‘Baxter Peak’ is an original fine art oil painting by Alison C. Dibble. It is one-of-a-kind, 11 x 14 inches, oil on cradled panel, in a simple wooden frame. The abstract shapes of the granite rocks at the summit of Katahdin were painted quickly with just a few simple lines by way of a preliminary drawing. This is the way I like to paint, although it’s a risk. I think the limited palette (meaning just a few colors, and the mixtures between them) unites the painting and gives an appealing focus on the subject.

From Baxter Peak on a clear day the view out over the landscape below is breathtaking. I was lucky to hike on Katahdin quite a few times as a botanist, ecologist, and appreciator of fine views. I have so many memories of the friends I was there with, the fun we had, the jokes we told as we did some volunteer botanical surveys for Baxter State Park.

This painting won Best of Show at the Bangor Art Society Members Show in 2022; Nina Jerome was the judge. I am adjusting to parting with it but I also like to think someone else could wander in exploration if only from the comfort of the armchair.