“The Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain” Medium: Watercolor on Cold Press Paper (120 lb) Size: 10" x 12"
“The Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain” is a snapshot of the unique landscape that defines the iconic Hoodoos near Tunnel Mountain in Banff. These fascinating rock formations, shaped over millennia by erosion, stand tall against the backdrop of the mountain, their spindly shapes casting long shadows in the morning light. This painting, created en plein air, captures not only the geological beauty of the Hoodoos but also the dynamic natural forces at play in this rugged part of the Rockies.
Painted quickly, on a cold winter’s day with temperatures hovering around -5°C, I used a vertical orientation on my portable easel to allow the watercolors to flow freely and create a more fluid interaction between the elements of the painting. The technique of allowing the pigment and water to move naturally led to some unexpected but beautiful effects, where the drips and bleeds in the composition mirror the natural forces shaping the landscape itself. These spontaneous marks reflect my direct engagement with the moment and the speed with which I painted the scene.
The vibrant washes of color and the vertical drips in the piece capture the essence of the Hoodoos’ otherworldly, almost surreal presence—majestic yet fragile. As part of my ongoing plein air series in the Rockies, this work holds a deep connection to the landscape, and the rapid creation of the piece reflects the urgency I felt to capture the fleeting light and ever-changing environment.
“The Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain” is a snapshot of the unique landscape that defines the iconic Hoodoos near Tunnel Mountain in Banff. These fascinating rock formations, shaped over millennia by erosion, stand tall against the backdrop of the mountain, their spindly shapes casting long shadows in the morning light. This painting, created en plein air, captures not only the geological beauty of the Hoodoos but also the dynamic natural forces at play in this rugged part of the Rockies.
Painted quickly, on a cold winter’s day with temperatures hovering around -5°C, I used a vertical orientation on my portable easel to allow the watercolors to flow freely and create a more fluid interaction between the elements of the painting. The technique of allowing the pigment and water to move naturally led to some unexpected but beautiful effects, where the drips and bleeds in the composition mirror the natural forces shaping the landscape itself. These spontaneous marks reflect my direct engagement with the moment and the speed with which I painted the scene.
The vibrant washes of color and the vertical drips in the piece capture the essence of the Hoodoos’ otherworldly, almost surreal presence—majestic yet fragile. As part of my ongoing plein air series in the Rockies, this work holds a deep connection to the landscape, and the rapid creation of the piece reflects the urgency I felt to capture the fleeting light and ever-changing environment.
“The Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain” is a snapshot of the unique landscape that defines the iconic Hoodoos near Tunnel Mountain in Banff. These fascinating rock formations, shaped over millennia by erosion, stand tall against the backdrop of the mountain, their spindly shapes casting long shadows in the morning light. This painting, created en plein air, captures not only the geological beauty of the Hoodoos but also the dynamic natural forces at play in this rugged part of the Rockies.
Painted quickly, on a cold winter’s day with temperatures hovering around -5°C, I used a vertical orientation on my portable easel to allow the watercolors to flow freely and create a more fluid interaction between the elements of the painting. The technique of allowing the pigment and water to move naturally led to some unexpected but beautiful effects, where the drips and bleeds in the composition mirror the natural forces shaping the landscape itself. These spontaneous marks reflect my direct engagement with the moment and the speed with which I painted the scene.
The vibrant washes of color and the vertical drips in the piece capture the essence of the Hoodoos’ otherworldly, almost surreal presence—majestic yet fragile. As part of my ongoing plein air series in the Rockies, this work holds a deep connection to the landscape, and the rapid creation of the piece reflects the urgency I felt to capture the fleeting light and ever-changing environment.
Additional Information:
Created using Winsor & Newton watercolors on 120 lb Cold Press watercolor paper by Archive.
The vertical orientation of the paper allowed the natural flow of water and pigment, leading to dramatic bleeds and drips that enhance the energy of the scene.
The drips in the painting are intentional, symbolizing the fluidity of time and my fast-paced process as I worked in the cold.
This is a one-of-a-kind painting, embodying the energy of the landscape and the raw beauty of nature in the Rockies.
Perfect for collectors who appreciate the immediacy of plein air painting and the natural interaction between artist, medium, and environment.
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