Lighthouse in a Storm

The hoodoos of Palo Duro Canyon stand strong against the stormy summer sky over the Texas Panhandle. These dramatic rock formations, the products of uneven erosion were landmarks long before the canyonlands became an obscure tourist destination. None last forever-- it's a shock to return to find a favorite hoodoo has finally collapsed-- but they mark this hidden landscape as effectively as lighthouses led ships in from the sea. This, a most famous hoodoo, is known as The Lighthouse, and for many, it stands as the iconic image of Palo Duro.

In this small painting, heat is ever-present, radiating off the mudstone and bleaching color from the surrounding hardpack. The clouds haven't decided whether they'll drop rain or simply sweep across the canyons with gusty winds and grit. But the hoodoo doesn't care. The Lighthouse stands strong and anchors the land, despite wind and weather. In this painting, the sandstone tower says: Whatever comes, all is as it should be. I'll be here to guide you when you return.