Artist’s Notes for “ High Country Inspiration”
J. Craig Thorpe
From my first ride over the WP&YR in the mid 1990’s, I knew that I wanted to paint the view from Inspiration Point down toward Skagway. Unfortunately, the weather that day was wet and foggy and I had only the faintest glimpse of the grandeur. Subsequent trips – in full sunshine – confirmed my desires and gave plenty of opportunity for photo research.
At seventeen rail miles from Skagway, and 2473 feet in elevation, Inspiration Point served as the subject for photographs during the railway’s construction and was featured in early advertising. Railway promotional art and photography have always highlighted landscape. The message to the viewer is obvious: “Experience this same view yourself by riding our trains.” A more subtle message is that the railway is a companion of the landscape.
This painting carries those same messages. Viewers of the 2004 calendar, and other pieces that carry the art, will hopefully say, “What a view! I want to ride those trains.” It is my hope that they will also realize the integrity of the railway line with the landscape; not just that of the White Pass, but others as well. Indeed, we need rail as an integral part of our transportation network if we are to be good stewards of the urban and rural landscapes entrusted to us.
Regarding the painting, the wide sweep of the scene easily fits the horizontal composition. The tumble of mountains, from upper left to lower right, provided movement and interest. Complimenting that are the curves of the rail line at upper and lower elevations. A hint of steam from the train in the distance helps draw the viewer’s eye down toward Lynn Canal. It is rendered as one of the brightest spots in the painting; just as it appears in real life. The passenger train in the foreground features the WP&YR’s signature 90-class diesels. The coaches, strung out behind the diesels, lead the eye back to the distant curve in the track and around the corner to Glacier Valley. The strong verticals of the trees provide a contrast to the diagonal lines of mountains and track. The colors of the scene are as inviting as the composition. The late morning light brings out the warm tans and greys of the ridges and right-of-way, and the deep blues, greens and purples of the shadows accentuate the terrain.
The White Pass route entices the passenger with stunning vistas at every turn, and provides the artist with an endless source of material. It is my pleasure to interpret this scene as one of the most captivating along “The Scenic Railway of the World.”
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