One of my favorite things is hiking in the high mountains.  Several years ago, I was on a trail on top of a high ridge above Mirror Lake.  Mt. Hood loomed tall and white nearby.  I was soaking in the beauty around me, when suddenly I caught movement.  Silently and swiftly, a peregrine falcon was riding the updraft along the ridge.  He glided swiftly close overhead, and then he swooped downward, and vanished over the side of the ridge.  So silent, so fast, and so beautiful...definitely got the artistic juices flowing!  Later as I explored the rocky outcroppings on the ridge, I came climbed down on a steep ledge, and there before me was the remaining inspiration for this painting.  The black volcanic rock was very barren, yet somehow beautiful red wildflowers were abundant on the rocky face. 

The height of this rocky outcropping, magnificent Mt. Hood behind, the beautiful flowers, and the close encounter with the peregrine falcon...all will hopefully come together in this painting.  On the right side will be the dramatic contrasts between the dark volcanic rock and the delicate red flowers.  On the left, the deep canyon between the falcon and Mt. Hood.  Stay tuned as this one developes...if it works out, it could be a good one!