Tag: red rock canyon

Labor of Love

Happy Labor Day Everyone! Here is my labor of love. I want to thank everyone for supporting my art over the years. Every purchased painting helps me continue showing, driving to trails for blogging, and buying supplies needed for my paintings so I can pursue this art dream. It is not always easy or financially stable but worth every second of hard work and dedication. When you buy a painting, you are not only supporting my small business, you are also helping out my little family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate you all and hope you have a wonderful day!

Here is a little Fall love for this wonderful September month. The paintings I chose for this blog and social media posts today contain sunflowers, fall leaves, and the undergrowth of a redwood forest in California. If you are interested in any of the paintings or more information about the art, you can click on each individual picture. Clicking will take you to my website so you can view and purchase the paintings. Each painting is an original 4” x 6” watercolor or a watercolor and ink. After recently visiting the sunflower fields at Gilcrease Orchard, I am really fascinated by sunflowers and pollinators again. One of my favorite paintings on this blog post is the sunflower just starting to open up. I hope you all had wonderful days today and please know, your work and what you do is appreciated. People see you and keep up the great work! Have a Marvelous Monday Evening and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, sunflower painting, watercolor painting

Day Hike

Hiking today under the vibrant sun was a bit of a challenge. I chose a pretty steep start and it was the first hike with another person on my back. Totally worth it to hear my daughter’s laughter and see her face filled with pure joy. The heat was bearing down upon us so I made sure to not stay out too long and had us both drinking water out of our Camelback the entire time. I highly recommend the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier if you are a mom with a longer torso. We bought ours through REI and I linked them above. This pack is amazing and easy to get on and off. I also was very pleased by the sunshade as it covered her face, eyes mainly, for both directions. She was also underneath my wide brimmed hat which helped a lot. The backpack was great and she did not overheat which was a concern here in the desert. A great time was had by both of us and I was able to get inspiration from the trail for the new sandstone piece I am working on.

I was fascinated by the yucca plants illuminating bright green hues against the red sandstone background. They reminded me of my paintings I did for my Red Rock Canyon Tiny Painting Series. Here are the paintings and if you click on each photo it will take you directly to the painting on my website. I was also reminded of the pine cones created a few years ago and how excited I am for this upcoming fall season. Now that I have this backpack, I am super pleased to be able to hike anywhere, but we do have to wait for the weather to cool down. Once this happens, my blogs will be filled with lovely pictures of the amazing scenery and hopefully a few awesome sketches of the day. Until then, please enjoy these photos and paintings. Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe out there. Water is amazing!! Thank you for reading.

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, watercolor painting

“Interconnection” Blog

I have always been fascinated with recognizable patterns seen within tree stumps and the human fingerprint as well as photographs of our bronchial tubes compared alongside tree branches. Trees are the lungs of the world and provide us all with oxygen through photosynthesis while breaking down the carbon dioxide we breathe out. Our fingerprints identify us as individuals while tree rings show the age of the tree, and both can give a glimpse of our history. Keeping these ideas in mind while painting this piece, the title came to me due to the fact that Earth’s organisms are all connected in some beautiful way. “Interconnection,” is my new Original Watercolor painted on Arches Cold Pressed paper. The size of this painting is 9” x 12” painted edge to edge.

Interconnection • Watercolor Small Works • Karen Hilliard Art

For this piece I focused on the contrasts in the fallen tree we found and sketched it on location outside Red Rock State Park. The trees on this trail are large and beautiful. There are many Oak, Joshua, and Pinyon Pines throughout the various paths carved out by the elements and time. We love to hike these trails for the sand at our feet and it is exciting to watch the dog frolick among the foliage. Yet, we are always mindful of wildlife and watch our dog very closely around cholla cactus so he does not have any accidents. The trail we chose on that day was winding in the most beautiful ways and then we stumbled across the fallen trunk near a wash. I found the colors to be breathtaking!

“Interconnection” is NOW AVAILABLE!! There is only one! You can click here to be directed to the painting on my website, click the title, or the painting. I hope this artwork brings many years of wonder and conversation into your home! Thank you for reading this blog and have a Wonderful Wednesday.

