Seasons of Martis- Plein Air Painting Event 2008 - Painting Locations
The Town of Truckee
The main street (Donner Pass Road) is loaded with “Old West “charm combined with some great vistas and of course the railroad station and trains. However, there is lots of foot traffic which may, or may not be to your liking. Jaboom Street (the next street north of Donner Pass in the main section) is quieter and has some great old buildings. West River Street, which runs along the river, has some great old houses, beautiful river views and, from the bridge in downtown near the hotel/filling stations, great views of the surrounding peaks. To see what suits you best, just drive around a bit, it’s not a big place, and see what inspires you.
Highway 267 Aspens and Shack
Along Hwy 267 (goes from Lake Tahoe to Truckee) North of Brockway Summit there are lots of spots to pull off and get lost in the aspens and vistas of the Valley to the North. Except for the area around the shack, there may be a good bit of traffic though. Probably the most popular and photographed spots is the old shack nestled in a grove of aspens about a mile south of the entrance to Northstar. There is good parking, a big meadow to wander and catch the perfect vista and likely, the prospect of some art lovers who will come to watch. This is a place that will accommodate a lot of artists without being in each other’s way. Just look for the meadow, shack and aspens west of the road.
Martis Creek Meadow
Between Northstar and Truckee the vistas open up. About midway in the meadow, and on the west side of the road there is a parking area with access to the trails along Martis Creek , with views of the surrounding peaks, the changing willow, sage and great color. This is a popular hiking spot so just look for it roughly in the middle of the open space. Many of the classic views of the Martis Valley are available from here. Often, groups of artists can be seen creating their art along in this spot. Parking is good, there is plenty of space and the views are beautiful.
Waddle Ranch
Waddle Ranch is a 1,481 acre untouched area, accessible from Hwy 267 roughly in the some place, but to the east of the Martis Creek meadow access. It has meadows, forests, and vistas of the surrounding peaks. This land is being acquired by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land through a remarkable partnership of landowners, developers, including East West Properties, government agencies, non-profits and citizen groups for preservation. Access is being arranged to Dry Lake
(Which is not really dry) and other sites along the road for those who want it. Information and photos of some of the views will be included in the check in packet or go to www.tdlandtrust.org for a look at some of the views.
Martis Valley views and Martis Creek from Shaefer’s Mill Road
We are obtaining permission to go onto the property at Lahonton along Lahonton Drive which offers some stunning views of the surrounding peaks, the creek and great fall meadow color. There are also good views from Shaefer’s Mill Road before the entrance to Lahonton. Instructions on how to access the property will be in the check in information.
Truckee River Canyon
Also technically part of the Martis Valley is the Truckee River Canyon along Hwy 89 (South of Truckee, along the Truckee River, toward Lake Tahoe) There are beautiful river shots with lots of forest, riverside grasses and meadows. One of my current favorites is just south of River Ranch. To get there drive just south of River Ranch on Hwy 89 and look for turn in to a parking area with good access to a beautiful, wide stretch of river with plenty of spots for your easels. Just park, and walk down the trail/ bike path and pick a spot. However, this is just one of many places along the river which offer beautiful spots to paint to the sound of running water.
|
