SACRED WATERS
The following paintings were inspired by my connection to the rivers and water ways in Colorado. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was raised to appreciate our state’s natural resources. My siblings and I spent countless hours fishing the Arkansas River in southwestern Colorado, and playing in the icy cold waters of Chalk Creek which ran alongside our cabin in Nathrop, Colorado.
It was there that I developed an early awareness of the diversity of life that these creeks, rivers, and wetlands supported. From hatching mayflies, water skippers, mosquitoes, dragon flies to a wild and diverse animal kingdom, the water held many delightful secrets for us to explore. Whether it was morning, noon, or night, life was and is abundant.
This series of paintings is based upon the wonderful and important words of Chief Seattle, as he reminds us all the importance of caring for our earth, the waterways and skies. I truly believe that what we do today to protect our earth and waterways is crucial to a healthy future for the creatures that live on this marvelous planet, and for our children and grandchildren, and future generations to come.
As my dear friend, CJ Brafford, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe says, Water is Life. Chief Seattle reminds us that every part of this earth is sacred. This exhibit will feature details about the waterways and animals seen in this power point. I’m excited to give you a preview of what is to come. If you are interested in exhibiting this collection in 2024, please let me know. There will be a coloring/activity book to accompany the exhibit for young minds!
Winter Interlude
Acrylic on Canvas
24” by 36”
$695
Heavy snow and rain in the high Colorado Rocky Mountains help feed rivers, streams, and large bodies of water downstream. 158 rivers in Colorado originate from these headwaters. Four of these rivers, the Arkansas, Colorado, Platte, and Rio Grande flow from the Colorado Rocky Mountains and across state boundaries, feeding cities and towns in Colorado and much of the Central and western United States. Rivers are the primary source of water for Coloradans and others downstream. It is prized because it is a fresh source from pristine snows and springs, and not used and re-used by others.
Frosty MorninG
Acrylic on Canvas
14” X 16”
SOLD
Redwing Blackbirds are found throughout most of North America. They thrive near marshy wetlands, alongside rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. The male is black with bright red and yellow stripes on his wing. The male has many kinds of calls to attract females. The female is brown and speckled, to help her stay camouflaged when sitting on eggs in a nest she wove from local grasses. Many black feathered birds help keep the ecosystem healthy by eating annoying insects, wild grains, and small animals.
The Birth of a river
Acrylic on Canvas
24” X 36”
$695.00
All but two of Colorado’s 158 named rivers originate from headwaters located high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The water from these headwaters flows downstream, and then east or west of the Continental Divide into nine river basins (called watersheds). These are areas of land on which water drains downstream and into rivers, streams, and lakes. Many communities depend upon these waters for agriculture, energy, and for clean drinking water.
Spring Runoff and mayfly hatch
Acrylic on Canvas
18” X 36”
$695.00
When Spring arrives in the Rocky Mountains (May-June) the high-country snows begin to melt and feed the rivers and streams. Many rivers located below the headwaters swell, and the water begins to move quickly creating rapids. This runoff stirs up mud and carries debris downstream. May is also a time when the aptly named Mayfly (an aquatic insect) begins to hatch. You can see swarms of them over the rivers and streams. Hungry trout and other species of fish find the Mayfly especially tasty.
Brook Trout
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 18”
$185.00
The brook trout, also called the speckled trout, is a colorful fish with olive-green skin, and yellow spots which run in a worm-like row on the fish's back. Orange or red spots outlined in a pale blue border, which run along the sides. Brook trout can be found in clean, cold, mountain streams. During the day, the brook trout settles into deeper waters. They eat a variety of insects such as ants, beetles, aquatic insects, and small fish.
HOW NOW BROWN TROUT
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 18”
Brown trout are a cautious fish and are harder to catch. They aren’t as gullible when attacking flies or a fisherman’s bait. These fish are reclusive and prefer hiding near the bottom of the river until nighttime. They will also hide underneath a grassy bank over the water waiting for night to come. They feed on invertebrates (insects) and crustaceans. As they grow larger, they eat smaller fish, such as suckers, minnows, sculpins (bottom dwelling fish), and other trout.
Transformation - Frog Lifecycle
Acrylic on Canvas
10” X 10”
Price: $195.00
Once the female has mated with the male frog, she lays eggs on plants growing under the water. Within two weeks tiny little tadpoles emerge. Tadpoles are primarily herbivores (plant eaters). They eat aquatic plants and free-floating algae, and sometimes dead animals. Tadpoles become adults several weeks later. As they grow, they lose their tail, and grow arms and legs. Adult frogs are insect eaters that feed on larvae, spiders, leeches, and other kinds of insects.
