Galbraith Lake: Painting on the Edge of the Arctic

Galbraith Lake Campground, 9:35 pm.

Galbraith Lake has a way of holding you still. The vast sweep of tundra meets the Brooks Range in a silence so deep you can hear your own breath. In my latest reel, you’ll see me set up here—working with my palette knife to capture the light shifting over the lake, the mountains, and the endless horizon.

What struck me most, though, wasn’t just the scenery—it was the life beneath my feet. From far away, the tundra looks like a smooth carpet. But up close, you discover a miniature world: mosses, lichens, tiny flowers, each clinging fiercely to life. Their roots weave through the topsoil because just 3 to 6 inches down lies the permafrost—solid, unyielding, and cold. Every plant here survives by holding fast in the thinnest layer of earth, braving brutal winters and short, intense summers.

I prefer a palette knife over a brush because it allows me to work in layers, pushing and scraping the paint in a way that feels physical—almost like sculpting the landscape instead of simply painting it. The texture builds under my hand, catching the light just as the tundra’s uneven surface catches the Arctic sun.

This place is a reminder of resilience, and painting here felt like a privilege. I hope the reel gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to stand in this remarkable place, palette knife in hand, surrounded by a world that endures against all odds.

We’re now making our way to Kluane Lake in the Yukon, where I’m looking forward to setting up in the boreal forest right next to the water. I can already picture the reflections, the shifting light, and the quiet rhythm of painting outdoors.

If you’d like to hold a piece of this journey in your hands, consider supporting my GoFundMe. For a $25 contribution, I’ll mail you a laminated postcard—an original drawing created on the road during my moveable art exhibit. It’s my way of sharing this incredible adventure with you, one scene at a time.

To view postcard available so far, click - HERE.

Painting at Galbraith Lake