Highwater Channel

 

Highwater Channel
12” x 13”
Acrylic on a Reclaimed Cabinet Door

La Plata Canyon is beautiful almost any time of the year, and this day was no exception. Three weeks before, I had been there for a “paint out” when the warm weather persuaded me to find a shady spot to paint.

This time, I brought a friend with me. I had told her about this great location I’d found with plenty of subject matter to paint. My plan was to set up my gear right next to the La Plata River. We arrived early that morning; it was cool, with a hint of fall. But to our surprise, the river was completely dry!

Just west of the main (dry) watercourse was an anabranch where water runs when snowmelt swells the river beyond its usual path. It was cobble filled, winding its way between hummocks, and dotted with dead trees and debris. The trees on the ridge to the southeast were just beginning to be lit by the sun and a band of sunlight found its way between ridges to light the valley. 

Another wonderful day outside, painting with a friend.