Image of the Week: Panther Mountain, Winter – from my exhibition of Catskill landscape paintings at the Erpf Gallery
© Durga Yael Bernhard
Here is a view of Panther Mountain in the central Catskills, as seen from the lower flanks of Westkill Mountain, near my home. I frequently walk my dog on private land where I see this view in all seasons and all kinds of weather. Panther Mountain – the twin bumps to the right of center, not the furthest in the distance but the ones in front of that – has a peak of 3720 feet, and two "false peaks", one of which is difficult to see from this angle. All have breathtaking views, with primeval rock formations, twisted trees stunted by wind, and snow that clings to rocky ravines well into May. See terrain map here if you're interested.
Winter in the Catskills is all about brown and blue. Warm tones prevail in sunlight, cool tones in shade. Both are tinged with a subtle mauve that seems to knit the colors together. The receding texture of the forest resembles wool – or a shaggy bear. Somewhere in this very landscape, black bears are curled up in caves or under fallen logs, sleeping through the winter.
The starkness of winter is an opportunity to render the landscape more graphic. Those black bony trees, the crude shadows, the gently curved ridges are all open invitations to play with texture, tone and shape. The mountains themselves are both striking and serene . . . could I convey their vast and timeless mood?
Panther Mountain, Winter is part of my exhibition "Eye on the Mountains", which has moved to the Erpf Gallery in Arkville, NY. This show was at the Catskill Watershed Corporation in December; if you missed it there, you have a second chance to see it! I'll be there for a closing reception on March 22nd.
D Yael Bernhard