'Bells' in Aspen, CO is a jewel-like 4x4 inch original oil painting that captures one of Colorado's most iconic mountain views. This work depicts the majestic peaks near Aspen with a brilliant field of golden wildflowers sweeping across the foreground, deep evergreen forests in the middle ground, and the distinctive mountain forms rising against a clear blue Colorado sky.
The painting radiates the intense colors of the Rocky Mountains at peak season. The foreground explodes with golden yellow wildflowers—likely capturing the famous fall aspen color or summer wildflower blooms that make this region legendary. Rich greens in multiple values suggest dense conifer forests, while the mountains themselves are rendered in dramatic purples, mauves, deep browns, and touches of russet, with white highlights suggesting snow patches or light-struck rocky faces.
Wieth's expressive brushwork creates remarkable energy within the compact 4x4 format. Vertical strokes in the foreground suggest the upward growth of wildflowers and grasses, while the directional brushwork in the mountain helps define geological forms and slopes. The visible canvas texture and confident paint application demonstrate sophisticated landscape painting technique scaled to miniature format.
The blue sky at the top—painted in cerulean and lighter blue-white—provides atmospheric context and color contrast to the warm yellows and purples below. This is Colorado landscape painting at its finest: capturing the grandeur of the Rockies while remaining accessible in size and price.
At just 4x4 inches, this painting is perfect for small spaces, desktop displays, shelf arrangements, or as part of a larger collection of Colorado landscapes. Despite its compact size, it delivers powerful visual impact and genuine artistic merit.
 
Extended Artist Statement
Richard Wieth's 'Bells' in Aspen, CO represents his deep connection to the Rocky Mountain landscape. The Maroon Bells, two peaks in the Elk Mountains near Aspen that are among the most photographed mountains in North America. These iconic fourteeners have inspired artists for generations with their distinctive maroon-colored mudstone peaks.
Wieth approaches this famous subject with fresh eyes and contemporary sensibility. Rather than attempting photographic realism, he captures the essential character of the location: the dramatic vertical rise of the mountains, the intense colors that define Colorado's high country, and the seasonal wildflower displays that transform meadows into golden carpets.
The color palette reflects direct observation of Rocky Mountain landscapes. The purple and mauve tones in the mountains aren't artistic license—they're accurate representations of how mudstone and shale reflect light, especially in morning or evening illumination. The golden yellows could represent fall aspen groves turning their signature gold, or summer wildflowers like arnica and sunflowers that bloom in alpine meadows.
Working in the small 4x4 format requires decisive editing—choosing what's essential and eliminating extraneous detail. Wieth focuses on three clear zones: golden foreground (meadow), dark green middle ground (forest), and dramatic purple mountains against blue sky. This simplified composition creates immediate visual impact while suggesting the scale and grandeur of the actual landscape.
The painting technique involves building color through layered applications. The mountains contain multiple color notes—purples, browns, grays, whites—that create volume and suggest geological complexity. The foreground yellows vary from bright cadmium to deeper ochres, creating visual interest and the sense of light moving across terrain.
For those who know Aspen and the Maroon Bells area, this painting serves as a powerful memory trigger—capturing the feeling of standing in those meadows surrounded by wildflowers with the iconic peaks looming above. For those who've never visited, it offers a window into one of America's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
 
Caring for Small Format Oil Paintings:
Display away from direct sunlight
Avoid high humidity environments
Dust gently with soft brush if needed
Never use cleaning solutions
Handle by edges to avoid touching painted surface
Consider UV-protective glazing if framing
Small paintings are delicate—handle carefully
Display Suggestions:
Desktop & Shelf Displays:
Small tabletop easel on desk or bookshelf
Floating shelf dedicated to small art
Office credenza or workspace
Nightstand or bedside table
Kitchen counter or windowsill (away from moisture)
Bathroom shelf (if well-ventilated)
Wall Displays:
Gallery wall with other small works
Grouped with Colorado-themed art
Shadow box frame for dimensional display
Simple frame for traditional hanging
Salon-style arrangement with various sizes