Blossoming Spring Meadow – Behind the Scenes

Colorado seems to have no shortage of gorgeous dramatic backdrops, so for this design I chose to feature the iconic Maroon Bells, two peaks (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) located in the Elk Mountains.  To enhance the range, I decided to add a large thundercloud billowing up from behind.  It became quite easy to visually depict the feel of springtime by adding all the wildflowers bursting up through the rolling grassy meadow, and I loved how the lupine brought out the colors in the mountains.  I absolutely love the sound of waterfalls and streams and could sit for hours watching them.  I was really looking forward to getting in and starting to paint this image, especially the water flowing over and around the lichen covered rocks.