BRASSY MINNOWS ON THE MOVE
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 18”
$185
Brassy minnows live primarily in stream channels where the water pools are, however, they can also be found in backwaters and beaver ponds. They prefer habitats that have plenty of aquatic plants, and rocky or woody places, which provide cover for them. Beaver dams are a safe habitat for the brassy minnows to live in. They thrive on microorganisms and small prey living in the water.
They Swam and They Swam - Rainbow Trout
Acrylic on Canvas
6” by 18”
$185
Rainbow trout live in mountain lakes and streams, and many reservoirs on the Colorado plains. In addition to their silvery olive-green skin and black spots, these fish have a “rainbow” (reddish stripe) on their side. Adult rainbow trout eat insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish eggs, and small fish. Young trout feed mostly on zooplankton (tiny micro-organisms that live in the freshwater).
Five Little Froggies - Northern Leopard Frog
Acrylic on Canvas
6” by 18”
$195
Leopard frogs live near rivers, streams, wetlands, beaver ponds, and pools of water that have plenty of rooted aquatic plants. These frogs hibernate in the fall and winter under the mud in the water. In March, leopard frogs come out of hibernation and begin to look for mates. The male frog makes a sound like a snore to attract the female. Environmental changes in their habitat (man made and natural) have created a decline in their population.
Fishing Buddies - osprey and bald eagle
Acrylic on Canvas
14” X 14”
$265
In the summer, Osprey (left) live near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They feed only on fish and hunt in open waters.
Bald Eagles (right) live in Colorado year-round. Bald eagles eat small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. You can see their large nests in bare cottonwood trees along a river or reservoir.
Both the Eagle and the Osprey have strong vision and can see fish swimming in the water below. They are fast and can catch fish in their talons.
A Summer Morning
Acrylic on Canvas
24” by 48”
$995
One of my favorite memories of the Arkansas River is the time my mother and I were on the way to Montrose to visit the Ute Indian Museum. We were on a trip to learn about the Ute people for a book I was writing about Chipeta, a Ute woman and wife of Chief Ouray. We drove west from Canon City on Highway 50 toward Salida. The Arkansas River was bathed in morning light. Anglers stood in the stillness of the morning in the shimmering water with hopes of catching a hungry trout.
WALKING ON WATER —Water Striders
Acrylic on Canvas
4” by 12”
$125
Colorado’s freshwater rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands are host to a wide variety of aquatic insects. One of my favorite insects is the water strider, which seems to effortlessly walk on top of the water’s surface. Grooves on the water striders legs trap air and make it possible for them to float using water tension. Their legs can support fifteen times their weight while walking on the water. Water striders love to eat mosquito larvae. I have always loved the little ripples they leave behind as they move around on top of the water.
CRAYFRISH COMRADES—Rusty Crayfish
Acrylic on Canvas
6” by 18”
$165
Rusty crayfish are larger, more aggressive crayfish. They are not from Colorado. This invasive species was probably introduced around 2009 by anglers using the rusty crayfish as bait and releasing them into the Yampa River in Northwestern Colorado and the Catamount Reservoir. These intruders eat small fish, aquatic insects, vegetation, and have caused damage to these habitats. They out compete the native craw-fish that live in Colorado. The populations of these invasive crustaceans are managed by manual removal and careful water-craft inspections.
Camouflage - western tiger salamander
Acrylic on Canvas
6” x 18” Framed
$165
These fascinating amphibians can be found in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and are more active at night. They prefer damp habitats and conditions. They live much of their lives underground in burrows found close to water. The Western tiger salamander can live at sea level and up to 11,000 feet above sea level. The Western tiger salamander can grow 3-6 inches long, and their lifespan can reach up to 16 years. They have gills on the sides of their body, which help them breathe on land and in the water. Most of the time they eat worms, slugs, and snails.
A Trio of Turtles - Western Painted Turtle
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 18”
SOLD
These beautifully colored turtles live in rivers and ponds and are the most common species of turtle in Colorado. They prefer freshwater habitats, and eat both plants and aquatic insects. Western painted turtles sleep at the bottom of ponds and are able to hibernate during the winter months. Western painted turtles are more active in warmer weather. You can often see them sunning themselves on partially submerged logs or rocks.
