Autumn in American Fork Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains is, indeed, absolutely glorious. The walls of the canyon are tortured and steep, as if ripped from Hades in an instant of violent upheaval. The colors of Autumn only add to the drama, making it look more like a fiery furnace than a canyon. You'll see every color imaginable here. The fall foliage is in stark contrast to the muted greys and browns of the canyon's flanks.
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
We all know little streams like this one. They pretty much all look alike. This one happens to be in Midway, Utah. But I knew of one just like it in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where I spent my early youth. It ran right past our back yard and was a source of much exploration and joy as we reveled in such boyhood activities as fishing, or exploring the "unknown frontier." Every boy should have a creek of his very own. When I saw this one after a snowy night, I just knew I had to draw it.
These no-longer used out-buildings are remnants of a bygone era in farming on Chalk Creek above Coalville, Utah. They stand like ghosts, resistant to change. They don't let go easily, but they pass on gracefully, leaving us a reminder of what once was. They will always retain their charm until they are no more. I guess that is why we artists are so fascinated with them.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Country roads beckon the wanderlust in me. I desire to turn onto them just to see where they might lead. Somewhere important, I'm sure; otherwise they would not have been built. When I follow my curiosity instincts I'm seldom disappointed. There is usually something there for which most of us take a pass. But the artist in me is rewarded.
This long abandoned Chalk Creek farmhouse was once a place called home but now sits silent and empty. The soil here is rich and the mountain back-drop lends a scenic touch. It is easy to see why they built a home in this spot. But why they left is anyone's guess.
The Wasatch Plateau is a region in Utah consisting of gentle forested slopes and meadows that reach a height at about 9000 feet. Tough nor rugged and angular like the Wasatch Range to the north, they are, non-the-less, a vital part of Utah's back country experience.
I always find the evening sun's golden rays especially satisfying as they cast an amber hue to the Wasatch, pictured here near Bountiful, Utah. The last light of day, however, only lasts for a few short moments befor mother nature turns out the lights.
