Story & Original Watercolor Painting by Candace Buethorn

PIPELINE EXPLOSION

The thick black cloud was so ominous and horrifying. You could see the sparks of burning trees at the base, even from miles out in the county. We stood in the sunshine and stared back toward our beloved Bellingham and wondered, what in the world was exploding? The oppressive, ominous mood hung on for so long afterward, the whole town seemed depressed. So I felt I had to add the image of the 3 white doves, escaping the inferno, to symbolize the spirits of the 3 boys leaving the horror forever. Forever whole and free. This is not a landscape painting I have shown before.

–Candace Buethorn
Watercolor Artist
Bellingham, WA