The inspiration for this painting came to me back in 1935 when I spent some time with an old-time trapper who lived by himself in a forested area several miles back from the Bering Sea.

In the evening after dinner, when all the chores were done, he would sit down, roll a handmade cigarette and, by the light of a gasoline lamp, reminisce of gold rush days and blighted romances. Always in the course of his talking, however, would be included plans for future trapping and striking it rich.

The glow from the lamp would be just strong enough to silhouette him in a warm gold and orange light.

- Fred Machetanz