What’s That Buzz? - Mosquitos
Acrylic on Canvas
4” X 12”
$125
They are pesty, they buzz, and they bite! In Colorado alone there are more than 45 different species of mosquitoes. They show up just about everywhere in the springtime and during the summer! They thrive in standing water like birdbaths, flowerpots, puddles, along rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and just about anywhere where it is moist. Females lay their eggs in habitats that have water. They can smell your breath (carbon dioxide) from 60-75 feet away, and are attracted to certain chemicals on the skin. Females need lots of protein to lay her eggs. She gets blood from animals and humans alike. When the female bites, she leaves a red itchy welt. Some bites can cause serious illness.
A GLASS MENAGERIE -
Freshwater Diatoms (algae)
Acrylic on Canvas
8” x 8”
$95.00
Diatoms are a type of algae. You might say these organisms live in houses made of glass. Their houses are actually cell walls that are made from silica, which is transparent and glass-like. These incredible creatures have many beautiful patterns and shapes. Similar to snowflakes, and no two are alike. These are the only organisms on our planet that live in these kinds of structured bodies. Diatoms are crucial to the health of our planet. They produce 20-30 percent of the air we breathe and help remove carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. They provide food for many kinds of creatures including phytoplankton, aquatic insects, fish, and whales!
An Unseen World - Freshwater Phytoplankton
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 8”
$85.00
Not only are Colorado’s freshwater sources home to a variety of aquatic insects, amphibians, fish, and crustaceans, they are home to living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These phytoplankton come in a variety of forms. Along with bacteria,they are an important part of a food web. They live in lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries (areas where a river meets the sea). These microscopic creatures feed on algae, decaying animals and plants on the bottom of the ponds. Some of these organisms can be harmful to humans and animals if swallowed. Never drink directly from a river or stream.
Bubbles and Beetles - giant water scavenger Beetle
Acrylic on Canvas
4” X 12”
$125
These beetles can be found statewide in Colorado. The adults are shiny black with iridescent purple and green highlights. Though they live in isolated pools of water, they sometimes live in stock tanks. They hibernate in the mud at the bottom of ponds and other bodies of water. In late spring or early summer, the adult beetles emerge from the mud. The female lays eggs in a silky case, which is often attached to debris floating in the water. The larvae devour small insects, snails, tadpoles, and other small fish. The adults have large feathered hind legs that help them swim. They carry bubbles of air under their wings, which allows them to stay under the water for a long time.
Joy in the Morning
Acrylic on Canvas
6” X 18”
$195
You will know when the hummingbird is in town in the Springtime. Their shrill call will let you know they have arrived for the spring and summer months. Anywhere from late July to September, hummingbirds head south to warmer climates. These tiny jewels of the sky eat tiny insects, flower nectar, and sap from some trees. Coloradoans also hang feeders with sugary waters for the birds to drink during their stay. and migration. Hummingbirds will also live in urban areas east of the Rocky Mountains, and where there is water. They nest on ledges and high in trees. Their nests, made of lichen, spiderwebs, grass, and leaves, are very small and are hard to see.
WINGED AND WONDERFUL -
Bank Swallows
Acrylic on Canvas
14” by 18”
$395
These fast-flying acrobatic birds live in habitats in bluffs and sandy banks near rivers and waterways. They make their nests in burrows made in banks and raise their young there. Bank swallows are about 5 inches long and arrive in Colorado during the summer. You can see swallows diving quickly from the sky and swooping over grassy meadows, ranch land, and streams in pursuit of flying insects. They also eat wasps, flies, and spiders.
MAGPIE TELEGRAPH -
Magpies
Acrylic on Canvas
14” by 18”
$395
These handsome birds are dressed in black and white from head to tail. Their feathers have iridescent green, blue, and purple highlights which shine in the sunlight. Magpies can grow up to 19 inches long. They make large, rounded nests made of sticks in large trees near open country. They can be found in all kinds of habitats such as cities, towns, suburbs, agricultural areas, grasslands with trees, areas where shrubs grow, and open mountain forests. Magpies can also be found near rivers and streams. They are omnivores and eat invertebrates, small fish, baby birds and other small animals both dead and alive. Magpies eat dead animals and garbage made by humans.
MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS -
Red Fox
Acrylic on Canvas
14” by 18”
$395
The Red Fox lives in a variety of habitats throughout Colorado. They can be found in pastures, woodlands, agricultural areas, and near banks of rivers and streams. Some foxes have adapted to urban settings, too. Their territory is usually five to ten square miles, depending upon its ability to find food. The fox will eat birds nesting on the ground, and the eggs, in addition to insects, small mammals, amphibians, fish, crawdads, earthworms, fruit, berries and nuts. They also eat dead animals and garbage from trash cans. They are crepuscular creatures, most active at dusk and dawn but can be seen anytime during the day or night.
