I’ve posted before about the presence of my children in my studio… virtual presence, that is!  Here is a painting I did from the special day in which I took photos of  my two boys.  We had hiked up to a popular local destination site: Devil’s Bathtub.  This is a pooled area up Squaw Creek, in our local Spearfish Canyon.  A magical spot for me as a young person, there was a natural rock slide, in which one could ride the frigid water down into a deep pool of water.  Of course, it was dangerous… there were the inevitable abrasions and possibility of paralysis at the bottom if you fell wrong or the water was not as deep as you thought…  Now, the slide is blocked by a huge boulder, but the spot remains a summer hiking spot, held dear by locals. (And the water is STILL frigid!)

So, it is a location and experience I much enjoyed, so I loved bringing my own children on a hike up to it.  I forced them to pose their feet, emphasizing the difference in ages.  It was a day of brotherhood, no fighting (their gift to me!) and apparently, lasting memories!  The painting I did of the day takes me back there every time I look at it.  It hangs above the door to my studio storage closet, so I get to see it often.  Anybody been to Devil’s bathtub?  Reply to this post with comments about your day there!  I’m hanging out here with no dialogue!!!