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, watercolor painting

Distractions

Mental distractions could be crippling at times especially when time is limited. Referring to my last blog about finding balance in the time allotted as well as taking mental breaks to keep creation alive, there is also the presence of interrupted time. When this takes place during day to day scenarios it is often difficult to push through these blocks in order to finish a project. Sometimes I crave a movie or television series to spark my creative aspirations and help me to relax my mind. Unfortunately, this also allows me to sit far longer than I would hope for at times, and can cause an interruption of my flow instead of motivating me. So, in order to help prevent distractions from happening, setting a timer may be an idea I should try.

Here is the link for my limited edition print, “Autumn is Here.”

Luckily, meeting deadlines is not an issue but losing sleep is. I wonder what other ideas I can try to stay focused when the mind wanders. Having several sketchbooks filled with ideas and writings is also a joy, yet I can get lost in those various thoughts for weeks. This is an example of something I could not set a timer for. Inspiration, in any form, cannot be boxed into a segment of time. The best realization is to leave the television off and possibly do some yoga to recenter my thoughts. There are however, many, many great movies that inspire my creations. Another distraction is books yet I will leave this for another time. Please let me know what distracts you and how you deal with it. You can contact me via my website. Have a wonderful Wednesday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon

Weekend Shenanigans

Wind, sleet, and a rainstorm! Do I have your attention? It sure had ours! We went out on a hike and stumbled upon beautiful trickling waters all the way to flowing rivers. On our return hike we were met with some interesting weather and yes, all weather is good weather. We braved the storm and ended at a restaurant, soaking wet head to toe, and all of us just sat enjoying warm drinks before lunch was served. The start of the hike was beautiful and yes…very windy. Not so windy that it would be unsafe being out on the trail, but windy enough to be unpleasant for others in the end. For us, however, we loved it and it was worth the lulls in weather patterns to be in the eye of the storm for most of the journey. We hiked through the desert and watched our dogs play, drink water in streams, bound around with immense joy, and get very wet. We watched the children jumping babbling brooks, finding walking sticks, and studying the nature around them. We laughed, had multiple conversations, and much exploration.

Hiking up the long arduous hill was invigorating. The kids were having the best time bouldering around the rocks and climbing to the top of things. We were very careful to keep them safe and once the rain started, the climbing stopped. To see nature through a different lens of children’s eyes is wonderfully remarkable. One of the best parts of Saturday’s adventure was seeing what the children would do next, what questions they would ask, and how their eyes lit up with amazement at EVERYTHING. Once the rain came, then the sleet, people may have thought I would mention all the complaining that happened. There was none! The kids and adults just followed each other in single file on the trail and protected one another during the wind blasts. Smiles all around and laughter with each unexpected experience. This goes down in my memories as one of my best days on planet Earth. Have a marvelous Monday and thank you for following along on my artistic journey!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon

Moments in Time

Every time I am out in the desert I feel worlds away from everything and everyone else. The topography continuously changes and causes my mind to wander into my imagination. So many thoughts come flooding in as if a flash flood or monsoon is happening inside my brain. Does this ever happen to you? I get so many thoughts at once and don’t have time to write or sketch them all down. I feel grateful every time I hike to have the opportunity for my life to be filled with wonder. Never expecting what may happen out in nature and always being pleasantly surprised is the best way for me to approach life. This is where I find my greatest inspiration, from the unknown. My favorite days outside are, what other people may describe as, the gloomy days. I love overcast and cool weather. Anytime the weather shifts to drizzle or gray moments, my mind shifts back to my childhood, growing up on the coast of California. This was such an amazing moment in time for me and anytime it rains I am transported into my imagination.

The gray days are perfect weather to enjoy a sip of coffee and break out my sketchbook. I have this wonderful little set of watercolors I found in Germany and it fits in my bag perfectly. When I arrived back in the USA I found the same set on Amazon. Here is the link if anyone is interested. These are my field watercolors, Winsor and Newton Cotman series. I also went to our local Desert Art Supplies and purchased another small blank set which I fill with specific colors and my Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolors. Between these two sets I find a happy place. Anytime I see the sky gets cloudy and I have a free moment, you can find me out in the desert, falling in love with the scenery all over again. I hope to bring this peace into your homes or the homes of your loved ones with my paintings. For now, have a terrific Thursday and I hope you have the chance to get outside!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, watercolor painting

