Rattlesnake Island

It is my deep desire in this painting to share the spiritual beauty of Okanagan Lake, and the sense of mystery that surrounds Rattlesnake Island. I have always been captivated with this special view from the bluffs on the west side of the lake south of Peachland, looking north east at the small island. One can not help but be attentive to the way in which the light, land, and water interact in such a graceful manner on a calm day. The Ponderosa Pine stands in the foreground are the product of the warm, dry Okanagan climate, and provide a rich mosaic of habitats. Okanagan Lake was one of the main water ways of the Okanagan native people, and is a reminder of how the people were able to use the water as a means of transportation to what is now the Okanagan Mountain Park area. In reference to native legends, it is well known in the area that Ogopogo was named N'ha-a-itk, which means lake monster, and it was assumed that N'ha-a-itk lived somewhere between Squally Point and Rattlesnake Island.