Evening Shadows: Monument Valley

Description

This painting was inspired by a trip I took in September of 2023 with some high school football teammates from over forty years ago and our head football coach. We drove a lot during the day and often arrived at our destination near evening. When we arrived at Monument Valley on the second day, the sun was setting and we were greeted with an incredible scene of long shadows cast from the forms behind us and in the distance, contrasting with the unobstructed light of the setting sun upon the rest of the landscape. Feelings of peace and awe overcame our group as we experienced our surroundings. I wanted to share that feeling with those who would view this piece. As I often do, I added elements to the scene that were not actually present. In this case, I added a make-shift corral, structures and horses that one often sees dotting the landscape in that part of the country. It gives character and enhances the iconic images that have been formed through the persuasive influence of Hollywood westerns. I try to balance areas of arbitrary patterning with areas that are not, as well as gently sloping diagonals, to create a quiet energy within this calming setting.