Juniper Trees

Juniper trees are a beautiful sight to behold out at Red Rock Canyon. Actually, anywhere in the southwest where you can adventure out into the wilderness and find one of these beautiful specimens of foliage is a real treat. The berries are actually called cones and birds eat them, they can also be used to make gin, a drink for humans. The problem with the juniper trees recently has been bird droppings, or ding, with a mistletoe seed in the poop. This then attaches to the tree and sucks the water out of the bark to grow the plant, then the mistletoe eats the tree. The mistletoe is a parasite for the trees. Out in the desert, especially where water is scarce, plants have to fight to survive, and the mistletoe is really taking over a lot of the juniper trees. While we’re out hiking, we love to find these trees and stare in awe at their beauty, always hoping to not see mistletoe. When I stop to sketch these trees I try to capture their needles and show the berries in bright colors. To me, they look like Christmas tree ornaments adorning the tree naturally. What do you see when you spot them? Have any of you seen them in real life, or just in photographs? Here are some paintings of Junipers I have done over the last few years. Let me know your thoughts on the comments!

Red Rock Canyon Greeting Cards | Karen Hilliard Art | Juniper

What are you favorite paintings out of this little collection? What is your favorite tree or bird? I have a few plain air sketches of these trees from hiking as well and fortunately none of those have mistletoe. Please do not ever eat the mistletoe or berries as they are poisonous. I will not even eat a Juniper berry/cone if the mistletoe is growing anywhere on the tree. This parasite affects the structure of the tree. It can be removed carefully and trees can be spared, however that takes a specific skill set and knowledge in that area. Please do not attempt it unless you know what you are doing. Thank you for reading and have a marvelous Monday! Be safe out there!!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, watercolor painting

Red Rock Canyon

The Southwest is filled with marvels from Sandstone and Limestone rock formations to the various vegetation surrounding them. The animals alone are hearty and spectacular. I decided for my first blog on the beautiful landscape should be about my own backyard, Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead Recreation Area. This one will focus solely on Red Rock Canyon here in Las Vegas. The canyon is just outside Summerlin, which is a community here in Las Vegas. Summerlin is a lovely place filled with sandstone topography, and aesthetically pleasing stone walls around the businesses. You can find coffee shops, donut shops, pizzerias on your way out to red rock, or on your way back from the canyon if you are interested in a meal or a snack, after a long hike, or climbing session. There’s also horseback riding near the canyon past the 13 mile loop. Red rock Canyon has a lot to offer for families as well as experienced adventure enthusiasts. The 13 mile loop in itself has many pull outs with different names such as Pine Creek Canyon, Icebox Canyon, Calico Basin, Sandstone Quarry, and more. This has always been Las Vegas to me. Whenever I have friends visit, I try and take them out into nature rather than go to the strip to see the lights. I would rather take people out to the street sunshine and the vast desert surrounding all of Las Vegas.

Personally, I’ve only ever seen a coyote and some road runners inside the loop. I think we did calico basin pull out one and pull out two for several years. I loved running up and down the trail because the topography was nice and hilly. It was a very good workout. This is also where I first started climbing on rope on the panty wall and calico basin. It’s a great start for new or inexperienced climbers. Another activity people like to do in the loop is bike riding and then they often meet at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Summerlin at the end of the ride. I have yet to ride my bike around the 13 mile loop or to run around the entire thing. Have any of you been to red rock canyon and done any of these activities? I started going hiking just outside the loop and I absolutely love the freedom of it. Also, there are a limited number of people. Outside the loop I’ve seen Burroughs, bighorn, sheep, tarantulas, tarantula wasps, and much much more. The flowers and cacti are breathtaking. I am very excited to start taking you on walks out in this beloved desert ecosystem.

Thank you for reading and have a Marvelous Monday!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon

September

The month of September is filled with such joy, warmth, and love. The seasons are officially starting to change from Summer to Autumn. Certain parts of the country may notice a change in temperature, colors on the trees may be transitioning, and the excitement of holiday vacations are in the air. Here in the desert we are lucky if the weather starts to cool. Chris often says the temperature does not change until November, but this year, we have felt a slight shift in the heat. We are getting very excited to hike the dog in this new season. After so many rainstorms, the desert will be alive with colors. I cannot wait to go out, take photographs, and share with you all. For now, we are staying safe and indoors. Everytime I wish to travel I remember the dog has a fur coat and it would just be miserable for him.

