Painting in "Maynard Dixon Country" (Zion National Park) is a challenge and a wonderful experience. The challenge is to put up with the heat, wind and dry air, to capture the light. The contrast of values is extreme and yet the shapes are clear and simple. The cloud shapes are big and simple, and yet there is large variety of color within each cloud shape. The same is true for a sunlit bluff face or one that is in shadow. The only way to really capture the essence of this country is to be patient and observe. The color and values are not what your preconceptions have led you to believe. The rich color in the shadows is the elusive prey to capture.