It all begins with an adventure.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are an endless playground for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike. It’s inspiration struck me after my first true adventure in Her mountains back in 2015 when I summited Mount Whitney for the first time. I’ve been painting my adventures there ever since.
Mamie Reflections - 18"x24" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
Summer at Convict - 6"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
Winter at Convict - 6"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
Alabama Hills - 30"x48" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
Creamsicle Skies - Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California - 24"x48" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
Tahoe Blues - 15"x30" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
View from the Hills - 36.630033˚ N, 118.132386˚ W- Alabama Hills, California - 8"x24" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
Summit Sunrise - 36.578581˚ N, 118.292260˚ W - Mount Whitney, California - 20"x24" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
36.629732˚ N, 118.132637˚ W - Alabama Hills, California - 11"x14" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
37.410542˚ N, 118.471881˚ W - Lower Owens River, California - 14”x18” Oil on Canvas AVAILABLE
37.7252264˚ N, 119.182796˚ W - Ansel Adams Wilderness, California - 8"x24" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.655983˚ N, 118.835057˚ W - Hot Creek, California - 16"x20" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
Temple Crag
Amongst the many gems hidden along Highway 395 is Temple Crag, the majestic peak just outside of Big Pine. Home to the Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this area offers some truly awe-inspiring hiking trails. On my first trip to the area, I was mesmerized by the vibrant turquoise hue of the lakes. All I could think about was taking an icy plunge in Second Lake. With Temple Crag towering behind it, it was one of the most picturesque swims I’ve ever enjoyed.
37.126120˚ N, 118.2881283˚ W
30”x40” Oil on Canvas
37.899525˚ N, 119.094414˚ W - Highway 395, California - 14"x18" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.471193˚ N, 118.725982˚ W - Tom's Place, California - 6"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
38.047765˚ N, 119.258084˚ W - Little Virginia Lake, Eastern Sierra - 8"x24" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
34.415912˚ N, 118.752628˚ W - Box Lake, Little Lakes Valley, CA - 8"x24" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
37.843360˚ N, 119.424850˚ W - Cathedral Rock, Yosemite, California - 8"x8" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.594529˚ N, 118.851684˚ W - Convict Lake, California - 6"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.591351˚ N, 118.852264˚ W - Convict Lake, California - 6"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
38.047097˚ N, 119.276484˚ W - Cooney Lake, California - 6"x18" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
I have found that more often than not, it’s the unplanned parts of our adventures that end up being the most memorable. That morning we set off on our hike with one particular lake in mind to fish at. After a while, we happened upon this lake believing it was the destination we were searching for. With signs of autumn all around, it was as if the lake was glowing; I fell in love. With an afternoon of sunshine, fishing, and a lakeside nap it was truly one of the most relaxing, carefree moments. It was not until we were back that we realized we had taken a wrong turn and had been at a completely different lake, miles away from where we thought. A perfect day and some genuine laughter at our mistake made for one great adventure.
36.600020˚ N, 118.103716˚ W - Alabama Hills, Inyo County - 6"x18" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
36.600021˚ N, 118.103712˚ W - Alabama Hills, Inyo County - 4"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.662952˚ N, 118.826851˚ W - Brees Lookout, Hot Creek Geological Site - 8"x10" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.711782˚ N, 118.785187˚ W - Owens River, California - 14"x18" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.655172˚ N, 118.835561˚ W - Hot Creek, CA - 12"x24" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
36.560954˚ N, 118.286768˚ W — 99 Switchbacks, Mount Whitney Trail — 24”x36” Oil on Canvas — SOLD
Not every hike is about reaching the summit, sometimes the term “success” needs to be redefined. On this particular adventure, success was having the courage to set out in the middle of night on a solo attempt to hike 22 miles and summit Mount Whitney in a day. It was having the dedication and determination during training to be my strongest self on game day, hiking stronger and faster than I ever could’ve hoped for. Success was having the confidence in myself to navigate the trail and ice alone in the pitch black. And lastly, success was achieved when I made the decision to turn back when conditions were not working in my favor. If you’ve ever hiked the 99 switchbacks in the middle of the night early in the season, you know the consequences of falling.
Alone on the cold mountainside, I sat for a bit and took it in. Miles ahead of the next hiker, I was alone - the mountain felt like it was all mine. A view and a privilege that only hikers get to experience. It wasn’t the summit, but that day it was my summit.
Western Sunset - 36.33508˚ N, 118.36353˚ W - Sequoia National Park - 30"x48" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
36.563518˚ N, 118.278329˚ W - Trail Camp, Mount Whitney Trail - 18"x24" Oil on Canvas
36.604785˚ N, 118.102199˚ W - Eastern Sierra - 12"x36" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.455918˚ N, 118.738361˚ W - Rock Creek Lake, California - 8"x10" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
36.804062˚ N, 118.544430˚ W - Paradise Valley, Kings Canyon National Park - 8"x16" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.722869˚ N, 119.640281˚ W - Yosemite National Park, California - 16"x40" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
36.613575˚ N, 118.126774˚ W - Mobius Arch, Alabama Hills - 8"x10" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
36.559284˚ N, 118.291521˚ W - Trail Crest, Mount Whitney - 16"x40" Oil on Canvas - AVAILABLE
37.716122˚ N, 119.678515˚ W - Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park - 4"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
37.328470˚ N, 119.573251˚ W - Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park - 4"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
39.204191˚ N, 119.930538˚ W - Sand Harbor, Nevada - 4"x12" Oil on Canvas - SOLD
36.366101˚ N, 120.336692˚ W — Warren Lake Trail, Truckee — 30”x48” Oil on Canvas — Personal Collection
Warren Lake Trail
The inspiration for this painting encapsulated the heart and soul of my love for painting. It was the perfect combination of a great adventure and some of Nature’s finest beauty. It was a day of sunshine, snow, wildflowers and gratitude … a one of a kind reminder of all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and a perfect way to celebrate my birthday.