blobs

I have always been inspired and intrigued by the blobs of snow left on the branches of trees after a big snowfall. Their lyrical shapes become sculptures, abstractions of nature, that will disappear with the next big wind.

each leaf has a face, lost in the crowd

aspen leaves

Lately I have been looking at the incredibly unique faces of individual aspen leaves. The cold nights of fall have changed their color from green to an infinite variety of warm brilliant tones. Eventually all of their color will fade to brown and gray, the snows of winter will cover them and the wonderful process of change will continue.

the color

summer is waning

When the explorer gentian is in bloom it is a bittersweet sign that summer is waning. Have we laid in the grass and soaked up enough warmth to last the winter? Have we really looked at the flowers so that their unbelievable color is imprinted on our mind... Bring on the beautiful hues of autumn, golden yellow, red, orange, brown, rust and all the rest. The smell of rotting leaves, the cool crisp air, and then whiteness. The seasons, I love them all!

tiny butterfly

I hiked up Mt. Emmons the other day. It is a gem of a mountain. Walking through its forest is like being in a dream. The view at the top is vast and unique with a spectacular three hundred and sixty degree panorama of the surrounding ranges. Its history is a struggle. Buried within this mountain there is a treasure, a mineral used to harden steel. Humans need steel to build. The mining of molybdenum will again threaten the magic and splendor of this place.
Along the way I came across this little butterfly and thought that it represented Emmons beautifully. Because of its broken wings I was able to capture the image of this incredible work of nature. The subtle coloring and intricate patterns in the wings and antenna are amazing. I felt tremendous empathy towards this tiny butterfly, the size of your thumbnail. Perhaps the load was to big to carry.. It could not fly away... could not escape.

Grand Canyon 2005

Jupiter, is burning

We scattered Erics asches in the bannana chute. He wanted it to be an adventure, and to Oliver , Julieanne, and all of us, it was. I felt honored and was touched to be there. Emotions were close to the surface and tears evaporated into the alpine beauty. Many friends have passed this year. Dear memories are held in our hearts. Perhaps the most important thing about a life passing is the positive forces that their memory brings into the world . It is essential to remember. Lives are scattered like stars shining in the sky, each one brilliant and precious. Jupiter, is burning.

we heard about flowers

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Jazz Collages

These collages are related to jazz music. I listened to a variety of musicians and recordings while working on these pieces.I played one particular selection many times throughout the process. "Popsicle Illusion",a solo album by jazz pianist Joanne Brackeen, is brilliant. The playfull improvisation, colorful rhythms and variety of textures, make her music exraordinary. The parallels between music and painting sometimes seem very close. In these collages I have tried to use three mediums; watercolor, colored pencil and collage, like instuments to create a kind of trio. Spontaneous washes, lines and shapes harmonise to create an abstract interpretation of this wonderful sound. The interview at the end of the recording is also very enjoyable. Her responces and descriptions reveal her positive and poetic outlook on music and the human condition.

Chickadees

Last winter while crosscountry sking I came across an aspen tree teeming with mountain chickadees. They were very busy and chattering incessantly. I watched and listened to them for quite awhile and could not help but wonder what they were communicating to each other. Perhaps; clean up your branches, or where is your sister?, or I'm going to the store, would you like something besides worms for dinner? Actually these hearty little birds, who are one of the few species to remain here throughout the harsh winter months, survive on insects gleaned from trees in the forest. Many times you can hear their tiny voices without actually seeing them. It is this song that inspired me to make these collages. I wanted to paint their symphony.

Top of Augusta

Spring Ski

Sking in the spring is one of my favorite ways to enjoy natures treasures. For one thing there are no lifts, so you have to work for your turns. Rising way before dawn, hoping for cold enough temperatures, the long journey begins. Today I am sking Augusta with Jasmine, Shelly and Jacks brittnay spaniel, who is one of my best friends and climbing companions. To bad she can't belay me, I'll have to work on that one. We are greeted by a clear and cold morning. The approach is enjoyable with a magnificent sunrise and frozen snow down low. Gradually as we gain altitude the conditions change and because of the storm that blew through last week we are trudging through six to eight inches of crusty wind blown snow in the summit bowl. Climbing becomes slow and arduous and we finnaly reach the summit at about ten oclock, nearly four hours after departing. I am a little apprehensive about the ski down, but enjoy the incredible views and some hot tea at the summit. The sking is variable in the bowl and I set off a pretty good sized slow moving sluff. Luckily, Jas is off to the side and out of harms way. As we descend the conditions become more stable and we enjoy some beautiful turns on the lower snow fields. Walking out, the sun is warm and the first wildflowers of spring are abundant. Another epic adventure!