Craters of the Moon.

Our next stop was in Craters of the Moon.  Last year we camped in Craters, but this year we just stopped there for a day because of our schedule. I love this place. This is one of the strangest and most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen.  

Limber pine - the dominant tree in Craters. 

The scientific name is Pinus flexilis, referring to the flexible small branches. 

You can tie limber pine branches into a knot.

                                                                         Rock wren.

                                                

     Baby rock wren.

 

                                                Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel(?).

                                                                 Blazing Star flowers. 

The ability to grow in this harsh environment means overcoming a lack of moisture, meager soil, and surface temperatures that exceed 150 degrees F.

                                                                          Lava fields.

                                                  Limber pine sketch and a piece of lava.

                                    Just another sketch. 

                                           Limber pine (my favourite) again.

Trip Photos.

Sun Valley dandelion. They are huge there.

Sun Valley Flowers.

Park City Flowers.

Utah.

Idaho.

Art Fair in Jackson This Weekend.

ART FAIR JACKSON HOLE 2009

July 17-19 & August 14-16

Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Jackson, WY

Miller Park, corner of Millward and Deloney Avenue

My booth # 12

Predator Galleries.

My dear friend Natalia Andreeva, who is a wonderful painter (her website), lives in Florida. I live in Michigan, and we don't see each other too often. This week our paths crossed in Yellowstone(!) and we had an opportunity to talk and talk (but not enough). I would like to share one of the things we talked about: "pay-to-show" or predator galleries. Artists, be careful! Such galleries are not interested in selling your art and promoting you. They imitate art activity to receive your money. Reputable galleries do not charge the artist for a show. A short time ago Natalia received an email from ICO gallery. It was not just an invitation, it is a threatening letter. Read it hereh

Idaho Birds.

Lewis woodpecker and night hawks. Pictures from www.whatbird.com

Here are a lot of magpies in Idaho of course. And crows.  And grackles. Also we observed a dozen of common nighthawk last night - a new bird on our list.  Another new bird - Lewis woodpecker. We watched the adult feeding the chick that just fledged.

Art Show in Sun Valley.

I am doing the show in Sun Valley, Idaho. Today was the first day (rainy and empty).

General information about the show:

41st ANNUAL Sun Valley Center ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Atkinson Park, Ketchum
Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9, 2009 - Admission is free! 
Fri & Sat 10am-6:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm 

My booth #C10

The nation's first destination ski resort, Sun Valley was developed near the small town of Ketchum in 1936 by Averell Harriman and immediately attracted the Hollywood set. Still a hangout for the stars, it has been named the number-one ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler, Ski Magazine, and Gourmet Magazine. It has received numerous other honors as one of the top resorts in the nation (by Frommer's).

Park City.

Utah beer from local grocery store:)) and art show at Main Street in Park City, Utah.