Talk about Art: Photography by Nancy Richter

It's easy to forget that we live in an incredibly beautiful area. Mountains, meadows, farmland, trees, and – easily underlooked because we forget to look up – clouds: these elements of our landscape invite us to think big and expand our world.

Nancy Richter thrives in this big, expansive, and beautiful world. The Kennewick photographer, who grew up in Montana's Big Sky Country, especially loves clouds.

"I love them all – pink and salmon, fluffy, lenticular and cirrus, stormy and wild," Richter says.

Lost in the passion to chase clouds, find the perfect patch of wildflowers, or capture the patina of an old, abandoned car, Richter interprets the world through her camera. Her goal is to present the subject matter in a manner that is unexpected and unusual, possessing an element of surprise that invites the viewer to stop and explore.

"I like my photos somewhat unconventional – a bit off balance and moody," Richter explains. "I want them to hold your interest for more than just a glance."

Although she finds abundant beauty within a 20-mile radius of her home, Richter regularly explores Blue Mountain Country outside of Walla Walla, as well as the rolling hills of the Palouse, a country she defines as "divine." She intrepidly drives remote and winding roads, trusting in her selection of Delorme maps, but even when she gets a little lost, she always discovers a way through.

"I find my own way to the loveliness that is out there, following dusty farm roads, stopping along the banks of lakes and rivers, and making my way up to the top of hills covered with wildflowers."

Through December 14, Wenaha Gallery is showcasing the landscape art of Nancy Richter at an Art Event. Richter will be in the gallery in person Friday, November 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. for the gallery's special Christmas Kickoff Art Show. She will be joined by Colfax rope basket maker Nancy Waldron and Moscow, ID, jewelry artist Andrea Lyman.