Lone Acacia on the Cliffs of Sand Canyon; Annie’s Trail, San Elijo Canyon, Solana Beach
Oil on panel
40" x 30", artwork
48.5" x 38.5" x 1.5", framed
Contemporary
$18,500
Provenance
American Legacy Fine Arts,Pasadena, California (consigned 2026) by a private collector in Rancho Palos Verdes Estates, September 2027
Artist Statement
“I first discovered the towering cliffs of Sand Canyon near San Elijo Lagoon when I was eighteen years old, jogging with my dog between Cardiff and Solana Beach. It was such a magical discovery that I actually dreamed about it that night! Over the years, I have returned many times to run, hike, and paint this extraordinary landscape.
I painted this scene on a sunny afternoon during an unusually wet winter. I was particularly captivated by the lone acacia tree standing boldly against the brilliant white sandstone cliffs, whose towering formations reminded me of ancient Greek marble columns. Ordinarily, the canyon is dry, but a torrential rainstorm the previous day had created a small waterfall cascading through the rocks.
The dramatic interplay of sunlight and shadow, the sculptural beauty of the cliffs, and the delicate resilience of the solitary tree inspired me to capture this fleeting moment in nature. For me, this painting celebrates the enduring magic of a place that has fascinated me since my youth.”
—Peter Adams
