Piru Farm, Santa Paula Valley, 12″ x 16″, Oil on panel, © Eric Merrell
As featured in my February 2011 eNewsletter – click the image for a larger version. To make sure you receive the eNewsletter with the latest info, send me an email.
This was painted on location in the Santa Paula Valley just north of Los Angeles. Still very rural, it’s packed with miles of orange and avocado groves reminiscent of Old California. Chickens roam about freely, fresh produce and fruit stands dot the highway as it winds west towards the Pacific. I’ve tried to get a sense of the crisp, clean and healthy sense of this life in this valley during winter. I’ve always felt that if I wasn’t painting, I’d be involved somehow with agriculture. Both of my parents work in this field (heh): my dad in vegetable and flower seeds, and I grew up running around in my mom’s vegetable gardens and fruit trees, so I’ve always loved working in the yard.
Eric Merrell Art 
Love the rich color. It without a doubt does capture the sense of a crisp winter day. Very nice piece.
Great piece. I like the light in this painting much!
Nice color, Eric! I moved to Los Angeles about six months ago, I’m going to have to make it out in that direction for some painting.
I really am enjoying your latest work Eric… Thanks for posting it…
Good skills to know… Gardens and growing things can be very satisfying!!
Hi Andrew – thanks.
Thanks for visiting the blog Mark, and thanks too.
Hi Joe, it’s fantastic out there, the whole valley is great. Although I seem to be heading up there during all the windiest Santa Ana days…it’s exhausting.
Thanks Marian – this area is a great place to do both! Heaven.
Old California ! It speaks volumes about a way of life that is gone from around here. Gardens and Chickens! Orange trees! Lovely mood you created. It feels like early morning to me. The chickens are up and about!
Keep me updated with your news, Eric.