The Lone Cypress is one of the most photographed trees in the world. It's located on the beautiful Monterey peninsula, near famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Picturesque, Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) is a fast-growing, large evergreen conifer of narrow and pyramidal habit in youth, becoming wide-spreading and irregular with age. Its foliage is rich dark green through the seasons and is not resinous. The ravishing bark is pale reddish-brown with shallow ridges, splitting into grayish, scaly plates. The globose, shining greenish-brown cones, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are usually solitary, on a short, thick stalk.
As photographers we constantly face a challenge of taking a photo of something familiar in a different way. Often times it pays by making a unique image. I photographed the Lone Cypress tree along the 17 mile drive in Monterey a few times and this image is from a couple of years ago. First, I decided to get over the fence and down below to get a different vantage point. Next, as I was leaving and the light got even I photographed the cypress right from the parking lot, easily accessible to anyone. I like the image from down below, but feel that it could be better somehow (may be more drama in the sky, or a ship/big bird to balance it). So, even though it is from a unique vantage point, I still choose the one from the parking lot as a primary image. Which one do you like better? Both images are from a single exposure, 3 stop GND Cokin filter used.
The Lone Cypress at sunset after the storm Pebble Beach, Monterey, CA Exp 0.01 (1/100) f11 ISO 800 34mm *Explored* #326 Jan. 18 2010
About Vibrant coastal landscape of a gently leaning Monterey Cypress tree in Carmel as the sunset lights up the ocean and sky by Jesse Don Rasberry (American, b. 1940). Signed by the artist in the lower right corner. Presented in wood frame. Image size: 8"H x 10"W. Jesse Don Rasberry was born on November 10, 1940 in rural, picturesque Oklahoma. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to California, living a short while in Palm Springs, before eventually settling in the grape-growing region of Lodi in San Joaquin County. Later, the family moved a short distance south to Stockton, California, where Rasberry's father supported the group as a builder and carpenter. They would remain in the Stockton/Lodi area throughout Rasberry's adolescent and formative years. Growing up in close proximity to wide open agricultural land and the scenic San Joaquin River Delta had a profound impact on Rasberry, and would later form the foundation and inspiration for his artistic endeavors. The family traveled frequently, which exposed him to the dramatic landscapes of the Southwest. As a young child, Rasberry showed a strong interest in art and the natural world. He attended grade school and high school in Stockton, where Rasberry pursued drafting and drawing. Throughout his life, he always found time in his leisure to draw portraits, wildlife, and architecture. Rasberry also enjoyed woodworking, eventually following in his father's footsteps, embarking on a career as a general contractor and home builder. In 1979, Rasberry relocated to Texas where he continued to work as a general contractor and home builder. During the early 1980s, he commenced a new career as a decorative and fine arts dealer. This career was more in keeping with his appreciation of art. As a dealer in the trade, he was exposed to all manner of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, which served to sharpen his eye and provided much inspiration for the soon-to-be artist. In the early 1980s, while in Texas, Rasberry started painting, primarily landscapes of Texas and California. He spent time with, and drew inspiration from, the regional artists Bill Warden, and Louise Collins. As time passed, Rasberry began to devote more time to his painting, and by the turn of this century, art had become his primary focus. Essentially self-taught, Rasberry received some instruction from the late Bill Warden of Texas. On occasion, he paints with other artists during classes and on plein air painting excursions, as with Ning Hou and Dennis Westerling of Northern California. Rasberry is inspired by the Texas artists Frank Reaugh, Olin Herman Travis, Robert Wood, Porfirio Salinas, and Julian Onderdonk. In California, the work of the great impressionist Maurice Braun holds special mention as being of inspiration to Rasberry. Rasberry has exhibited his paintings at juried art shows near his studio, such as at the Stockton Unitarian Church Art Show and at the Mayor's Art Show in Lathrop, California; at the latter, in April, 2008, he received the Sponsor's Award. However, garnering awards for his artwork has never been a primary focus. The artist's work can be found in private collections, galleries, fine art events, and major auctions in California and Texas.
Towering high above the Central Coast of California are Monterey Cypress Trees. Their branches reach high into the sky with a horizontal canopy that reflects the windswept coastline. The canopy of the cypress trees remains thin at the top allowing tree enthusiasts to enjoy the twisting and turning branches illuminated by the backdrop of a clear blue sky. I've always been intrigued and struck by the unusual twisting and turning trunks of the cypress trees in Monterey, California. Here I've captured one of my favorite groupings along the California Coast in Pacific Grove. A favorite plein air painting spot. This painting was started on location and finished in my studio. Oil on linen gallery wrapped canvas, framed in a contemporary matte black floater frame.
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