"The Notch", Murrieta, California

On the west end of Murrieta, there is a trail that leads up to the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Preserve.  There is a little gap in the hillside and the trail winds its way up the gap.  I don't know if there is an official name for this natural feature, but some people call it, "The Notch".  We can see "The Notch" from the front window of our house.  The trail is closed to the public with several locked gates across the trail, however one time my neighbor Rob and I hiked up the trail to the plateau.  Years ago, my son, Michael and his MVHS Football team were lead on a run up the trail by Coach Compton. Below is a photo of "The Notch".

Hummingbird

My wife enjoys watching the Hummingbirds in our backyard when they come to our fountain.  I tried to use a wet paper in doing this painting, letting the colors run and bleed into each other (Sfumato technique).  I would like to develop my skill in this technique since it works so well with watercolor.  I used an ultra-fine felt pen for the beak and eye.

This was my first attempt, with which I was not happy.  My daughter, Caroline, who is an excellent artist, gave me some ideas on how to improve it.  I was using the technique within the subject, but not on the edges of the subject.  Also, the colors were too brilliant.  I softened the edges and muted the colors down a bit.  I think the top one looks much better.