Hidden Glory

Artist: Xandria Maurer
Size: 24×36
Commissioned by: Morning Glory Inn, Snowshoe, WV

“Hidden Glory” is a breathtaking depiction of the untouched beauty of the mountainside where the Morning Glory Inn now stands. This commissioned piece transports the viewer back in time to witness the serene landscape. The snow-covered hillside reflects a quiet, almost sacred stillness, with gentle slopes stretching into the distance.

At the forefront of the painting stands a solitary, barren tree, its branches reaching out toward the softly colored sky. The tranquil waters below mirror the tree’s silhouette, creating an almost dreamlike reflection. The soft, muted tones of the sky blend seamlessly with the blanket of snow, casting a warm yet desolate glow over the scene. Subtle details, such as the rocks scattered along the frozen shore and the distant trees dotting the hillside, add depth and texture to the work, grounding it in realism while preserving an ethereal quality.

Xandria’s artistry in capturing the serene atmosphere evokes a sense of reverence for the natural beauty of the land—a peaceful, beautiful retreat. The reflection of the sky in the water and the delicate, yet deliberate strokes used to render the snow-covered ground and trees emphasize the harmony between the elements.

“Hidden Glory” serves as both a historical tribute and a visual narrative of the landscape’s transformation. Before the Inn stood as a place of hospitality, this painting immortalizes the area’s quiet grace and hidden beauty, inviting viewers to contemplate the balance between preservation and progress. It stands as a poignant reminder of the splendor that once lay hidden beneath the snow, now framed within the memory of a time still showing along with the Inn’s existence.