If you’ve ever driven to Frisco, Copper, or Vail, you’ve likely passed the breathtaking sight of Dillon Reservoir. Nestled between Silverthorne and Frisco, this iconic Colorado lake is a landmark that changes with the seasons—and the water levels. In recent years, the lake has been lower than usual, but its beauty is constant, dotted with little islands and surrounded by towering peaks.
For me, the mountain at the center of the view, Quandary Peak, holds a special memory. It’s where my husband and I first said, “I love you,” at 14,000 feet. (Was it the altitude or true love? Probably both.) That moment inspired me to pour a bit of that magic into my latest painting, Dillon Reservoir Sunset.
This 18×24 original soft pastel painting captures a dreamy winter sunset. I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of winter paintings—something about them feels cold—but the colors in this scene completely won me over. The fresh, sharp mountain air during this time of year is something special, and I wanted the painting to reflect that.
Working on this piece was a joy. I started with blue pastel paper to amplify the cool tones of the snow and sky, which also made the warm oranges in the sunset pop. Capturing the sweeping movement of the clouds and finding just the right hues for the sky took some trial and error, but it came together in a way that feels as magical as the view itself.
The dreamy quality of soft pastels gave me the freedom to exaggerate the light and colors. I always emphasize what feels most magical in a scene, focusing on what a camera can’t quite capture. Adding the tiny trees and land at the bottom of the painting was an especially fun detail, grounding the scene while letting the sky take center stage.
To keep the artwork pristine, I finished it with a fixative spray to prevent smudging. The original painting is available for purchase, along with 8×10 and 11×14 prints. If you need a custom size, just reach out—I’d be happy to help!
Dillon Reservoir has always been a place of inspiration, and I hope this painting brings a little of that Colorado magic into your space. Whether you’ve driven past it a hundred times or just want a piece of mountain serenity, Dillon Reservoir Sunset was made to bring the beauty of the Rockies to life.
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