MIDNIGHT WATCH -
Great Horned Owl
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 16”
$375
This beautiful bird of prey can be found throughout Colorado year-round. They live mainly at lower elevations and prefer habitats near streams and woodlands, especially open areas such as farmlands, open spaces in urban and suburban areas, and Colorado’s pine forests. These birds are the largest tufted owls in Colorado and grow to be up to 22 inches tall. They have large razor-sharp talons. The Great Horned Owl will eat small rodents, rabbits, skunks, hawks, snakes, and sometimes porcupines. They must be careful not to get injured by the porcupine’s sharp quills.
MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS -
Deer Mice
Acrylic on Canvas
4” by 12”
$125
Deer mice are common all throughout Colorado. Unlike house mice, deer mice prefer to live in wooded areas. In the cold weather months, the deer mice may look for shelter in sheds, barns, and empty buildings. They are known for their climbing skills, where they can reside in attics of some buildings. These rodents are small and light brown, with large dark eyes; their tails are as long as their body. These mice like to keep their nests clean and will move in their area because it is too dirty. They eat caterpillars, dead animals, beetles, seeds and nuts, and steal food from indoor sources such as cabinets and pantries. Deer mice are known to carry a disease called hantavirus which can be deadly to humans.
EVENING STROLL -
Bighorn Sheep and Muskrat
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 16”
$295
In some areas along the Arkansas River you will see bighorn sheep climbing the rocky canyon walls. These surefooted and powerful animals feed on herbs, grasses and shrubs growing near the river and among the rocks. In the winter when plants are scarce, they feed on lichen and moss. The big horn sheep can grow up to six feet long from nose to tail and weigh over 225 pounds. The bighorn sheep is native to North America and plays a very important role to our ecosystem in the mountain west. They help control vegetation overgrowth and drop seeds to other locations as they move around. The bighorn sheep is Colorado’s state mammal.
AUTUMN GOLD
Acrylic on Canvas
24” by 36”
$695
As the late summer fades into autumn, change is in the air. The nights are cooler, and the trees begin to change color. To preserve energy and store it, the trees pull the sugar-rich chlorophyll from the leaves into its trunk and roots leaving only the red and yellow pigments, thus, the leaves change to bright yellows, orange, and reds. It is a lovely time on the river. Animals begin to prepare for winter.
RIDING THE WAVE -
River Otters
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 24”
$395
River otters are native to Colorado and are a member of the weasel family. They play a crucial role in keeping our water ecosystems healthy. These intelligent and playful creatures are adaptable to their environments and can live in clean fresh water and salt water. River Otters have long bodies (as long as 3-4 feet) with thick brown fur, which is waterproof and keeps them warm in cold water. Their furry nose and webbed feet make them expert swimmers! River otters make their homes in riverbanks or in the base of hollow trees. They eat small fish, muskrats, small mammals, snails, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and some birds.
GONE FISHING -
Black Bear
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 16”
$295
Black bears are a species of bear which have blond, brown, or cinnamon colored fur. Male black bears are about 275 pounds, while a female only weighs about 175 pounds. Black bears live in the mountains of Colorado and sometimes make their way into cities and towns where they scavenge for food. Bears are very intelligent and can remember where they find food. Their noses are 100 times more sensitive than human noses. They can smell food as far as five miles away. They need 20,000 calories a day during the late summer and early fall to hibernate and survive during the winter. Bears eat grass, fruits, nuts, plants, and berries, and sometimes insects, fish, and dead animals.
ENJOYING THE HARVEST -
Chipmunk
Acrylic on Canvas
8” by 8”
$110
Chipmunks will live just about anywhere in higher elevations if there is plenty of food and fewer predators. They live in a variety of habitats including woodlands, coniferous forests, and the alpine tundra where there are hardly any trees and is often freezing! They live in burrows deep underground near rocks and trees. Chipmunks prefer soft dandelions, grasses, and fallen leaves to line their nests. They eat mostly seeds from pine and fir trees and store them underground to eat later during the winter. Sometimes you can see chipmunks climbing over the rocks at picnic areas near rivers and streams.
