Doheny- taking time to relax

The challenging part of this painting for me is that I have no real useful photo reference because the winter has taken its toll with storms and a lot of the vegetation is dead or dormant.  On the other hand, it leaves me open to express the feelings of peacefulness that this area represents to me as I take my walk at the end of the day. The egret makes it magical to me.  It seems impossible that such a beautiful and exotic bird could be living free, here in Orange County, CA., with all the hustle and bustle.