“Doggy Lake, Pinecrest, Whistler BC” brings back wonderful memories of a morning I painted by its shores with a dear friend, also an artist. The two of us painted happily together, sharing the peaceful solitude of this tranquil spot near our cabin.

This particular day was perfectly calm and slightly overcast, setting a serene mood. The lake's surface was exceptionally smooth and still, allowing the surrounding fir and pine trees to be beautifully reflected in the water, creating a mirror image of the forest. In the distance, the mountains were veiled in a strong, atmospheric haze, lending an ethereal quality to the backdrop. The tranquility I felt came directly from this profound calmness of the lake, while our delight was amplified by the sounds of nature – that of bullfrogs, and birds like the varied thrush and warblers flying around us.

Painting outdoors (en plein air) always presents its challenges; at this wild location, we keep a respectful eye out for bears and coyotes (my bear spray is always at hand!). As fate would have it, a black wolf came fairly close on this day, before moving on, allowing us to continue our peaceful artistic pursuit.

I’m happy that this painting successfully captured the profound sense of delight we both felt that day, painting side-by-side, each lost in our own view of the captivating landscape, fully immersed in nature's beauty and sounds.

This artwork is available at Stockhome Design in Vancouver. Please visit to view in person!