Among Canyon Shadows: An Eastern Artist in Western Colorado by Joyce Lohse is an interesting biography featuring two colorful characters: Flora Beatrice Farnham and John Otto.

Beatrice Farnham, born in 1876, an independent Boston artist, visited western Colorado in 1910 to paint landscapes of the southwest. Impressed with indigenous artwork, she based many pieces of artwork of that culture. She was a self-confident woman who didn’t care if others thought her eccentric. Riding astride a horse, Beatrice wore a split skirt of her own design, not worrying about what people might think. While in Colorado, Beatrice met John Otto and they struck up a friendship.

John Otto, born in 1871, was thirty-nine when he met Beatrice Farnham. On his own time and with no pay, John built trails to enable residents of the area to view the majestic scenes of what is now Mesa Verde National Park. John Otto was the first park custodian at Colorado National Monument, and its most fervent promoter. It is largely through John Otto’s efforts that the public is able to enjoy the unspoiled natural grandeur of the Colorado National Monument.

During Beatrice Farnham’s visit, John was her trail guide showing her amazing views, canyons and rock formations. Beatrice loved the rugged area, respected John’s trail-blazing work, and decided to stay. In 1911 Beatrice and John married at the base of Independence Monument (later renamed Wedding Canyon).

But not all was well. John loved the rugged life, didn’t need the comfort of a solid roof and walls, was perfectly content to live in a tent, or with no shelter at all. That wasn’t a life Beatrice wanted, or needed. Could these two strong-willed people find a compromise?

In Among Canyon Shadows Joyce Lohse captures the essence of a part of Colorado’s colorful history and its majestic scenery, as well as stories of two notable people, one from the east, and one from the west. I have read other works from this fine author and have been impressed with her thorough research and captivating presentation. The book also features a Timeline, and an extensive Bibliography which emphasizes the author’s thorough research. I enjoyed Among Canyon Shadows and highly recommend it.