Spring On The Central Coast of California

Magnoli trees in bloom 45min south of Paso Robles
Flowers on the fields of the hills just west of Paso Robles
Coastal drive near the ocean near San Simeon
Bushes with Mexican Salvia in bloom right near our house

I wanted to share a few pictures from around our area to give you a sense of what spring views are like around here. We finally are having a year with a more normal amount of rain. Everything is green. So many things are starting to bloom. The past few years have been dryer and the fields turn brown very quickly. The summers heat starts in May and lasts until October. I always long to be closer to the coast for relief of the heat. We are 45 minutes east, distance wise that isn't a lot but temperatures can be 30* plus difference in summer (similar to that of Arizona at weeks at a time). Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year around our area. The temperatures are mild and you can enjoy the outdoors. I can't wait for a break in the rain to take my camera out and share some more photographs of florals and scenery!
What is are your favorite times of year? Do you enjoy photographing outdoors? Do you ever use your photographs for inspiration when painting?

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams

There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff