper'...
Gouache on watercolor paper
Image size 3" x 5"
Matted in a cream colored 8" x10" mat
Must be framed under glass
$35 + $10 shipping USPS
libbyfife@ymail.com

I periodically do small studies of subjects in order to work out ideas about color or composition or sometimes just to get the idea out of my head! This one is done from a photo taken on the side of Highway 4, heading East, just outside of Copperopolis. Locals will probably know the vista point that I am referencing, on the right hand side of the road. I was told informally that this side of the road burns quite frequently. I guess people stop to have a look and a smoke and then don't dispose of their cigarettes properly. Such a shame.

The area of Copperopolis is rich in history (literally). I learned that during the Civil War, the copper mines of the town supplied a great deal of material for munitions. Ore was shipped to the Port of Stockton, loaded onto ships headed for San Francisco, and then those ships sailed around Cape Horn to the East Coast. The copper industry eventually dried up when the war ended and the town population dwindled. Black Bart is reputed to have called Copper his home and today, the town is trying to thrive with the addition of a golf course and newish housing development.

Thanks,
Libby