“Summer Day on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad”
Watercolor & Ink, June 2026
 
Created as a commission for the Sister City Board of Abilene, this piece is the second painting in a four part series of Abilene in all four Seasons.  “Summer Day on the A & SV Railroad” features our local historic steam engine Santa Fe #3415, which Kansas Legislature named as the state’s official steam locomotive, making it a symbol of Kansas’ long dependence on the railroad industry as builder of our agribusiness economy. This century-old Baldwin “Pacific” locomotive can be seen in this painting traveling through the Smoky Valley on the heritage railroad between Abilene & Enterprise, initially laid by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1886. Passengers can still take this trip today on the Flint Hills Express excursion train, or the popular dinner train, the Smoky Valley Limited. 
Depicted on a stormy day with hopeful summer sunlight breaking through the dark clouds, the railroad and the adjoining Iron Horse Trail for cyclists and hikers pass through abundant fields of corn & grain and other crops.
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These fine art prints are high quality Giclee prints on thick, luster paper that preserves the color and vibrancy of the original watercolor painting. Prints come in a clear protective sleeve with backing board, signed and numbered by the artist. There is a small white border, with the title and artist name printed at the bottom.