Early morning pavement in front of us. Fueled with coffee and ready for the road. The new path beckons. My driver is experienced and knowledgeable. I can sit back and enjoy the view. I am heavily armed with camera and binoculars.

Going north. I’ve been drawn north all of my life. It is what brought me to Fairbanks. It is why I’m in this van today. The lure of the road north. The haul road. They started building this road after I came to Alaska and now I finally get to experience it. This road goes to Prudhoe Bay. It is hard to get further north than that.

What is that white splash on top of the spruce tree? An osprey. Look at those colors and the rocks and the sunshine illuminating the lake. Wonderful. Couldn’t see the white dotted line of the arctic circle but I’m sure it was there. The road, surrounded by wilderness. The clarity and brilliance of all of it. Many thoughts breezed through my mind. Fauna, flora, rock and crag. Engineering ingenuity. A type of salt that keeps the soil more moist to limit the dust. Lots to learn.

What intrigued me the most was the road. It’s narrow and dangerous because of the soft shoulders. It was built for the truckers and it’s important to alert them where and what you are so there are no surprises. A CB radio is essential. My driver keeps in contact with them, alerting them of our location.

Exhilerating to go on a new path, whether you are walking, flying, driving, riding or just exploring a new direction in your thoughts. It helps you see the world afresh. Expand your comfort zones and see what you learn.

We drove to Coldfoot and I flew back to Fairbanks. I recommend Northern Alaska Tour Company. LJ is an excellent driver and tour guide. Go on an adventure.

The ice is gone but I’m still celebrating the miracle of this season’s change. Here is one more painting of the ‘last of the ice’. This one is of the Chena River from the Nordale boat landing.

Choosing a frame is a challenge. You need the frame to protect the artwork but it also creates a ‘stage’ for the painting or drawing. It is interesting to see how a frame changes the painting and adds to the total experience.

Choosing the right frame takes time but it is worth it. Frames are the ‘fine furniture’ for your walls. Paintings and the frames are the first thing you see when you enter a room.

Take a look at this recent watercolor that I painted of two swans.

When you look at the photo below of the painting framed, it gives a better idea of the size. It’s a full sheet of watercolor paper, 22″ x 30″ but that is hard to imagine until you see it above the couch.

A watercolor should never be in direct contact with the glass. The matt keeps it back from the glass slightly and protects it. A double or triple matt adds color and interest. I chose a metal frame because it reflects and shimmers like water and ties into the theme.

The swans are in Creamer’s Field for such a short period of time. I’m glad that I ‘caught’ them in this painting.

More information about this painting of the pair of swans is at this link.

8″ x 10″ oil painting of the north fork of the Chena River from one of my plein air adventures in April.

The wood frame with gold leaf edging makes the painting feel cozy and welcoming. It complements and balances the color and makes a very pleasing combination.

More information about this painting is at this link.