“Duke’s Place” is a painting of a rustic log cabin with a distinct slate-tiled roof, nestled above what we affectionately call “Doggy Lake” – a special spot where we would often swim with our kids and our dog, Tassie. This particular lake, a beautiful mountain lake near Whistler, British Columbia, holds many cherished memories. Tassie herself could create her own "infinite loop," happily swimming after her own bubbles in the water for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.
It’s a truly tranquil spot, the silence only broken by the occasional train rumbling by (as one did this day, though thankfully, my dog doesn’t accompany me to this specific location for painting due to the trains). As I was painting Duke’s Place, its smooth, calm water, showing prominent reflections, perfectly mirrored the overcast sky above. The atmosphere felt moody and even a little foreboding, hinting at rain to come, yet this very quietude enhanced its profound beauty.
Painting en plein air by such a scene is always a glorious experience. On this day, I even had a lovely chat with a local fellow who lives off the grid, further down the tracks, adding to the unique memories. Once I’ve chosen the most captivating scene, I aim to paint quickly before the light and conditions change too much, adapting to the unpredictable shifts nature provides. I hope I’ve captured the awe and wonder, and that subtle, evocative mood, I felt that day.
This artwork is available at Stockhome Design in Vancouver. Please visit to view in person!