Platoro is a reservoir in the San Juan mountains; an extremely remote reservoir. I usually go to up the Alamosa River Canyon to paint, but last Sunday I decided to drive to Antonito, drive up Hwy 17 towards Cumbres Pass, and then turn off toward Platoro.
It was breathtakingly beautiful as I drove up the mountain, but also overwhelmingly green. Greeen!! I stopped at a small place with a wetlands area - absolutely sublime. The reflections of the evergreens, the smell of wild roses wafting in the air and the perfect weather was overwhelmingly beautiful. The only problem was the fact that I couldn't paint it- it was too close to the road and there was a major dropoff to actually see the reflections, etc.. A place that just didn't work for an artist with any type of easel to set up. So I took a picture and went on. I finally arrived to Platoro resevoir and set up- I finished up at about 5 and was ready to drive the long drive home. This is a 14x18.
The picture that I took of the wetlands didn't turn out well at all. I was disappointed.
7 comments:
Now that's a painting!! Absolutely love that foreground and the dark dark trees. Beautiful.
Thanks Eldon!
Beautiful. There is so much power and peace in your work at the same time. Wonderful....
Thank you Dr James. This one was tough- a little larger than normal and I spent too much time picking a spot which reduced my painting time...
It's great to see a painting of mountains that reflects their weight and power. I applied for a residency in the San Juan forest last year, but didn't get it. I went to the Sand Dunes instead, which was great, but your post makes me think I should try the San Juan Mountains again.
Kathy- if I were you I would try again- the San Juans are beautful.
very talented, good work, painting is a passion of my own to,
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