Are we there yet?

Having been a landscape painter/photographer and extensive US road tripper for more than 40 years, I'm often asked the question "What is your favorite state?" or "What is your favorite highway?".

Since I'll be showing landscape photographs at The Other Art Fair Los Angeles starting tomorrow, I'd better get my answers prepared!

• What is your favorite US state?

California! I have to say it!

I've lived here continuously since 1982. California has so many different climates - 

from the frosty peaks of Mount Shasta in the north

Mount Shasta, North Face,  altered photograph

to the arid desert vistas in the south

Sonora Desert, pastel

There'a a lot of ground to cover in my home state!

• What is your favorite highway?

Must I decide? This is like asking me my favorite books. I usually am struck dumb.

For my 2014 US circumnavigation, a surprising favorite was US2 as it crossed the Great Plains (North Dakota and eastern Montana). There's something about the flat horizons that get me into a great headspace. And the agricultural structures that pop up bring a smile to my face.

Grain Elevator, US2, Montana, altered photograph

• Most inspiring place?

It has to be western Texas. It has given me many many artworks.

Texas Dawn, oil on canvas

What are your favorite places?