This scene is the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon. The mountain peaks in the distance are called The Three Sisters, and the view is one that I enjoy every day from my window.

In the autumn, there is no shortage of Canada geese, and I'm often awakened by the honking of geese as they fly past my house, just feet from my window, to Tumalo Reservoir, which is a half mile away.

The cloud formations bring in precipitation from the Pacific, and the skies here are dramatic as the sun sets. It's a different drama each night which is why I love to paint this setting. The amazing play of light lasts only a few, unforgettable seconds.

I wanted to get the feeling of the bright colors before the sun sets behind the mountains in the background. In contrast, the geese in the foreground appear black and white with the light source behind them. I wanted to capture the contrasting extreme lights and darks without creating a monotone painting. It was an artistic challenge and one which I really enjoy.

- Rod Frederick