It’s snowing today here in Colorado Springs, CO. Back in June 2020, the pandemic had hit. The Torpedo Factory shut down in Alexandria Virginia. Robert’s CT scan came back showing positive results. He was ‘let go’ from his work because of cancer. It was time to move. The drive from VA to CA took four days. Robert had all the plants in his car. I had Katja riding shotgun in mine. We arrived at our extended stay motel. Having never been to Colorado before, I was stunned by the beauty of nature. The grandeur of the mountains amazed me. I was also captivated by the interesting integration of humanity.

One night while walking Katja, we looked out at the silhouetted foothills. Buildings nestled in among the desert shrubs. The iconic McD sign shone like a beacon of civilization. Without judgement, it was quite beautiful!

‘Mc Icon to Guide Me’ by Susan Krieg 12″ x 12″ oil on birch panel

After six weeks in a motel we finally were able to move into the house we purchased. Living very close to Garden of the Gods, Katja and I fell in love with our trail walks through the Garden. I stopped at the pond at Rock Ledge Ranch and realized something. The colors of nature are very different here. They contrast with the very acidic, but luscious, greens of Virginia. My first painting of the trees and pond are shockingly brilliant, not really true Colorado colors. Maybe I’m influenced by a hippie culture that still exist here in Colorado Springs.

‘Vibrant Pond’ by Susan Krieg 12″ x 12″ oil on birch panel

One beautiful day we drove up Rampart Range Road. It was a 22 mile drive with a 4000 foot elevation gain. Our destination was the reservoir near Pike’s Peak. I was excited that I would get to see some groves of aspen trees. What I didn’t expect was to see the remains of the Rampart Range fire. It devastated much of the forest. The groves of aspen trees now look like burnt toothpicks. The fire was several years ago and baby aspens are replenishing the groves.

Painting of Pikes peak and burnt aspen trees
‘Waiting for Rebirth’ by Susan Krieg 12″ x 12″ oil on birch panel

So here we are making Colorado Springs our home and so much to paint. I’ll be heading over to Manitou Springs on Saturday, Sept 12, 2020 to participate in ‘Manitou Paints’. If I don’t see you there, check back in for more Colorado updates.