The Swan River flows into Bigfork Bay which is in the northeast corner of Flathead Lake. Before it hits the rapids called “The Wild Mile,” it is mostly a tranquil river flowing lazily through farmland in the summer time. Winter is another story completely. I was inspired to paint the colorful reflections in this section of the Swan River from the deck of “The Nest,” a local event venue. It was a fairly warm spring day and we plein air painters took advantage of it.

Original pastel
Image size: 9″ x 12″