Fall in Red Rock Series 1 Number 7 | Karen Hilliard Art | Tiny Paintings | 4x6 | Original | Watercolor — **CLICK THE PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE THE PAINTING ON MY WEBSITE!**

Fall in Red Rock Series 1 Number 9 | Tiny Paintings | Karen Hilliard Art | khilliardart | 4x6 | Watercolor — **CLICK THE PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE THE PAINTING ON MY WEBSITE!**

Recently I have been sharing past experiences and trips with you all. The fall series I created was from a hike taken a few years ago during the Autumn season. Looking through old photographs is quite joyous for me. I often say that I have taken so many reference photos and may not have enough time in my lifetime to paint everything I wish to. However, I am sure going to try and share all my visions with the world. A huge feat this is for sure! The recent sketchbook painting “Autumn is Here” has been one of the more fun projects for me. A lot of energy and time was placed into every centimeter of this painting. I am very happy to have been able to create a print for everyone. I hope people will enjoy having this painting hanging on their wall for years to come.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIMITED EDITION PRINT “AUTUMN IS HERE”

The tiny painting series was wonderful to paint as well since I love small surface areas. Each of these paintings has brought back so many memories of Fall. So many traditions happen this time of year and I am excited to create some new traditions as well. This season holds my favorite color palette as well. What are some of your traditions or favorite memories this time of year? Is there any food you enjoy or recipes you would want to share? I have been drinking hot chocolates regularly just dreaming of cooler weather. Maybe this is why I feel a drop in the temperature and my husband does not…because I am imagining the chill on my face as I drink hot beverages. I love how certain smells can transcend me to different places!

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon, September, watercolor painting

Flash Floods

In regards to my blog “All Weather is Good Weather,” I stated we did not live near hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, etc. Natural disasters seem to skip us here in the desert. Well…recently we had a tropical storm come through from a hurricane off the California Coast. Then, a few days later we had our monsoon season but this time the streets were rivers. Luckily, everything was okay for the people where we live and yet the debris the following week has been interesting. Mud has been piling up everywhere and streets are still tan with dirt from what was left behind. I stand by all weather is good weather because I know how much this rain has helped the desert. Our sunflower patch in the backyard got hammered by hail but the desert, where people do not live, needed this rain.

Bighorn in Zion | Original Watercolor | Karen Hilliard Art | Small works — **CLICK THE PICTURES IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PAINTINGS!**

Fall in Zion | Original Acrylic Painting | Karen Hilliard Art — **CLICK THE PICTURES IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PAINTINGS!**

The ecosystem thrives on the rainy season for all the creatures and plants that live outdoors. They do not have McDonnalds and Starbucks for fancy outings with friends. Their very existence depends on water and food sources that are scarce. So everytime I hear frustrations towards rain, I understand, but I also think about the animals that depend on it. The trees and plants crave their water sources as well. Water is so important for everything and everyone’s existence and we need to keep our fresh waters safe. This is a whole different topic for another time. On to weather again. Forest fires where so many homes are destroyed are unfortunate and terribly sad. These fires do however help the forest floor to rejuvenate, and create new habitats. Luckily humans help the situation by not letting these fires burn too long because that can lead to devastating losses a forest has a hard time coming back from.

**CLICK THE PICTURES IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PAINTINGS!**

Flash floods come swiftly and then leave behind essential nutrients and sediments animals and ecosystems need. This helps the desert rejuvenate. Yes, there is massive destruction with these natural disasters but it is the Earth’s way of healing itself. If you are ever in a flash flood situation, try to get to the highest point as quickly as possible. Do not mess around and think you will have time to get out. The rains come fast, dump feet of water, flow vigorously, and are intensely scary. Flash floods are beautiful to watch from somewhere safe but please stay clear and don’t try to get a closer look. Respect nature. Have you or anyone you know been affected by a natural disaster? From my personal experience, I have dealt with flash floods and earthquakes. From a secondary perspective I have witnessed forest fires and the devastation of wildfires. Be safe out there and smart.

Have a happy start to your week.

-Karen Hilliard

Tags flash floods, New Blog, red rock canyon, watercolor painting