Rock Textures

Passing on the love of rock texture and stimulus to the next generation is a magical experience. Pumice, Sandstone, Limestone, Gipson…oh my! We even found some Silt out there and she got to feel it and watch it break between her fingers turning to tiny particles of sand. The wow expression of a child is something I will always marvel at and be humbled by. She was looking through my art portfolios the other day and came across the painting I did of Madeline Island in Lake Superior, Wisconsin. Yes, an entirely different climate from the desert life, yet a rock just the same. Fascination with rocks and textures of rocks must be in her genes. Our little Geologist shares this love with many children. There are so many books for kids along with textured play for brain activity and development. Nature is by far the best teacher and sparks intense imagination.

Here are various rock paintings I have created over the years. The newest one “Cohesive Contrast” with it’s deep hues and intricacies drives my mind in the direction of a lovely madness of color. I remember feeling the stones throughout the Boulder on this rock and look forward to taking her to Joe’s Valley one day. “My Mother’s Robin” is from a hike at Valley of Fire here in Nevada and is a place filled with wondrous Sandstone formations and huecos. “Rock Warrior” sits guarding a trail on the Flat Irons in Boulder, Colorado. He is very solemn and still but will wake just to attack if any nonsense comes his way. There are many more from various hiking and climbing trips on my website to peruse. If you have had a favorite trip you took, feel free to contact me and share! Especially if the spot is super special to you. Until then…have a terrific Thursday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard