This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Arizona and thought I'd use the trip as an opportunity to explore how artists have sought to capture the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of the canyons and desert terrain.
Flagstaff
Our first destination in Flagstaff led me to discover the stunning painting titled "Evening Showers" by Dawn Sutherland. This remarkable 18" x 14" oil on canvas beautifully captures cacti, canyons, and a serene sky painted in shades of blue and pink. What captivated me most about Sutherland's artwork was her skillful use of pink and purple hues to depict the desert landscape. If I had an extra $1,750 to spare, I would have brought it home with me without hesitation!
The Grand Canyon
While staying at the Grand Canyon, I had the privilege of touring the Kolb Studio, where I encountered a collection of breathtaking paintings depicting the South Rim views. Among them, two landscape paintings stood out prominently.
The first piece is a landscape painting titled "Over
The Edge" by artist J. Rodney Reveal. This captivating
16" x 18" oil on canvas captures the view from the Bright Angel trail, prominently featuring the Kolb Studio nestled on the curve of the descending path.
I'm consistently awestruck by artists who skillfully blend painterly expression with realism, particularly when they draw inspiration from the ever-shifting natural light, a difficulty on top of the already challenging nature of painting from still life.
The second piece, titled "Clear Path to Awe" by Serena Supplee, diverges from strict realism yet astounds with its adept portrayal of canyon lighting and atmospheric haze. Supplee skillfully employs vibrant colors in the foreground juxtaposed with subdued hues in the background, creating a realistic gradient effect.
While Serena Supplee's technique differs from the photorealism of J. Rodney Reveal, she nonetheless achieves remarkable depth perception through her nuanced use of low-saturation colors in the background.
Sedona
The remainder of my trip unfolded in Sedona, a city renowned for its distinct vistas and breathtaking sunsets akin to those at the Grand Canyon. At the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, I had the pleasure of visiting the Rowe Gallery, where I encountered the work of artist Dane Chinnock.
One piece that particularly captivated me was "Galiuro," which vividly captures the serene beauty of the southeast Galiuro Mountains. While marveling at this exquisite painting, I found myself pondering whether it depicted a sunrise or a sunset. Judging by the predominance of yellow hues and the absence of pink and red tones, my inclination leans toward a sunrise.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these stunning artworks. Thanks so much for reading!
I love the colors in "Evening Showers" and "Clear Path to Awe". I've never been to Arizona, so thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Incredible! I really like the one by Supplee, such vibrant colors.