22in x 63in, transparent watercolor on paper, Private Collection
Near the mountain town of Durango, Colorado is the most beautiful resort named Purgatory, Colorado.
After a long day’s drive amidst peach, gold and shimmering aspen leaf color, even snow flurries and rain, we were in an unfortunate fender bender just outside of Purgatory. We arrived to our room that night in darkness with nary a hint of what lived outside.
The following morning we awakened with restored attitudes and decided to take a morning hike to check out the area. To our amazement and delight, this view was outside our hotel!
Since that autumn morning, this view has served inspiration for many paintings, and I remain grateful for the fender benders of life, for they often given us a heightened sense of observation and keen awareness of the fleeting moments to be treasured.