THE PASS  36"X24"  ACRYLIC/BIRCH PANEL  1800. 

"Teton Pass has some of the steepest grades in the continental United States, sometimes it’s best to take a secondary route. The most frequently used alternative route is through Idaho’s Swan Valley, to Wyoming’s Hoback Jct. on Wyoming Highway 26/89."*


Inspired by my trip to Jackson and my, at dusk, country music listening/singing, tour guide daughter Ilka!
Influenced by my dear friend and artist Annie Poole who tells stories (or part of) with her paint.  To see her work, visit anniepoole.com.

*www.wyoroad.info/

GRAZING  4'X4'  ACRYLIC/BIRCH  4,000.

As I promised, I went "big".  And even though, as I post, I am simultaneously waiting for a live stream of run 2 in the Alpine Women's Slalom with Mikeala Shiffrin going for gold and while I was painting yesterday, tears streamed down my face at the crushing loss to the Canadiens in women's hockey, this has been a wonderful painting to work on.  The majestic Tetons deserve to "go big".  
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THE WILD
creatures graze amid the lofty rock,
the big sky
rainbows and fast moving clouds are written there
above the jagged peaks
storms strike
avalanches careen
silent snow blankets.

they graze near
the gushing rivers edge
clear, cold and turbulent,
the water plays music
striking chilling chords.
its' slippery liquidness
swirls over the boulders.

they graze in the wide open
wilderness that speaks to the lust
for starry skies and running in the wind,
escaping the sun's profound heat by
slipping into cold Ski Lake.

they roam with others like themselves
not aimlessly, but purposefully seeking
nourishment--
grandeur at every turn,
perilous thrills,
kindred desires,
happiness.

LH 
©2014

The card.  
Though this year I made the decision to be "the bearer of glad tidings" in the New Year rather than Christmas, it is a time embraced.  When walking to the mailbox in December with dog Teeka at my side, her excitement for the next stick found beneath the snow rivals mine for the next card amid the bills. Some days I patiently wait until getting back up the hill to a cup of coffee and sun streaming in through the studio to open them carefully with a letter opener, other days I admit, tear the envelope open while at the box!  A photograph of you smiling at me might be there waiting or a hand painted tree with silver ornaments (Jen)!  And I know, from my own experience, that I was on your mind, if only for a brief moment while you placed the stamp on. 
a little background:
Beginning in 1843 in London, the first Christmas Card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. His thinking was not at all romantic (as mine is). Cole was very interested in the new Public Post Office and wondered how it could be used by ordinary people, thus producing the card and selling them for 1 shilling each.

Next week I hope to have a preview of a large painting--it may not be done, but it's time to go big!  Until then enjoy the OLYMPICS, one of the wonders of our world!