While working on The Winters After in the aunties’ cabin that was narrowly spared by the 2020 East Troublesome fire.
The Winters After
SOLD
11” x 14”
Acrylic and gouache on panel
I took myself on a little painting retreat to my aunties-in-laws’ cabin near Grand Lake, CO in March. I needed some fresh air and a new perspective. It is impossible to ignore the confronting views of recent fire damage in this area as the 2020 East Troublesome Fire scorched the scenic vistas surrounding the lake.
I took some hikes. Everywhere I looked the quiet winter snows rendered the charred trees in distinct inky contrast to the bleached canvas of the hillsides. Black lines fell over each other in endlessly zig-zagging patterns, sending the periwinkle tones of cast shadows on snow soaring beneath the piles. The winters after fire are both ghostly and beautiful as the lifeless landscape sleeps in preparation for a rush of new life. I couldn’t not paint it.