Sometimes, driving up the valley and considering what to paint, I look up at the mountains and it is as if I am magically transported to a bird's eye view.
When that occurs there is nothing for it but to commit.
I actually become sort of a drone. I follow a ridge to a burnt patch of aspen. Then a rock face and a shadow. On a blue bird day with fresh snow it is particularly rewarding.
While it is a marvelous exercise in observation, I know that if I were more of a mountain climber this would take on a different familiarity.
Perhaps someone who has set foot on this high ridge will see the painting and have a moment of recognition and delight.