Impression Evergreen

Kathleen I. Miller (July 18, 1944 ~ April 26, 2025) My mom was a warrior born and raised in Red Willow County, Nebraska. They tell me she was a free-spirit who rode on the back of a motorcycle, broke wild horses and shot blue rock for sport. After high school, she was drawn to the bright lights of the big city and got her degree in Nursing from Creighton University in Omaha. She had found her true calling, taking care of the sick. She married Bern Miller and along came her three sons: Dan, Doug and Dustin. We couldn’t have asked for a more loving, generous, inspiring person to have as the perfect role model for our journey to adulthood. When she wasn’t helping to cure the ill she was guiding us through life by sharing her knowledge and experience. She taught us how to endure difficult times and overcome any obstacles that stood in our way. She was an accomplished horsewoman who had the astonishing ability to communicate with all species of animals and birds. Her cherished yard was a lu...

Sandhills sunset Christmas time on the prairie and the weather conditions are brutal due to heavy snow, high winds and horrific cold. The annual winter trek to western Nebraska has been transformed into an arctic expedition. After a week of natural destruction, the storm subsides and a breathtaking sunset seals the covenant. A cautious trudge along the frigid creek reveals the stark aftermath of such a powerful system. The tortured landscape is a curious blend of harshness and beauty created by the unique forces from above. The low light creeping through the forest enhances the surreal atmosphere of peace and quiet. The charcoal-colored trees form haunting silhouettes that frame the deep perspective generated by the rolling Sandhills. Spanned by delicately arched snow-bridges, the crooked waterway recedes into the distance. The sharp stream-bank is steepened by deep drifts that slide dangerously into the frigid water. Bergs of strange shaped ice are strewn all over accenting a ...

"Prairie Solstice" Colored Pencil Rising starkly above a sea of dried prairie grass, a pair of megalithic landmarks are backlit by the setting sun. It’s the first day of summer so on this special day the solar disk splits the giant rocks, flooding the atmosphere with yellow light. A long, dark shadow is unfurled across the undulating terrain, reinforcing the permanence of the mysterious landscape. Grazing peacefully, a few horses are the only creatures to bear witness to the incredible ambience associated with this yearly event. Citron luminescence radiates into the sky creating a gradient of color that extends from teal to blue-violet. Modulated by soft shading and broken edges, a web of silky clouds is spun across the crystal-clear firmament. It’s an idyllic vision of a peaceful pastureland set in a remote section of the Great Plains. The reticent countryside of rolling hills is a place where the awesome power of nature is unmasked every day. The landscape, weather ...

"Days of Glory" Colored Pencil Drawing It’s the early 1900s and Bridgeport, Nebraska is a fledgling community basking in the sunshine of its glory days. The town is known as “Trail City, USA” because it sits on or near many trails of the Old West including the Oregon, California, Mormon, Pony Express and Sidney-Black Hills trails. Back in 1876, Henry T. Clarke built a bridge across the North Platte River just three miles upstream from the current site of Bridgeport. This overpass improved the link between Sidney and the booming, gold-mining settlements in the Black Hills. The exchange of goods and precious metals between the two regions flourished for about a decade. During that time a loose-knit medley of early settlers established Camp Clarke, a small village located near the river. The actual town of Bridgeport was officially founded as a railway station by the Burlington Railroad in 1900. After the coming of the trains, the population increased dramatically and in 1...

The green creek It’s winter on the Green Creek but there’s not even a dusting of snow to distinguish the dark season. An icy breath circulates through the solemn labyrinth of barren trees that arch across the deep ravine. The stream’s designation is derived from the mossy undergrowth that ordains the water’s vibrant coloring. The little oasis winds through a desolate prairie whose harsh environment leaves unfortunate victims in its wake. The rugged pastureland is littered with historical remnants of more difficult times. The multitude of unearthed artifacts symbolize the strength of the pioneers who still endure this region’s volatile climate. It's winter No snow A green creek The dark season Icy breath An oasis A harsh environment A deep ravine Rugged pastureland Difficult times Mossy undergrowth A labyrinth A volatile climate Arching trees An unfortunate victim Vibrant coloring Desolate prairie Unearthed artifacts Pioneer strength

The ranch It’s a smoky dusk in western Nebraska and as the spectral light begins to dissipate, the checklist of laborious chores comes to completion. Life on the ranch is hard as illustrated by battered grain bins and ragged hay bales but at least it’s not winter when the weather is brutal. The rhythm of life revolves around the horse as this beast of burden is indispensable to running a successful cattle ranch. This important work animal must be properly cared for from head to hoof, attending to its nutrition, hygiene and exercise. Weathered boots adorn the fence posts, signifying the passage of another tough year while the smoldering, prairie sunset marks the conclusion of summer. As darkness descends on the home place, the work day comes to an end and the peacocks go to roost.  The horse is indispensable Peacocks go to roost Ragged hay bales Prairie sunset A hard life Life revolves around the horse

Horses Out in the panhandle of western Nebraska, where the desolate Sandhills assimilate into the North Platte River Valley, horses seem to outnumber the sparse human population. Circles of corn are scattered throughout the fertile basin but the rugged highlands are reserved as pastureland for cattle and horses. Sometimes I see them as a solitary creature lost in a vast sea of prairie grasses but usually these social animals are observed in small herds. Horses are curious by nature so sometimes they approach the fence line in order to investigate strange visitors. Horses spend most of their time grazing contentedly in their idyllic environment but sometimes they become quite playful as they run, buck and roll with enthusiastic delight. Horses are an indisputable symbol of the Great Plains and a beautiful reminder of their importance in how the West was won. Small herds Horses outnumber people North Platte River Valley Lost in a sea of grass Symbol of the Great Plains Grazing contente...