Across the Foothills

Second in the Impressions of Winter series (name change for series), this depicts a scene commonly seen in the high country of the southwest:  a snow cloud blowing across nearby mountains or hills.  I used to go snowshoeing in such weather when I lived in Flagstaff, and when you are in the midst of it, the sun is obliterated and it seems like a never-ending blizzard.  However, it's usually a much more localized event, as is shown here, as the clouds "catch" on the mountains and have a rather finite range.  The mountains themselves are only hinted at behind the increasing veil of snow, adding a sense of mystery and drama.

Across the Foothills

oil on board - 6x8

This probably would would really well in a larger size - I had intended it as a quick piece, so I kept it small - but it needs a bit more detail to make it work than some other references might.  There are some things I'd change looking at this, but the journey as an artist is a work-in-progress, and there are many things I do like about it.  It also marks my 60th oil painting.  

Since all the photos I shot along this section of Hwy 550 were taken through the window of a moving car, they aren't really "photo-worthy", but are proving quite useful as painting references for this series.  However, I do want to share this particular photo, which, all things considered, isn't that bad.  It is a not-often seen cloud phenomenon, and regular readers know what a complete geek I am when it comes to clouds:

Sundog over distal mesas

Trivia:  Sundogs, aka "parhelium" (or "parahelia" for plural) are more often seen during the winter months, and form when light from the sun passes through hexagonal plate crystals of ice found in cirrostratus clouds at 60 degrees.  The red side faces the sun, and these sometimes occur in pairs - each parahelium is 22 degrees away from the sun and at the same elevation.  I've seen them several times, and it's always a treat.

So, if you've ever seen one of these delightful "mock suns", but didn't know what it was called, now you know.