The poplars of Patagonia blaze with extraordinary color for just a brief window each fall. This piece captures a moment from our group ride through these golden groves, where the luminous autumn hues proved utterly irresistible. Working in pastel on linen, I sought to preserve both the visual splendor and the spirit of that magical day.

My friend Mark Lewis rides in the yellow jacket, while the gaucho on the far right also appears in my painting “Gaucho on a Palomino.” The lengthening shadows tell us this is our journey home, and I’m particularly drawn to the playful interaction between the dog and horses—those spontaneous moments that bring a scene to life.