Ruth Soller » Blog

Maroon Bells and Lake, oil on canvas, 24x30, on loan currently

I hope that you are well and enjoying family get togethers and spending time in the beauty of nature. You may have favorite locations you dream of visiting or that you return to over the years. I've dreamed of exhibiting at the State Capitol since moving to Colorado in 2004. Two of my National Parks series were displayed at Denver International Airport and scheduled to travel next to the Colorado State Capitol. To my deep disappointment, there wasn't enough wall space for all the paintings at the Capitol and mine were culled.

Today I'm honored that Maroon Bells and Lake is accepted in the 2022 Colorado Day (August 1st) Exhibition at the Colorado State Capitol, celebrating Colorado's 146 years as a state. Colorado artists were chosen for their creative interpretations of Colorado land, cities, or towns. Selected works will be on display at the Colorado State Capitol Complex, including the Governor's Office, the Lieutenant Governor's Office, and the basement rotunda from August 1, 2022 through October or November 2022. For more information contact Ruth Wilson, Public Art Program Manager at [email protected]. 

Maroon Bells and Lake is one of the most photographed scenes as it is awe inspiring to contemplate. The Maroon Bells are located in the White River National Forest and may be accessed by hiking or bus, as parking is very limited. Wildflowers and lush foliage covered the valley floor while an overcast morning gave way to clear sky by noon, perfect for a picnic lunch on the shore. This studio landscape painted entirely with palette knife is based on my plein air study.

Shown in a gallery                                                  Colorado State Capitol

I'm honored to be profiled in Mountain Living 25th Anniversary Issue May-June 2019 and grateful to Laura Beausire for her interview and article "Healing Views" on the Gallery page 176. Thank you for publishing my painting " Maroon Bells and Lake", oil on canvas, 24x30 inches. Currently this painting is available at Osmosis Gallery in Niwot, CO.  303-652-2668

One of my dreams has been to plein air paint the Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake near Aspen, Colorado, and it was a joyous experience. The Maroon Bells are located in the White River National Forest and may be accessed by hiking or bus, as parking is very limited. Wildflowers and lush foliage covered the valley floor while an overcast morning gave way to clear sky by noon, perfect for a picnic lunch on the shore. This studio landscape painted entirely with palette knife is based on my plein air study. 

Have you visited the Maroon Bells yet? What is your favorite season to visit there?