North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
This painting of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon holds a deeply personal significance for me, beyond just capturing the beauty of the sunset. On this golden evening, the vastness of the canyon mirrored the emotions I was feeling. My oldest son was about to embark on a long journey, and I knew we would soon be apart. Standing on the edge of this ancient landscape, I felt a connection not only to the land but also to the evolving nature of our relationship—an appreciation of the changes and growth that come with time, both in nature and in family.
Sunsets in Nature and Family
To convey the emotional weight of the moment, I used my signature impasto style, applying paint thickly with a palette knife. I began with a bright ultramarine blue underpainting, which served as the foundation for the sky and canyon. From there, I laid down strong, deliberate strokes of violet, orange, and pink. These colors reflect the intensity of the sunset, as well as the bittersweet emotions of that evening. The palette knife allowed me to create texture that feels almost sculptural, giving the painting a tactile quality that invites viewers to feel the scene, not just see it.
Tactile Color
In the detail photo below, you can see the thick layers of paint, almost like canyon walls themselves. This texture is key to how I expressed the deep layers of emotion I experienced that day. The vibrant violets, set against the warm oranges and pinks, speak to the contrast between the vast, enduring landscape and the fleeting nature of human moments. This piece is a reflection of both the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the tenderness of a parent watching a child take flight into the world.
