Backcountry Meditations

Just as warm summer day skies seemed almost too blue, a soothing monsoon set it, extending this season’s bountiful blooms.

Linkins Lake – Independence Pass

Secret Tarns – up the Frying Pan

Pass-top Tarn – Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness

Locals Favorite – Savage Lakes

Not quite backcountry – but becoming one with nature…

Southwest Utah Impressions

Jesse and I spent 18 days of “WOW” amidst the colorful towering rock landscapes of southwest Utah. We backpacked, hiked, car-camped, and enjoyed a few nights with showers in small towns. The following is a selection of images from my diary of the trip.

Jesse enjoyed the views from an alcove at Red Cliffs.

Our early campsite was at Pyramid Ridge Campground. We enjoyed our fresh flowers.

Our first backpack was along La Verkin Creek, in northwest Zion. I forgot my watercolor paints, but explored with pencil, and even rendered rock formations with Rooibos tea! Later, at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, I was happy to have my 12-color half-pan Winsor Newton travel watercolor set in-hand again.

I enjoyed painting at Red Canyon with its distinctive rock formation and colors.

I returned home with many dramatic impressions of rock, including having seen petroglyphs (art pecked into rock) that we visited along the way.

Geranium Journaling

I’m enjoying Spring Geranium Journaling! It’s fun!

If you’d like to try: Start by selecting a simple subject that moves you. Look at it carefully. Then do a quick sketch with eyes closed, followed by a relaxed contour (keep pencil on paper) drawing. Last, sketch your final impression and add color.

Here are some examples:

Inspired by morning blue skies after succulent snow – an outdoor apple tree branch and an indoor geranium plant.

Thanks for looking at my interpretations. Have fun with yours!