Currents of Time: The Flow of Yellowstone

The  waterfall symbolizes both power and calm—a paradox that defines nature itself. As I painted the falls, I imagined the relentless force of water, slowly sculpting the landscape with patient hands, a reminder that nature is both a creator and a destroyer. The swirling abstract patterns that ripple through the piece represent the unseen forces—the wind, the water, and even time itself—shaping the earth in ways we cannot always perceive.  

The  Grand Canyon of Yellowstone stretches out in the background, its cliffs towering and imposing. This canyon is a testament to the enduring presence of natural forces, slowly etching their way through stone. To me, the canyon feels like the earth’s memory, a record of time passing, of eras long gone yet still alive in the layers of rock. It speaks to the resilience of nature, and by extension, our own ability to endure and adapt through the flow of life.  

Nestled within the canyon’s embrace are dense  forests , a vibrant green that speaks of life thriving even in the face of harsh environments. The forests symbolize renewal, a constant cycle of growth, decay, and rebirth. In this piece, the green contrasts with the raw earth tones of the canyon, reminding us that even in rugged landscapes, life finds a way to flourish.  

At the edge of the artwork, small figures of  tourists peer over the precipice, dwarfed by the grandeur of the falls and canyon. Their presence is subtle but intentional. They represent humanity’s place in this grand ecosystem—small, transient, yet deeply moved by the spectacle of nature. As I added these figures, I thought about how we, as visitors to places like Yellowstone, are part of this ongoing flow of time, witnesses to the wonders of nature that have existed long before us and will continue long after we are gone.  

The dominant color in this artwork is  green , symbolizing life, growth, and renewal. The rich hues of the forest blend with the darker shadows of the canyon, creating a contrast that feels both inviting and mysterious. Green, for me, evokes a sense of calm but also holds an underlying energy—a force of nature that is both nurturing and wild.  

The  waterfall , in its white and blue tones, represents clarity and purity. Water is often seen as a source of life, and here it flows endlessly, reminding us of the unbroken cycles of nature. The abstract  swirling patterns in shades of gray and white mimic the movement of water, but also suggest something more ethereal—perhaps the flow of time itself, constantly shaping the world around us.  

I used darker, earthy colors for the canyon, grounding the image in a sense of permanence and strength. The brown and orange tones of the canyon walls evoke warmth, but also speak to the harshness of nature, a reminder that beauty is often forged in struggle.  

The  Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River are one of the most iconic features of  Yellowstone National Park , which was established in  1872 as the first national park in the world. The  Grand Canyon of Yellowstone , stretching 24 miles in length, is a geological marvel, with its vivid colors formed by the oxidation of iron in the rocks. These falls have inspired countless visitors, including the artist  Thomas Moran , whose paintings helped persuade Congress to protect Yellowstone as a national park.  

As I created this artwork, I was struck by the interplay between permanence and impermanence. The  Lower Falls are a constant, unyielding force, yet they are also transient, forever changing the landscape through erosion. This duality reminds me of life’s journey—how we move through time, sometimes feeling like we are being swept along by forces beyond our control, and yet, like the falls, we leave our mark on the world in subtle, lasting ways.  

The  swirling abstract patterns represent this flow of life, the invisible forces that shape us, much like the water shapes the canyon. We are all part of this current, connected to nature in ways we may not always see or understand. Through this piece, I wanted to capture the feeling of being both insignificant and integral in the grand scheme of things—a small part of the river, yet part of something much larger and enduring.  

Ultimately, this artwork is a tribute to the power of nature and the way it reflects the human experience. The  Lower Falls are a metaphor for resilience, a reminder that even as life pulls us through its currents, we are strong enough to carve out our own path, to shape the world around us in ways both big and small. In Yellowstone’s landscape, I see a reflection of our own journey—wild, beautiful, and full of wonder.