The Highline Canal, which snakes 71 miles through south Denver, was built in 1859 to bring water to ranchers.   It was built before the land would be chopped up in to different properties, neighborhoods, and jurisdictions – well before urban sprawl was a thing.   Without question, the land around the canal has changed since 1859, but the canal has not.   In addition to the water it provides, the Highline Canal Trail provides miles of recreation opportunities for modern day bikers, joggers, and stroller pushers.      

In the spring and summer, the canal is full of slow moving water coming from the mountains to the west.  In the winter, it is bone dry.   I did this painting standing on the dry sandy bottom of the canal, on the south side of Chatfield State Park.   I would not be able to stand there a short 3 months later.