Cranberry Lake #2

One summer, I worked at Deception Pass State Park, selling entry permits to visitors heading to the beach or setting up camp in the woods. From my station, I had a perfect view of Cranberry Lake, watching the day unfold—from the soft glow of morning light to the midday sun casting sharp contrasts. But as evening arrived, the landscape transformed. The tree trunks glowed with deep purples, fiery oranges, and golden yellows, while ripples on the water shimmered with soft pink light. It was a breathtaking rhythm of color and change, repeating itself when the conditions were just right.

When I painted Cranberry Lake #2, I let my feelings guide me. I remembered the families picnicking at the water’s edge, the warmth of those golden-hour hues, and the dreamlike quality of the moment. I took liberties, exaggerating color and form to capture not just what I saw, but what I felt.

This piece is an invitation to experience that fleeting beauty—where light, color, and memory converge in a scene that feels both timeless and alive.