While Julie Trail has painted all her life, after retiring from teaching she dedicated herself to specializing in watercolors and oil paintings. She wanders the foothills seeking out landscapes that resonate. Her paints are always ready in the car. She takes the small plein-air works home to expand upon or use as studies for larger pieces. She also teaches the basics of art and watercolor, and recently was commissioned for several local murals. Shown: “Egret Rising,” 22 inches by 28 inches, watercolor. The painting will be auctioned at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center Spring Gala on June 8. Visit julietrail.com and sacnaturecenter.net.