“CREEPING SHADOWS” MONUMENT VALLEY, UT. (7.5 x 14 in.)

This is the view from the Visitors Center at Monument Valley at dusk. As the sun goes down behind me the shadow become elongated and stretch across the landscape towards the horizon. In the distance you can make out another ridge that still has sun and above that, the subtle pink that the sky is turning. A thin cloud parallels the horizon. Coming forward, one butte is already in the shadow. The red rock becomes very muted once there is no direct sunlight…the color almost disappears. The butte in front is still partially illuminated by the setting sun. As the sun descends the shadows ascend, eventually engulfing the entire scene. The vastness is almost tangible…full grown trees in the foreground appear as little specks of dark green. It is a very awe inspiring and thought provoking environment…it can also make a person feel miniscule.

Robin Vander Hamm

I specialize in watercolors that are inspired by my world travels. My subject matter ranges from South American landscapes to the flora of California. The use of bright colors, original designs and exotic settings are components I bring to my paintings. The incredible range of transparent watercolor allows me to capture the fragile beauty of a single flower or the somber mood of a gray day. For me, an artist is only limited by their imagination and technical skill. The elements of control and spontaneity make it a challenging endeavor. The thought of ever mastering the medium becomes more and more elusive and perhaps a goal never to be fully achieved.

I find the process of creating watercolors very satisfying and it also provides many side benefits…the greatest of these is the ability to see beauty everywhere.

So please wander through these images. There is some text beneath each. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did creating them.