![](https://objects.artspan.com/member/susguy/1200/2552632.jpg)
Coronado Island, Baja California
20x24" plein air oil of Coronado Island, Baja California
In order to paint this the group I was with (botanists and anthropologists from island national parks on both sides of the boarder) had to get permission from the Mexican Navy to land on the island- where there is a Naval station housed in an old speak- easy from the times of prohibition- folks from San Diego would travel out there to drink. The Marines were not told about our visit and came running down to meet us in their cammo and chaps (to protect from the ubiquitous rattlesnakes). They turned out to be quite hospitable and one guy even walked with me to the summit to catch the view in this painting. Quite the experience and so special to be allowed to visit this amazing place. It had been 20 yrs since the group of scientists had been allowed to land there- and this painting was there in the flesh to witness that!
In order to paint this the group I was with (botanists and anthropologists from island national parks on both sides of the boarder) had to get permission from the Mexican Navy to land on the island- where there is a Naval station housed in an old speak- easy from the times of prohibition- folks from San Diego would travel out there to drink. The Marines were not told about our visit and came running down to meet us in their cammo and chaps (to protect from the ubiquitous rattlesnakes). They turned out to be quite hospitable and one guy even walked with me to the summit to catch the view in this painting. Quite the experience and so special to be allowed to visit this amazing place. It had been 20 yrs since the group of scientists had been allowed to land there- and this painting was there in the flesh to witness that!