Big Sur, Edge of a Continent

An oil painting by Laurel Sherrie, the original is Sold.  Available as a Limited Edition print on canvas, on thick stretcher bars. Frame is not included. Shipping is extra but nominal.  Other sizes are available.

I have loved Big Sur since my initial introduction to it back in 1969, when some friends & I took California Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  Now I live just South of it in San Luis Obispo County, and trips up the coast are fairly frequent with many different weather conditions, including rain storms, fog, brilliant sun and being stuck behind a long 18 wheeler that didn't belong on that 2-lane, extremely narrow and very windy road!  Then when I decided to do my best to really capture the spirit of the Big Sur landscape, there just happened to be an article in our local paper about bicycling Highway 1, and featured a photo of a bicyclist in this great location!  It was described as being located near one of the five remaining "Big Sur Drinking Fountains," which are artfully crafted, stone drinking fountains built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1937 during construction of the Carmel - San Simeon Hwy. 

So on a dual purpose trip, hubby and I and our 2 big black dogs (painting buddies) took off on a day trip up the coast in search of the drinking fountains and this spot to paint.  The drinking fountains are there but are not obvious unless you know about where to look and are really looking for them, instead of the ocean!  So our venture on Highway 1 involved a lot of looking and careful navigating the curves and pull offs, and going back and forth!  We did find the fountains and this view of Big Creek Bridge, from Gamboa Point, where we found a narrow place to pull off the road so I could set up my French easel.  A heavenly perch above the crashing cliffs with a fantastic view.