Reflections on Winter with ICL’s Artist in Residence
The Idaho Conservation League’s Artist in Residence program explores the confluence of art and nature. Launched in 2013, the program shares the beauty of the places we work to protect and tells stories of Idaho in creative new ways.
It’s been a whole season since we last caught up with ICL’s 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Jasper Vanspoore. Over the last few months, Jasper has been hard at work on pieces that explore Idaho’s incredible places while nodding to some of ICL’s most pressing conservation efforts. We chatted with Jasper about the winter, about the work, and about where she’ll be pulling inspiration from next!
Inspired by A Journey Through Burntlog.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve created so far during your residency?
I really loved the painting I did from the Burntlog Route (pictured above, photo inspiration provided ICL Communications and Marketing Manager, Abby Urbanek)! It was a little different than my usual work, because water is usually the last part that ties everything together and helps me fall in love with the painting. In this piece, there was no water! Instead, the jet-black fire-charred trees in the foreground were the last unifying element. I also really loved painting all the ridgelines and felt completely immersed in that world.
What about winter has been inspiring to you?
When it's really cold and clear at dusk, the sky becomes a pastel rainbow… Especially when there are some snow-capped peaks in the foreground. Truly my favorite palette! (Turquoise, lavender, pink).
What’s a recent winter adventure that made you appreciate Idaho?
I've really been loving skate skiing early in the morning with my dog! Not crazy adventurous, but I really love it.
Are there any winter scenes you’re hoping to capture?
Alpenglow above Valley County. Several years ago, we did a pre-dawn ski tour above Brundage just to bask in some pink alpenglow. It was everything I hoped for and more. It was such a perfect moment that I've felt a little daunted about capturing it, but this should be the year!
What’s one winter activity you look forward to every year?
Skiing is an easy answer! There's something wildly special about getting transported into a world as forbidden and mystical as the high mountains in the depths of winter. And see my alpenglow answer above! Skiing allows me to travel through places that would be otherwise inaccessible.
Do you have any special creative goals for the coming seasons?
I'd love to make a big painting! Hopefully, I have a studio one day.