Mountain Light

"Although I used a specific mountain as an inspiration, the one in this painting could actually be anywhere along that range. I liked its real, rugged look and, because it really wasn't too far off the highway, I was able to go back several times, in different light, to study it. I liked the way the light was mirrored in the pool of water in the foreground and the way the sun poked through the clouds to light up the cliffs.

"I then wanted to paint an animal that was appropriate for the area and I wanted something that wouldn't fight with the landscape for attention. Mule deer were perfect. I chose them because they have a natural way of blending into their environment."