Alpine Musing Greeting Card

Title: Alpine Musing Greeting Card

Oil on canvas

Size: 12 × 12 inches

I painted this while recovering from brain and physical injuries that left me low on energy,  struggling to focus, and physically pained from a torn shoulder and hip. Unable to concentrate on realistic painting or to get outdoors to hike or run hills, I let myself wander through memories of the shapes and colors in one of the alpine environments I love.

As I worked without a pre-conceived composition in mind, I relaxed and felt rather than saw my way through memories of a backpacking trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Looking at the painting after years of neurological and physical therapy, I am reminded of scenes from the trip: orange-tinged peaks at sunset, energetic clouds against vivid blue skies, waterfalls cascading over rocks. Every time I see this painting, I feel a deep love and appreciation of nature and inner peace.