This tranquil scene is one of my favorite spots to hike to at West Fork. I am impressed by the sloping red cliff, the crystal clear waters, and the backlit rock formations and trees. This oil painting is 16×20 inches, using a combination of brush and palette knife. I strive for a painterly effect with realistic lighting and vibrant colors as I remembered this view. I did work from a photo but am not a slave to it, also referring to a charcoal value study sketch. This sounds like an appropriate title: “West Fork Autumn.”