An overcast sky, a motionless high-perched eagle and still tidal rivulets suddenly brightened by sunset colors were the inspiration for Sunset at Wiley Slough. (Thomas William Jones courtesy image)
“Be patient, the environment will speak to you!”
As a watercolor artist painting in the Northwest for over 55 years, I can always find inspiration in the Skagit Valley region. If given the time and patience, our protected estuary areas will speak to you. Such was the case when visiting the Wiley Slough Wildlife Area during a late winter afternoon last year. A cold low-hanging overcast added to the silence … as did a motionless immature bald eagle holding firm on his high-perched watch. Tide water rivulets anchored gray-toned spikes of various tree forms providing interesting abstract verticals to the area’s flatness.
While just absorbing the subdued beauty before me, the lifting overcast was revealing an impressive sunset. The “horizontal” of orange was a welcoming contrast to the estuary’s muted hues. This impression became the essence of my painting completed in the studio.
— Contributed by Thomas William Jones
For Artist’s Corner, Salish Current welcomes readers to share images that capture the spirit of our natural and built environments, including the creatures and people who live here. Submittals must be works in your possession and not promotional. Please contact Salish Current Managing Editor Mike Sato (msato@rockisland.com) to let us know what you’d like to share and why.