3042 UCSC Arboretum and Reserve, Bike Path To City On the Hill, February

Giclee Prints and Photographs Available. I was twice drawn to paint this hilly scene crested by redwoods, oaks and other conifers because I biked it many times as an undergraduate, heading into town from the University. In February, lupine covers the hills and by May, the green grass grows golden. There’s a contrast between the notes of color singing visually on a grey day, and the whole scene aflame with the setting May sun. The air currents off this meadow provide great uplift for the frequent raptors, including red-tailed hawks, as they glide over the meadows searching for voles and gophers. There are also frequent sightings of bobcats, mountain lions and deer in this meadow.