The Rim Fire was located in central Sierra Nevada in August 2013.It created long lingering smoke north into the Truckee region. The morning and evening light became highlighted with warm hues of yellows and oranges backlighting the shrubs turning into autumn colors. With little water this late in summer mule deer come up and drink out of my birdbath. Along with all the chipmunks, squirrels, bears, and of course birds.
This male was just losing his velvet on his antlers.I was able to take these photos from inside my house.
I thought a lot about this buck all winter and painted him this spring with memories of those smoky last days of summer.
Truckee Mule Deer 30x48in. HCH
Crystal Harling 
