You can drive, and drive, and drive, and it feels as if the countryside will never end. Sunday Drive in the Wallowa Valley, original oil painting by Steve Henderson.
The story behind the painting, Sunday Drive in the Wallowa Valley, by Steve Henderson:
Last week we talked about the Land of Chief Joseph, a view of the patrarchal, Nez Perce mountain in Oregon’s Wallowa Valley. This week, we wander the country roads and byways of this unique area, frequently called the Swiss Alps of the Northwest.
The Wallowa Mountains loom up out of nowhere, encircling a high valley with their form and presence, offering a sense of protection, guidance, and majesty. Because of the altitude — 5,000 feet, which we recognize isn’t much by Himalayan or even Swiss Alps standards — warm, sunny weather is a limited event of the area.
For much of the year, clouds linger about the valley, brushing the tops of the mountains and hiding them from view — giving an illusion that the mountains are even higher than they are. Living here, amongst this stately beauty, requires a fortitude and toughness — not to mention decent outerwear — because if you are going to enjoy this great outdoors, you will need to think about keeping yourself warm.
But it’s worth it. The Wallowa Mountains are imbued with a rich history and gracious beauty, and there is much
The Wallowa Valley is an area of the world that is unique in its beauty and form. Land of Chief Joseph, original oil painting by Steve Henderson.
silence. One stands, quietly, and simply views the panorama of rock and snow and ice and high fields, and thinks,
“This is a noble land, and it is a privilege to be standing in the midst of it.”
This story is part of the Start Your Week with Steve Newsletter of Steve Henderson Fine Art. Read the whole newsletter, and subscribe if you wish, at Start Your Week with Steve.
Check out Steve’s artwork at Steve Henderson Fine Art. His original paintings are affordable; his licensed open edition prints are even more so; and his Santa and Holiday works spread the joy of Christmas all year round.
If you are a manufacturer who would like to use Steve’s artwork on your products, please contact his agents, Matt Appelman (matt.appelman@artlicensing.com). You can see Steve’s Art Licensing page here.
We encourage you, also, to check out Steve and Carolyn’s products at Amazon.com:
Live Happily on Less: 52 Ways to Renovate Your Life and Lifestyle (paperback and digital book)
Grammar Despair: Quick, simple solutions to problems like, “Do I say Him and Me or He and I?” (paperback and digital book)
Step by Step Watercolor Success — DVD digital workshop for the beginning and intermediate watercolorist.