Lake Ingalls

I've dreamed of painting at Lake Ingalls for years, but the timing, conditions, or trip were never right. The view from the lake is a stunning juxtaposition of blue water with the jumbled mountain mass of Mt. Stuart looming above. And, on a lucky backpacking trip to the area last June, I stumbled on the most interesting lighting conditions I've ever seen here. Large clouds shadowed the entire face of Mt. Stuart, wrapping it in simplified layers of blue and grey. And as the last sunlight of the day filtered over the peaks behind me, it illuminated the unusual orange bedrock and lingering snow that surrounded the lake. This painting was a race against the sun, trying to finish before I lost the light on the rocks and the clouds dropped over the summit of Mt. Stuart. Lesson Length: 2 hours Published: January 2026