The Creation of Altapass

One of my most cherished visits was to the orchards at Altapass along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This 150year-old apple orchard was built in by the Clinchfield Railroad in 1908.  It stretches among some of the most beautiful scenery along the Parkway.  

This large diptych 48 x 72" painting was inspired by the colorful autumn colors that the Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for.  I used a variety of abstract techniques initially to create the underlying background then over a number of days began to build up the depth you see by a series of spattering techniques.  Coupled with layers of glazing it has a remarkable atmosphere and romance to this colorful pair.