My Home - Rancho Soledad

I live in Alpine, CA, a small community east of San Diego in the chaparral covered hills. The inspiration for my art comes from the beautiful southern California landscapes right in my backyard. Most of my paintings are taken from my photographs of the native flora and fauna, particularly in the spring after we have received our winter rains. The nearby Anza-Borrego State Park provides an dazzling array of desert wildflowers, especially in years of abundant rainfall.

In my own backyard I am lucky enough to have many natives, such as manzanita, ceanothus (wild lilac), yuccas, mimulus (monkey flower), indian paintbrush, a variety of salvias, and more. My garden also includes habitat plants that encourage birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to live close by. Habitat plants include milkweed, passionvine, hollyhocks, cassia, buddleia, and many more.

(In the picture above you can see my burro, George, in the background. My husband, Richard and I also have several dogs, cats, and koi.)