Elk on the Edge of Autumn

One day while driving thru the mountains I came across a meadow where a huge animal dropped to the ground,  I only saw the one and wasn't sure what exactly it was.  I thought maybe he'd been hit by a car and I continued to watch to see if he looked to be hurt.  I noticed that many cars were stopped then saw that a Park Ranger was standing in the median watching.  As looked over to where the animal was down, I saw anothe approach then drop to the ground.  Surely,  I thought not two animals had been hit.  Still puzzled, I noticed further down the field there were more coming to the meadow from what looked like a well used path.  I walked over to the Ranger and asked if  everything ws akright and she said, "Oh, yes."  This herd if Elk comes here everyday at this time to graze.  I had not remembered ever seeing Elk in the area and the Ranger told me the herd had been imported from Yellowstone I believe.  All those cars had driven in just to watch this beautiful herd graze.  A truly beautiful site and I spent some time enjoying the view and taking as many reference shots as I could.  I am looking forward to painting more pieces from this material. Hope you enjoy these paintings as they are completed.