The recent rains have overflowed many of our creek beds including Barton Creek. More importantly we are beginning to see the edges of fall colors too! But not before the wildflowers have one more crazy burst of colors. So I ventured out to Lost Creek to find a bit of inspiration from our great weather and local terrain.
Thursday paint out offered a chance to capture the play of morning light on the lower cliffs along the swollen rushing creek bed of Lost Creek in the west hills of Austin.
It was a bit crisp for an early start but the warm sun very energizing. It was a nice change to paint the early kiss of fall colors beginning to transform our landscapes.
The Oasis offers panoramic views of the Texas hill country as the Colorado river winds its way to the dam, even in our record droughts, it is still beautiful. But all must enter through this archway to the Oasis. I felt drawn to painting it as the morning sun began to warm the stack stone work and the people began to trickle into grab an early lunch on the balcony.
The Oasis on has a long history of great views on Lake Austin. The original structure burned down some years back and the family rebuilt the existing complex of multilevel balconies and scenic views. Good to know that there is still a great place to see our hills stretch far into the horizon over a bite to eat.
The rains have had a welcomed cooling effect for us. For a moment, the rain looked to dampen any planned paint outs. But I was willing to risk painting rain or shine. Good thing we had lined up painting at a great spot regardless of the weather.
Non other than out at the Oasis west of Austin, TX .
The Oasis offers sweeping west views of the Lake and all its Texas size hills rolling off into the distance. We were graciously shown to a 3 floor balcony with amazing views of the lake.The crisp autumn weather greeted us with lovely lights and shadows playing across the hill scape.
The challenge is settling on a spot to paint with so many views to choose from. But I found it intriguing to watch the light play along the rocky shores echoing the water line and ridges of the hills playing along the Colorado River as it snakes down to the dam. That was my inspiration for this first painting.