I almost gave up on this painting. I started it at the end of 2008 while I was still attending the occasional art instruction. While I was working on the monochromatic I was also struggling with the prospect of leaving the security of the art studio where I first learned to paint. When I finally left the studio I put the painting away and even at one point thought of throwing it out. I hadn't progressed very far and it was becoming frustrating; it wasn't making sense to me. About a month ago I decided to give it another try and I'm really glad I did. Sometimes, you just have to walk away from a painting until you are ready to take on the challenge once again.
The reference photo for this painting was taken by a good friend of mine, Vivian McKay. Viv and her family had just gotten back from a trip to the Tonquin Valley near Jasper, AB when she showed me her photograph. They had spent a few days with their friends and owners of a back country lodge. I thought the photo was quite beautiful with the row boat on Amethyst Lake and part of the Rampart Mountain Range in the background. I really wanted to try painting a mountain scene and not having anything suitable in my own collection of photos, this one was perfect. When I first saw the photo I had to do a double take because I had assumed the mountains were quite close, but in reality they were quite a distance away.
What an ideal place to visit. Many years ago my husband won a trip to the lodge and took my dad with him. Because the lodge is so remote it is only accessible by foot or horseback. They had a fantastic time fishing and relaxing in the great outdoors. Pristine water, crisp fresh air and the sounds of nature surrounding them; you really couldn't ask for anything better.
For more information on how you can visit this beautiful area in the Alberta rockies visit:
http://www.tonquinadventures.com/
Original Oil
20" x 30"
SOLD
Original Photo Reference Vivian McKay, St. Albert
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