(new path––untitled)

My mentor, Reid Galey, died suddenly in 2010. I learned to paint plein aire at his side–and occasionally, behind him, throwing things such as cow pies at him in the midst of his demos. This painting was born on my first trip after his death to often-trod painting grounds outside of Cody, WY. A favorite aspen glen had changed.  Acres of trees had been razed because of a pine blight; the background behind my favorite aspens was gone. It was all so stark. For the first time, I was attracted to the path that led from the glen, especially by the light that called to me from just beyond the turn ahead. It was as if Reid was by my side at my easel, encouraging me to find hope and promise in the unseen future.

Oil on panel     12”  X  7-1/4”