Wet Creek, Arches

Wet Creek, Arches, oil on gessobord, 6x8"

This is the first painting I have done since returning from my great Western tour. I have since returned to work, and helped two of my three children back to school. My third will begin College in a week. Sigh. I hate summers end.

One of the most amazing experiences while on my trip was being submerged in vast, open spaces....everywhere!  I have been to parts of the Southwest and Northwest, but the actual West put me on senses overload. I couldn't take it all in fast enough: the sky, the heights, the constant changes in geological formations and topography, the wind, the temperatures, the sun....

Here was the only bit of water to be found on a day that I hiked for an hour, in 108º. There were warning signs in Arches National Park advising hikers to carry at least two quarts of water each when hiking a three mile trail.  

Overall this painting makes me smile. The first of many to come from the trip.
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/celia-kelly/wet-creek-arches/404820