Not Contained

In the summer of 2025, the Bear Gulch fire tore through the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. For weeks it ran out of control. I had recently painted a scene from that same area — the Bridge Over Elk Creek — and learned the whole valley was under threat.

Not Contained is my response to that fire. Angry reds and searing heat press in from the distance. Charred black and purple trees stand in the foreground, stripped and peeling. Hot yellow and red washes pull the composition together, while intricate ink work traces the scorched, curling bark. The trails finally opened back up in July 2026, and the bridge was largely saved although damaged.

Not Contained was selected by juror Christine Buchanan to be part of Peninsula Art League's Summer Member Show, July 18th and 19th, 2026.  

Original Artwork

Professional grade watercolor and archival ink on 12" x 16" Arches 140lb 100% cotton cold press paper. Signed by the artist.

High-quality Fine Art prints are also available (US only) starting at $29 with free shipping. Contact me here for details.