Impression Evergreen

Elk Meadow twilight “Here comes the rain again. Falling on my head like a memory.” ~ Annie Lennox Since it has rained almost every day, this spring has supplied us with a silent calm before the sunny season explodes with activity. Currently composed from an everlasting arrangement of cool coloration, the meadow is in a melancholy mood. There’s not even a peep from the ruckus normally raised by the usual profusion of feathered friends. Under a watercolor sky, the only sign of life in this interesting landscape is a scattering of mule deer. Marching up the muddy trails in such tranquility is like sleepwalking into an eerie atmosphere. During the storms, dense fog descends from a steel sky and a veil of steamy mist rises out of the soggy earth. This season, being immersed in the dark beauty of low light is like waking from a fading dream. Enjoy it because a sizzling summer will begin soon and the rain will be just a hazy memory recalled by the fragrance of abundant wildflower...

Self-Portrait with Rita Recently, Evergreen Fine Art Gallery held an exhibit of work by American artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). The outstanding collection consisted of sketches, studies, lithographs and small paintings. I’ve seen many of his more polished pieces hanging on museum walls in Missouri but the artwork shown in Colorado was more intimate. Here on paper, the artist’s search for a subject’s form was clearly evident. Born in Neosho, Missouri to a family of politicians, Thomas Hart Benton chose painting as his profession. Benton began studying at the Chicago Art Institute and continued his training in Paris where he met some of the leading artists of the day. After a stint in the Navy serving as an illustrator during World War I, Benton set up shop in New York City. His early paintings were influenced by the avant-garde but seem uncertain and confused. Benton eventually embraced his natural style and became inspired by the music, folk tales and working class...

Shrine Pass, Colorado Up at the apex of Vail Pass there's a bumpy side-road that will take you even higher. Once a vital link between the Blue and Eagle River valleys, Shrine Pass is now considered a scary shortcut to Red Cliff but it's more than just that. Shrine Pass is a remarkable alpine passageway traversing the spine of a continent. The high altitude realm is know for deep snow, rock slabs and cold silence. An evening arrival will offer unfiltered light and long shadows. Perched on top of the world, a birds-eye view features a circular array of snowy peaks. From this lofty throne, you'll command views of the stupendous Sawatch, tremendous Ten Mile and gorgeous Gore Ranges. The roll-call of mountain chains within reach of your retina is impressive. Our late fall visitation was a fantastic experience but I'm looking forward to a warm weather return when the hillsides are transformed into a wildflower wonderland. A bumpy, dirt road An alpine passa...

Juniper Pass, Colorado "Always do what you are afraid to do." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson At the pinnacle of Squaw Pass Road there's a crossways notch in the landscape known as Juniper. Often overlooked on the way to Echo Lake, the route is garnished with dangerous cliffs, perilous drop-offs and extreme vertigo. Here, the Mount Evans Wilderness is a wide expanse of pristine terrain, timber and terror. Crowned with snow-capped peaks, the dramatic composition is classic Colorado. It's a solitary confrontation with a lofty nemesis. A narrow strip of spruce and fir forest clings to the sheer headwall while stately cypresses of juniper decorate the edge of this rugged realm. Scrambling across this exposed ridge in the open air is a harrowing experience. Trekking through the forbidding gap will challenge your strength, athleticism and acrophobia but during these times of turmoil and chaos, an indispensable courage will be summoned from places unknown. Fortunately, ...