Artist Residency in the High Desert
Luna Mesa, one of the five Joshua Tree Highland Houses
I recently learned that I’ve been selected for the Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency program, which will take place in July and August. We (I believe there are a few other artists, but not sure how many) are provided with a place to stay out in the rugged desert landscape, surrounded by cholla and jackrabbits, close by the National Park.
Although this time of year is super hot, I love the area and paint there often (and the houses have swamp coolers); this will allow me to really spend some time with the landscape and explore other places too. I hope to get back down to the Salton Sea again, and also to paint some desert moonrises. A moonrise over the Salton Sea would be spectacular! I’m thinking I’ll need to organize my days to avoid the heat: up super early to work, hide out under some cacti during midday, and get back to painting when the sun drops a little lower in the sky. On the checklist: plenty of water and sunscreen, and of course umbrellas. The paintings below are from the Hidden Valley area of Joshua Tree National Park.
Near and Far, Joshua Tree National Park, 24″ x 20″, Oil on panel, © Eric Merrell
Desert Sunset, Joshua Tree National Park, 16″ x 16″, Oil on panel, © Eric Merrell, Private Collection
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Hey Eric!
That sounds like it’ll be a great trip, enjoy the desert landscape!
I don’t have your email or phone number, so email me directly and let’s talk about that San Diego painting adventure…
tonypetersart@sbcglobal.net
Wow, your work just glows. It’s always such a pleasure to see your latest. I’m glad you’re blogging!
Hey Tony, yes I think it will be fantastic. I’m trying to soak up as much of this cool weather and paint out at the coast a lot before heading inland.
Hi Ed, thanks. I’m glad the color conveys pretty well; it’s a struggle sometimes to get it relatively close to the actual painting. I’ll have lots more to post soon!
Congratulations! and your work is looking great!
Hey Dan thanks. Looking forward to seeing what you find when you’re out on Monhegan later in the year, too.
That sounds great. Congratulations on that Eric.
Hey Frank, thanks. I’m looking forward to it. Bummed I won’t get to Mexico with you guys this year, though…
See you there!
Hi Renata, when do you arrive? You’ve got the longest journey of any of us!
Eric that sounds awesome!
I;ll add yours 
as well. check out my new exhibit online too with a buddy Ben Haggett who makes the paintbox i dig. All my best and successful cool! heh painting 
i may have to try it sometime.. heh
thanks for adding my blog too
Hey Katya! Yes, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Love Desert Sunset. got to get out there.
Welcome to the neighborhood! My husband (a sculptor) and I live close by Luna Mesa. We’re just down the hill a bit at 62025 Rincon Road (corner of Rincon and Star). Feel free to stop by for a cold beer now and again. Congratulations on the residency.
Hi Kerri, thanks for stopping by. Great to see your blog too. Were you and your husband at the the little get-together a few weekends back? Thanks for the invitation too, I might take you up on that
Eric,
No, we weren’t there – we were probably still in Alaska. Sad – we did go last year to the final reception that Jim and Fred held for the 2008 artists and it was great to meet people from all over the world.
My husband is home all day and would LOVE some company (don’t tell him I told you that). Just say hello to our barking dog, Bella, and come down and have a beer with him – anytime – or with us some evening. I work in Palm Springs and am usually home for martini hour at 6pm
Kerri