“Some years ago, while riding
horseback in the Bitterroot Range with a friend, we came upon
this interesting maze of rocks and fallen timbers high up in
the mountains,” says Terpning regarding the inspiration
for Camp at Cougar’s Den.“Upon close examination we
could detect the smell of a cougar in the small cave-like enclosure.
The whole scene took on an even more primitive and wild nature,
and I knew that this den could be the setting for a story. I
realized a camp scene would be a logical choice, with Blackfoot
raiders out to create some mischief and stopped for the night
before traveling on.”
Camp at Cougar’s Den was recipient of a pair of awards at
the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale
at the Museum of the American West (formerly the Autry Museum
of Western Heritage): The Thomas Moran Memorial Award for Painting
for Exceptional Artistic Merit and The Patron’s Award for
Work Most Popular with the Patrons of the Exhibition and Sale. |