Salish Current Publication

Inspired by Skagit Valley

In April 2026, Salish Current published Inspired by Skagit Valley, a personal essay exploring the philosophy, process, and motivations behind my work as a Pacific Northwest plein air painter. Rather than focusing solely on finished paintings, the article examines the physical journey required to create them—traveling deep into remote landscapes, living from a self-built mobile studio, and spending days immersed in changing weather and light.

The article follows my evolution from graphic design into large-scale wilderness painting, explaining how off-road exploration, extended stays in nature, and a commitment to working entirely on location have become inseparable from my artistic practice. It also discusses why I work on large canvases, my transition from oils to acrylics and spray paint for demanding field conditions, and how the unpredictable nature of the Pacific Northwest directly shapes every composition.

At its core, the essay reflects on the artistic legacy of the Skagit Valley and the broader Pacific Northwest, arguing that meaningful landscape painting comes not from comfort, but from sustained engagement with the natural world. The challenges of reaching remote locations, enduring changing conditions, and remaining immersed in a place for days become essential parts of the creative process rather than obstacles to overcome.

This feature marked one of my first major published essays and provides an introduction to the ideas that continue to guide my work throughout Washington’s forests, rivers, mountains, and coastlines.