Reflections on a Painting Trip to Hope Valley

In search of fall color I discovered the Aspen Trees in Hope Valley. After the Donner Party tragedy during the Big Winter of 1846, over 55,000 immigrants veered further south, choosing to come up from the Carson Valley through the canyon and over the Pass, eventually settling into California's Central Valley and beyond. Hope Valley has seen little change since that time. With some of the best untouched wilderness in the Sierra, I was able to experience and paint the Carson River as it meanders through beautiful open valleys and colorful meadows.

Here you will find a few photos from my trip as well as one of my paintings of the area. When traveling, I make small paintings that act as a visual journal of my journey and preliminary sketches for later works.






“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like Autumn leaves.” -John Muir