Close Observance - Ice & Stones 2 on Rattlesnake Creek, Greenough Park, Missoula, Montana

“I draw, not to annoy people, but to amuse them, or to make them see things that are worth observing and that not everybody knows."

-Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) to brother Theo (1857-1891) in 1882 

(Thanks to Ingrid Schaffner for Iincluding this quote in her lovely & instructive book The Essential Vincent van Gogh.)

Coleus And Golden Highlights - Missoula, Montana

 "...Cypress glory, bright, 

Embedded images hushed. 

Country houses, peasants, cows,

Smitten.  His soul crushed. 

Chestnut trees.  And coleus. 

Perfected by sorrows eyes. 

Lilac bushes.  Irises. 

Still Van Gogh's soul cries..."

- from Vincent Van Gogh By Dane Smith-Johnsen

Storm-Kissed Peace - East Missoula, Montana

“There is peace even in the storm”

― Vincent van Gogh, The Letters of Vincent van Gogh