Sprague Lake Reeds

Sprague Lake Reeds, oil on gessoed board, 9x12"

Sprague lake was one of those places on my recent trip that put me on senses overload.  We were finally to Rocky Mountain National Park by evening and had enough time before the sun set to take a small but beautiful hike.  Sprague is a shallow lake that attracts fly fisherman who stood like statues, casting long shadows.  It has several layers of illuminated reeds and shore boulders on one side.  And that was just the beginning of the trail!
This painting, however, almost bit the dust several times during the process of painting.  I am not that adept yet with painting water....despite giving it many shots.  I took a photo of the painting in progress and sent it to Hugh, now in college in St. Louis, telling him I was at a standstill. He gave me some simple advice on "fixing" the water, and 10 minutes later I had a painting that I liked. Just a bit more touch-ups and it was done.  I will say that I normally don't get so detail-y, but felt with the reeds, I couldn't do them justice without it this time.  I am thrilled though, at how "un-detail-y" the background is, basically the initial wash I put down, with a small bit of touch-up.