I found this beaver pond tucked away off from the main trail going up to Storm Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park. I came across this large snowbank melting into the pond. Dappled light from the shade was creating a fantastic light pattern on the white snow. I couldn't resist getting this down on canvas. One of the main elements of painting I was taught that makes for intersting paintings is "transition". The more transitions in your painting the more intersting it becomes. Near to far. Large to small. Warm to cool. Hard to soft. Winter to Spring. So on and so on. Just as our lives are in constant transition from day to day and season to season as we learn and grow and change, so nature is in a constant state of transitions. Here the snow melts into the beaver pond supplying it's water, and the last bit of snow that remains in the cool dark shadow is greeted by the warm grass glistening in the sun as the transition from winter to spring continues. The cold of winter gives way to the warmth of spring and the warm summer days ahead.
I love painting off trail. There is always so many intersting things to discover that the average hiker is missing out on. Plus, I am not bothered by passing hikers as I am painting. I don't mind the onlookers, mind you. I just need to focus when I paint, with as few distractions as possible. Also, the serenity of being alone with other living things surrounding me inspires me more than anyone can know.
The photo of the painting didn't turn out as well as I would have liked. It's a little too bright, but I think you get the idea.
"Seasons Greeting" 8 x 10 oil on canvas
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