"October Shadows"

"October Shadows"
20" x 20" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

With October firmly behind us, the focus on my favorite season of the year is in full swing. My painting palette always seems to take a tilt toward the warmer oranges of leaves on the ground, and the blues and purples of long shadows on the lawns. Skies take on a deeper blue, and if we're lucky here in San Diego, the brilliant and puffy white clouds will soon make their appearance. It's the happiest time of the year...take a deep breath and enjoy it!

"October Shadows" is painted in the vivid, rich colors of Fall, on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. The inspiration for this painting was to capture the long, morning shadows beneath a row of trees along Presidents Way in Balboa Park. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door. $480 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

"The Dragon Trees"

"The Dragon Trees"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Located along Park Blvd. across from Spanish Village Art Center, the Balboa Park Desert Garden is the modern day, expanded version of the original "Old Cactus Garden" designed by Kate Sessions. The Desert Garden boasts a large variety of succulents and cacti, arranged in and around rock outcroppings and meandering pathways. My favorite plantings are the "Dragon Trees," botanically known as "Dracaena draco." A member of the asparagus family, when young it has a single stem. At about 10-15 years of age the stem stops growing and produces a flower spike with white, lily-like perfumed flowers. Soon a crown of terminal buds appears and the plant starts branching into a very Dr. Seuss-like tree. They are a must see!

"The Dragon Trees" are painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, offered framed in a wind, dark brown, plein air style frame, ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick it up at my studio/gallery at Art on 30th in North Park, and I will refund the shipping. $375 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada.