Yellowstone 16

A cold steamy morning inspired this atmospheric geyser painting with white ice forming on the surface of the water. The artist's "Yellowstone Series" departs from photographs I took at Basin after the first snow had fallen. The very cold nights were contrasted with warm days which created a rich, steamy and colorful world to investigate. The larger works reference the mystic world of the geyser steam and the smaller works are intimate views looking into the Paint Pots.

These paintings reference the Fountain Paint Pots in the Gibbon Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Thermal features in the basin include over 50 springs, geysers, vents and mud pots. The behavior of the thermal activity changes in relationship to seasons of the year and the amount of subterranean water. Shades of blue, red, yellow, orange, grey and brown are present in the water and mud creating varying combinations of textures and color. The differing colors are derived from oxidation of the iron in the mud.

Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas with unpainted sides.