Sand Canyon: Vulture’s Perch

Sketching from field paintings and photographs in the studio.

I was inspired by a huge sandstone wall that I trail ran into in Sand Canyon near my home in Colorado. A tiny vulture circled over head, the first one I’ve seen back in our area this season. It circled and landed on the top of the formation.

Trail running is my favorite way to move into a landscape. I carry a light watercolor kit to do field studies when I’m inspired by something.

9” x 7”

Watercolor on 300lb Cold Press paper

Working from field studies in watercolor and photographs

Sand Canyon, Colorado February 2026

Starting to block in the light colors and details in watercolor.

The first and lightest layer of paint complete.

And then reddish browns and dark browns were added.

And finally blacks and details of the trees.

This was a fun exploratory project close to my home in the landscape I love. Please check out the complete Vulture’s Perch Field Notes to learn more about the piece..