Calm Before the Falls

Original Oil Painting on Canvas
24" x 30"

Some places stay with you long after you’ve left them. This one was inspired by a hike through Squamish Canyon. The sunlight illuminated the trees along the Mamquam River and the granite cliffs while the water carved its way through the rocks. It was one of those moments that made me stop and simply take it all in.

For this painting, I relied heavily on a palette knife to build the fractured granite and create the sharp, angular textures that define the canyon. The contrast between those bold knife strokes and the softer brushwork in the water and trees helped capture the balance between rugged stone and flowing movement.

This oil painting has been an incredible challenge and a rewarding journey. It feels good to have a palette knife back in my hand.

• ORIGINAL FINE ART
• INSPIRED BY NATURE
• PAINTED BY MIKE