Lee Carlman Riddell – Flat Creek Corridor

I love that the Jackson Hole Land Trust’s View 22: Open Studio 2016 celebrates the protected lands in and around Jackson that are open to the public. I wanted to explore a new area and chose Flat Creek Corridor, wondering where it was and what I would find there.

To my great surprise and delight, it is the sagebrush / aspen / pine covered hill leading up to Josie’s Ridge, a walk that my dog Tosca and I do several times a week. I had no idea it was a Jackson Hole Land Trust protected property.

At first I wanted to create a painting that showed how close this beautiful land is to where many of us live by including the sage-covered hillside, homes below, and the view to the Teton Range to the West. Sometimes an idea just does not translate into a painting, especially the way I see the world. I simplify until I have the feeling of being in the place on canvas.

On an early morning walk up Josie’s Ridge in July, every different species of wildflower seemed to be in bloom at the same time. It is a short window in Jackson when we are treated to a fireworks display in the wild like this. There is also a fullness, a lushness to high summer here.

My painting is a celebration of the life on this hillside and  the color in this very accessible place where wildlife, people, dogs and mountain bikers are all welcome.

– Lee Carlman Riddell