Ridge Run John Clymer

The canvas presents a scene of dynamic movement within a mountainous landscape. Here we observe two deer leaping across a fallen log, their forms captured mid-stride with evident energy. The larger stag, positioned slightly ahead, turns its head back towards the other animal, suggesting a shared urgency or perhaps a protective instinct.
The composition is structured around a strong diagonal line created by the trajectory of the deer and the angle of the fallen tree. This directs the viewer’s eye across the scene, emphasizing the sense of forward motion. The log itself serves as a visual anchor, its bleached wood contrasting sharply with the vibrant colors of the surrounding vegetation.
The landscape is rendered in meticulous detail. A dense undergrowth of reddish-purple shrubs and low-lying plants fills the foreground, gradually transitioning to a broader expanse of grassland that stretches towards distant peaks. The sky occupies a significant portion of the upper register, displaying a layered effect of blues and whites indicative of atmospheric perspective.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – punctuated by the brighter hues of the foliage and the pale blue of the sky. This contributes to an overall feeling of naturalism and reinforces the painting’s focus on the wilderness. The light appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and creating a sense of depth within the scene.
Beyond the immediate depiction of wildlife in its habitat, the work seems to explore themes of freedom and resilience. The deers leap across the obstacle symbolizes overcoming challenges, while their presence in this vast, untamed landscape evokes a feeling of wildness and independence. There is an underlying suggestion of vulnerability too; the animals are exposed within this environment, reliant on instinct and agility for survival.
The artist’s attention to detail and skillful rendering of light and shadow suggest a reverence for nature and its inherent beauty. The painting invites contemplation about the relationship between humans and the natural world, hinting at both admiration and perhaps a sense of loss or displacement in an increasingly developed landscape.