Friday, November 6, 2009


I have just completed this 16"x20" Oil Painting, FIREHOLE FALL and is one of a series of paintings depicting Yellowstone National Park that I am currently working on and really excited about. Its wildlife and scenic wonders. This painting is from along the Firehole River just south of Old Faithful where the Firehole River slowly flows snake like across meadows of golden grasses in the fall. Elk and Bison are abundant here and especially make a beautiful composition and detail to the fall scene.
The Firehole River was named by the earliest expedition into Yellowstone not because of all the hot water flowing into it but because of a Forest Fire that had just preceded the expedition that named it. It was caught in the fires of 1988 but is recovering remarkably and is as beautiful as ever.

15 comments:

Teresa said...

Beautiful! You did an awesome job on that lovely water.

Krista Hasson said...

Fantastic as always, love the addition of the Elk, great composition!

Unknown said...

This is breathtaking Gary! I love the way you rendered that beautiful blue water and that noble elk. Gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Ahhhhhh Breathtaking. wonderful job Gary ...now I CAN'T wait to visit Yellowstone National Park. I really enjoyed the series on Yellowstone on TV recently.

I love every part of this painting. wonderful job.

Peter Brown said...

Wow, Gary. This is a real beauty!

Maria Kovalenko Leysens said...

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog/s. Thank you for sharing... we were out west this past august and your descriptions are so vivid and compliment your images... photos and paintings... all very nice...

Anonymous said...

wonderfully captured, and those reflections and colours in the water, wow, and interesting to read the background to this place. r.

Gary Keimig said...

thanks all. I think my Yellowstone idea of paintings is going to be fun and even take my mind off "heeling" a little. Am now up to about 6 hours painting a day which is so much less frustrating then only 2 or 3.
As a sideline to this painting. This past fall I was hiking and photographing this area of the Firehole River when I jumped a little wet area only to land in quite a bog hole I didn't notice. Was up to my knee on one leg then the other trying to pull my way out. Rather embarrasing and lucky I didn't pull a boot off in the process. Was sure a boggy mess up to my knees and had to spend some time at the edge of the river with feet in the water and the temperature only a little above freezing. That water is warm though and wasn't too bad. Thank goodness the only witness to the event was 5 Bull Bison who were sure giving me the eye.

debwardart said...

Another wonderful piece. And thanks for the anecdote! Hope your recovery continues unabated.

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

You've been getting your feet into trouble lately, huh? This is a remarkable rendition of that area of the planet. I love the water! The last time we were in Yellowstone there were only the females and calves around, did not see one antlered elk the whole week. This one is a beauty.

Celeste Bergin said...

Beautiful painting--and it is so interesting to read about landing in the bog hole. What we outdoor painters go through--I swear, we will never run out of stories.
I love the blue water here.

Celebration of Life said...

And yet...another masterpiece! I love the water and the contrast to the fall colors. Keep up the "heeling process"! :o)

Gary Keimig said...

Thanks, Jo. I am really excited with my Yellowstone idea and challenge. It is driving me and therefor I should forget all about my laid up status.??
Yeh. Susan seems I do have a foot problem this fall. I spent about 3 days in September and there were elk everywhere. Bulls as well as cows and calves. It helps to know just where to go and what one can expect there. After a lifetime in this area I have a pretty good idea of where to go to find what.
Thanks Deb for posting and good wishes.
Those anecdotes is what makes life interesting, Celeste. And the paintings produced even more interesting.

Jill Berry said...

Five bison! Yikes!
This is a wonderful work of art!
Glad your back in ~action~ !!

Gary Keimig said...

thanks Jill.