Impression Evergreen

Lake Marie, Wyoming Lying north of the border in the state of Wyoming, a graceful wilderness area is known as Medicine Bow. Lake Marie is the elegant centerpiece of this picturesque arrangement of rugged peaks. It’s late autumn and this normally snowy range is illuminated by an impressionistic palette of purple and orange. The high altitude reservoir of rippling water is sparkling blue on this wind-blown morning. Draining out of the tarn, a foamy stream cascades over a steep precipice and flows through a constricted gorge. The lower landscape is blanketed by fuzzy patches of dark forest. The airy realm above is a rocky kingdom composed of sheer cliff-walls that form an imposing backdrop. A steep pathway ascends to the spiny crest where the panoramic views of the tundra are expansive. During this mild interlude between the seasons, activity comes to a halt and a certain calm pervades the environment. The incredibly quiet ambiance only reinforces the sensations experienced when c

Poudre Canyon Gashed into the northern Front Range Foothills, Poudre Canyon is a steep drainage that’s as picturesque as it is rugged. A braid of blue water snakes through the tortuous chasm while flowing down to the lowlands. At its most shallow in the autumn, the Poudre River reveals the multitude of rocks and debris normally submerged below the surface. The lazy current and quiet solitude evoke a peaceful atmosphere of extreme tranquility. Sinewy cottonwoods fringe the banks and the golden foliage, flickering in the morning sunlight, is even more brilliant when set against the cobalt sky. The trees cast transparent shadows that sneak passively across the coarse terrain. The gorge is boxed in by steep walls that have been eroded into a spectacular arrangement of jagged peaks, pinnacles and spires. Peering up from within the ravine, the ridge line is described by an impressive, sawtooth profile. A lonely road contours the winding refuge as it gradually ascends the narrow pass

"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

Dedisse Park The eastern most section of Dedisse Park is a sliver of lost wilderness overlooking the heart of Evergreen, Colorado. Picturesque reflections, mirrored in the sparkling blue reservoir below, circulate through the memories of all those who visit. A dense forest of mature pine is wrapped around the hillside offering tranquility and shade from the scorching, summer sun. This niche of paradise is little known even to locals who have inhabited the area for a long time. A steep ascent to the pinnacle of the park rewards the climber with astounding views of the surrounding foothills. As fleeting thoughts come and go, the crest of this rocky outcrop is the perfect place to focus on the clouds and clear a busy mind. A lost wilderness Sparkling blue reservoir Astounding views Little known to locals The heart of Evergreen A niche of paradise

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

Mount Vernon Creek Trail The Mount Vernon Creek Trail is an outlying pathway tracing the outer contour of Red Rocks' frontier boundary. It’s early spring so there’s not much foliage but the barren trees stand out sharply against vermillion crags. While trekking over the rolling terrain, several little streams come tumbling down out of the foothills and flow discreetly into the Mount Vernon. Up out of the valley and a stunning array of sandstone formations dominate the diverse landscape. During the delightful descent, a hidden gulch is chock full of flowering bushes featuring blossoms of pure white. Back down in the bottomlands far from the crowds above, we follow the cottonwoods and soon find ourselves in a place that feels like our own, little forest of peace. Diverse landscape Sandstone formations Barren trees A stunning array Rolling terrain Early spring Flowering bushes Vermillion crags White blossoms The frontier boundary A forest of peace Mount Vernon Creek valley A little