The Saw Tooth Mountains of Idaho

Visiting an old friend,

The Saw Tooth Mountains live up to their name sake and of all the mountain ranges I have gazed upon these are among my favorites. To make it even better they are only a wonderful three hours scenic drive from our front door.

The painting below was done in 2005 from a place we try to visit at least once a year. Like an old friend this particular view is waiting to pose another spectacular fall sun rise or sun set. I can recall painting from this spot at least a dozen times in the last 6 years and never tire of painting it again and again. Saw Tooth Sun Rise was acquired by close friends of our family; Idaho born folks who grew up playing in the amazing Stanley Basin wonderland.

The little western town of Stanley Idaho is nestled at the base of the majestic Saw Tooth’s on the beautiful pristine Salmon River. Log cabins are available with decks overlooking the water and my wife Elaine made our reservations. We are both looking forward to time away from the city and a peaceful respite. I plan to paint every day and she will keep me company wile catching up on some reading. The air will be crisp with fall colors and we do love aspens this time of year. I sound like a travel brochure but in defense of my ramblings one must be there to appreciate how modern times have not spoiled this wonderful place.

Happy fall,

Peace to you all,

Len Sodenkamp
www.sodenkampart.com



Oil on framed panel (Saw Tooth Sun Rise) 52 inches x 16 inches by artist Len Sodenkamp (sold)

Ten Years Ago Idaho

1966 at age eighteen just out of high school I made a bold move to beautiful but often soggy Seattle. Twenty one years later I was very happy to be living in shall I say somewhat dryer Idaho? Another twenty three years swiftly passed and today my love of painting Idaho can be found hanging on more then a few walls. I decided to take a nostalgic look back ten years and so selected this panoramic landscape of a spring morning painted in 2001. It typifies the volcanic formations of an amazing area appropriately named; The Magic Valley. In this region of Idaho the meandering Snake River flows through deep wide canyons and lush valleys. I often use the long narrow format because it helps accentuate vastness. From this vantage point a viewer might get the impression of looking at a desolate deserted land. Perhaps our best kept secrete.

I do find it helpful to look back at my older works as it provides insight for the creative journey forward. At times when feeling unmotivated a little reminiscing can be just the thing to rekindle a creative spark.

Happy reminiscing,

Len Sodenkamp
www.sodenkampart.com



Acrylic on panel 48 inches x 12 inches by Len Sodenkamp
(part of the artist’s private collection)