One of Idaho's most stunning valleys lies just north of Boise. The tiny town of Horseshoe Bend naps at the very bottom of a huge bowl carved out by the Payette River. That bowl forms the "horseshoe bend" the river makes as it weaves westward after coming in from the north. The entire valley on all sides could be a lifetime of painting since every acre contains a nearly unlimited mix of form and lines. The valley is mostly undeveloped, aside from the town of Horseshoe Bend, with a few ranches scattered in the lower areas. Unfortunately, some homes have been built into the southwestern part of the bowl. They have their view, but for the rest of us they have marred the real view, which is the whole valley. There has been no attempt to blend in these homes with the terrain, so they stick out like warts. That's a major reason I paint places like Horse Bend Valley, because they will slowly change.
You can view the painting above at the Lisk/Rowe Gallery in downtown Boise at 403 S 8th Street.
carlroweart.com
