Sweet Music in the Mountains

"ISLAND LAKE"
Beartooth Pass, Wyoming
Oil on Rag Board
(Private Collection)


Sweet sanctuary can be found in the Beartooth Pass by this small glacial lake. Island Lake Campground is located just to the left, and it is one of the more stunning camper's havens discovered during the wandering years. A well-used trail borders the lake and connects to an extensive network of trails that wander far into the back country. Looking at it now, I might have explored the trails a little further, but traveling solo, recall a certain amount of caution about hiking in bear country alone with no common sense equipment. Instead I stayed close to the lake, and one afternoon set out to paint the view.

At some point, a fellow stepped out of his RV nearby and began playing the sweetest violin, which continued for what seemed like hours as I painted quickly, racing the nightfall. When it came time to fold up, the violinist quietly put away his playing and disappeared into his trailer. Never a word spoken, none necessary. But this painting certainly reveals the collaboration with the melodies imprinted into every stroke of the brush, the softness of the edges and the feeling I remember of being there.