LOS ANGELES RIVER SERIES #14
Los Angeles River Series #14
Nature Reclaiming
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Oil on Canvas 36" x 36” x 1.5"
Los Angeles River Series #14
(2019)
South of Burbank and north of Griffith Park, near where the Los Angeles River takes a sharp turn from east-west to north-south, the river’s subterranean geology and rock formations force underground water into above-ground springs. Here the river’s concrete bottom terminates, replaced by sandy gravel forming habitat for several native desert willows giving life to a mostly dry riverbed.
In Los Angeles River Painting #14 ‘Nature Reclaiming,’ a lone Arroyo Willow stands sentinel in a soft bottom area of the river; It is a courageous soldier of nature attempting to retake a river that has been extensively over-engineered. It is fall and cool weather has returned. Winter rains bring storm water and life back to a parched environment. The autumn leaves of this California native Salix tree turn gold in a region not known for fall color. Later in the season, heavier rain and runoff from an impervious city will urgently find its way into the riverbed and inundate the channel. Briefly, from bank-to-bank, a raging torrent covers most of the willow, leaving only its upper branches visible. In mere hours, more quiet flows will return and the Forgotten River will once again return to its sedated self.
If you are interested in this painting, you can view more details in the
Store. If you would like to learn more about the City of Los Angeles' River Project, explore the links below.
More on the Los Angeles Revitalization Project
An interactive map that highlights a number of the developments planned and occurring along the Los Angeles River.
Home of the Los Angles River Project, an organization dedicated to restoring the vital ecosystem along the river.
