I love painting fog, steam, mist - those atmospheric conditions that invoke mystery and stillness into a painting. In Yellowstone you get that quite often...
This morning it dropped 20 degrees as I went from Gardiner to my painting spot in Yellowstone...the edge of North Twin Lake. It was 37 degrees when I arrived and gloriously foggy. I loved it! Just a duck and I. The quiet stillness among those beautifully subtle colors inspires me every time. My favorite way to start a day!
9" x 12" plein air study this morning
In Yellowstone, I get the chance to paint this kind of moody mysterious scene in many ways. The thermal areas are a great place for steam and mist, especially on a cold morning....
Old Faithful 9" x 6"
Firehole Sunrise 6" x 6"
Hayden Valley is often a wonderful spot for low lying fog over the water. Here I caught a miraculous sunrise...
Hayden Valley Sunrise 6" x 6"
And Lamar Valley, although not as regularly hazy or foggy, has it's moments. And when that layer of mystery hits, it is almost surreal...
Lamar Moonrise 24" x 24"
Right here in Gardiner, fog is a rare occurrence, but my favorite painting haunts around Yellowstone usually provide the inspiration I'm looking for!