LE PEW -
Striped Skunk
Acrylic on Canvas
14” by 14”
$265
Four kinds of skunk live in Colorado. The striped skunk is the most common. They live high in the mountains and just about anywhere in Colorado. They are black with long white stripes down the sides of their body. Like raccoons, skunks are mostly nocturnal, and are omnivorous. They eat baby mice, grubs, insects, birds, eggs, and garbage. Some skunks even raid beehives. These creatures may live under sheds, foundations, and in piles of lumber. Skunks have scent glands under their tail. If they feel threatened, they will squirt you with an awful odor. Like raccoons, skunks can carry rabies. Be safe and avoid contact with them.
A LITTLE BITE OR TWO -
Racoon
Acrylic on Canvas
14” by 14”
$265
Raccoons are common throughout Colorado. They are gray and medium sized with a black mask across their eyes. It is believed that the black mask may help reduce glare and enhance the raccoon’s night vision. They have long furry ringed tails, too. Some raccoons can grow quite large, up to 36 inches long. Raccoons have big appetites and will eat eggs, insects, nuts, seeds, crayfish, frogs and other amphibians, snakes, and small rodents. Racoons will also knock over trash cans in urban and suburban areas and eat discarded food. They are mostly nocturnal creatures and scavenge at night. Raccoons only live about a year to 3 years in the wild, however, sometimes captive raccoons have lived up to 20 years. Hunting and vehicles are the two biggest causes of raccoon deaths. Some raccoons carry rabies. It is best to avoid them.
AUTUMN MOON -
Beaver
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 16”
$295
Beavers are large brown rodents with a long paddle-shaped tail, and razor sharp teeth. In the dark of night, beavers cut down trees with their sharp teeth and float them downstream to their lodges and dams. They build their homes across streams, creeks, and ponds using branches, sticks, logs, stones, and mud. Underneath their wooden dam, they have lodges that are warm and dry and line with fresh grasses. There they raise their young and store winter food (water plants and fresh inner bark) for the cold months ahead. Beavers can be found all throughout Colorado near water. Beaver dams are important for flood control. The dams also help filter out impurities in our freshwater rivers, and attract many other kinds of birds, insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals like moose, otters, and muskrats.
NOW YOU SEE THEM -
Dragonflies and Spider
Acrylic on Canvas
6” by 18”
$195
Insects and spiders are critical to a healthy ecosystem. Dragonflies have been around for at least 300 million years. Fossils of these early dragonflies show they had wingspans like a seagull’s wing (about 20-25 inch). Today’s dragonflies are much smaller in size, more like a butterfly. They are expert aviators in the air, and can move forward and backward with ease, and fly as fast as 20 miles per hour. Dragonflies come in many beautiful colors and patterns. They live near streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They mate above the water’s surface and lay their eggs underwater where they hatch into nymphs. These larvae eat insects and small fish and have big appetites. Once they are adults with wings, they leave the water. Adults are effective hunters and
NIGHT CREW -
Brown Bats
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 24”
$395
Colorado has 18 species of bats that spend at least part of the year in our state. Bats are found in every part of our state, and every kind of habitat. From the plains to the high mountain forests, deserts, in the country, and in cities like Denver. Bat populations in our state are healthy. A brown bat can consume up to 18,000 small insects each night while flying. They use a special kind of radar called echolocation to locate the insects. Bats are the only mammal that truly flies. Many bats in Colorado hibernate in rocky crevices found in cliffs, rocky outcroppings, or talus (rocky rubble) slopes. Not only do the bats get rid of nuisance and harmful insects, but they also help pollinate our plants and crops, too.
FEATHERED FRIENDS -
Mallard Ducks
Acrylic on Canvas
12” by 12”
$265
There are 21 species of ducks living in and around Colorado’s water habitats. You can see some of them swimming in lakes, rivers, and ponds year-round. The male mallard duck is known for his bright green head, yellow bill, and white collar around his neck. His chest is reddish brown, and his bottom is black with white tips on his tail. Females are a subdued color. Their feathers are mottled brown and orange, and their bills are brown. This keeps the female duck camouflaged from predators as she sits on her nest with eggs, and later her babies. When the mallard ducks fly, you might even see the purple-blue feathers on their wings. Mallard ducks can be seen just about everywhere in every kind of wetland habitat. Female ducks quack, while the male duck makes a rasping sound. Mallard ducks are omnivores and eat small fish, snails, insects, mollusks, grass, weeds, butterflies and moths, worms, amphibians (rare), seeds, grains, and fruits. Ducks will also eat tiny pebbles to help with their digestion. If you feed your local ducks, do not give them bread, itt is unhealthy for them. Feed them chopped vegetables and cracked corn, instead.