November 23

I went on a drive today with my friend Stephen Judy... we were headed down to the Empire Ranch near Sonoita to go for a hike, but then made an unexpected side-trip to take a look at the San Rafael Valley, where the ranch is located. We were able to drive within a half-mile of the ranch, and could get a good view of the ranch house. The countryside was absolutely beautiful, and I was kicking myself for forgetting my camera.

I've decided that I want to take photographs of the surrounding hills and sky, and use them as the background for the diorama, rather than a painted, plain sky like I was planning. I'll have to take another trip down there next weekend.