Russian Academic Method Teacher, Plein Air Painter and most importantly, a Christian.


Elena Roche

Three award-winning realistic paintings of Hotel Laguna, but they all share one major technical flaw. Can you spot the mistake before my next video reveals it? 👀

4 months ago | [YT] | 3

Elena Roche

The first video had a missing footage of the first part of the still-life painting demo. I am uploading a full version, from introduction to oil painting supplies to still-life painting demo. Be sure to watch. It premieres today at 3 pm PST.

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

Elena Roche

It's looking much better this morning. The fire was stopped at the top of Garapito Canyon, near Temescal Fire Rd. It never descended down to Cheney /Paradise/Callon neighborhoods. It never crossed Penny Rd. It stayed away by a mile or so. Our neighborhood never saw this much action. Cal Fire is confident that this is not a problem anymore. We hope that no new arson takes place. The power, internet, and phone lines are restored.

1 year ago | [YT] | 8

Elena Roche

Air support is slowing down the progress of the fire that breached fire-breaks at Temescal Fire Rd. just after noon today. The fire is moving from Northern Temescal Fire Rd. toward Eastern edge of Topanga Canyon. The direction from NE to SW. The top of Sylvania park, up hill from Cheney /Paradise neighborhoods are near but so far outside of the edge of the fire perimeter. Our trail to Eagle/Elephant Rock is being restored back to a Fire Road Access via a bulldozer type machinery. Populated parts of Garapito Canyon/Sylvania Park be advised.

1 year ago | [YT] | 7

Elena Roche

Someone reported fire on Paradise Lane in Topanga. Negative visual, no fire on Paradise Lane, Topanga, CA. Cheney Dr., Callon Dr. Paradise Ln. Sylvania Ln. and the nearby Artique neighborhood are good.

1 year ago | [YT] | 6

Elena Roche

NE of Center of Topanga, in the Topanga State Park, at the Wester edge of Temescal Canyon and at the fire-break created by firefighters, the brush fire is being held back despite stronger wind. I am keeping watch on this spot as it is that critical point for the entire Topanga Canyon.

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Elena Roche

Topanga Canyon Inn, the local bed and breakfast in the middle of the canyon, is still here. Unable to help those who lost homes for now, but not directly affected by the fire.

1 year ago | [YT] | 5

Elena Roche

The big burst of fire about an hour ago was the vegetation in Topanga State Park on Temescal Fire Road south of Hub Junction and Cathedral Rock's. It's all overgrown brush in there. I have witnessed entire hillsides ignite all together and suddenly. All it takes is a nearby fire to build up the temperature to the burning point. All air support and fire fighting efforts are still in the Topanga Village and Fernwood areas.

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Elena Roche

View toward E. Topanga Fire Rd. and Fernwood neighborhoods, Southern part of Topanga Canyon. The rest of the Canyon is ok. The fire is moving mostly crosswise to the canyon's North-South direction and is burning on both sides, East and West walls of the canyon in the park lands. Fernwood and Sadle Peak facing Topanga are in its direct path. Wind slowed down, not a hurricane anymore, but still a strong wind with gusts that push me off balance. Hope this helps someone.

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Elena Roche

This is my estimate of where this fire is based on observation from my location. The fire is almost out. I am not a fire professional, but a good observer. I know the terrain well having lived here for over 26 years and hiking all over the canyon.

2 years ago | [YT] | 0