Valley Ranch
MARTHA MARKS COMMENTS ON BERNARD MARKS’ “VALLEY RANCH” FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO:
I remember this scene — and how this peaceful painting came to be — as vividly as if it was yesterday.
It was a fine summer morning in the Colorado Rockies. I don’t recall more precisely than that where we were. However, I do know that I was driving so Bernie could enjoy the scenery… and maybe even find his next great painting spot.
At some point on a narrow, winding road through this valley I heard him whisper: “Oh!” That’s all he said as I drove on. About a minute later, he said it again, more loudly. “Oh!” I looked over at him and asked if he was okay. He nodded and said nothing more.
About five minutes later, he said, “That was a really great scene!” When I asked if he wanted to go back, he said, “No, it’s fine.” Another five minutes later, he said, “Yes, I do want to go back.” By now, we were into an even narrower part of the valley and there were no cross roads to turn around on.
About 10 minutes farther on, we came to a dirt road with sturdy gate and a ranch sign arching over it. I pulled in and asked, “Still want to go back?” He nodded, so we turned around. “I didn’t see what you saw,” I said, “so let me know when we’re there.”
“This is it,” he said after a while. We were back now in the slightly wider part of the valley, so I was able to find a safe spot to pull off. As he set up his easel, I opened my folding chair, grabbed my book off the back seat, and settled in to enjoy the view and the relaxation.
An hour or so later, Bernie came over and showed me what’s he done. “Good one,” I said. “Worth the time and effort.”
Even now, many years later, I feel the same. This lovely plein air painting was well worth the time and effort.
Excellent custom-made giclée prints on thick matte archival paper are available.
- Size: 9″ x 13.75″
- Price: $125, includes all applicable taxes
- $25 will be added for packing and shipping within the USA.
- Contact Martha Marks first if you’d like to add a standard-size (13″ x 19″ or 16″ x 20″), custom-cut, off-white mat to finish off your print and make it easy to frame.
- Click here to order this print
Return to the COLORADO page of the Watercolor Landscapes section.
This painting and all reproductions of it are © Bernard Marks Fine Art LLC. No unauthorized use is permitted. All rights reserved.