Farm Sunrise

Winter mornings are one of my favourite things about our family farm. There really is something magical in the black silence, just before the first rays of light touch the earth. Before the stillness is broken by the stirring of the first birds, awakened by the warm rays that start to melt the darkness and thaw the chill in the crisp, clean air. I treasure this moment in time, sitting by my window, the steaming cup of black coffee warming my hands and awakening my senses with it's nutty-caramel aroma. It is these moments where I can truely be alone with my God, Bible in my lap, drinking in this special time where I can just be still and enjoy His presence and thank Him for His innumerable blessings.
And then the light show begins. Signalled by the first song of the chorus of hundreds of different types of birds in the surrounding woodland, the horizon beings to take on a golden tinge. Each morning it happens so quickly, and each morning is just as spectacular as the last. Creeping out into the cold, with my faithful farm dog following close behind, we run up the farm road to get a better view. It is this moment, every morning, watching the warm glows of so many different shades of gold, pink and blue dance over the field, that my heart feels full to bursting. Joining in the chorus of the birds, my soul sings for joy, knowing that the Creator of the Universe, that causes the sun to rise and provides for every living, the Master Artist of every sunrise and sunset, is in control of all things. It is in these moments, that I feel the full extent of His love for me, with the beauty before me tangible evidence of this - a masterpiece beyond description, with little purpose but to delight the one that joins Him in the viewing.
It is this point I want to capture - in the middle of the farm road, in the fullness of colours dancing across the turf farm before the work day has begun, just as the sun peeks its head over Mt Archer and the Berserker Ranges in the distance. The use of the palette knife creates the movement and flow of golden colour across the sky, shining on the divots left by the turf cutter the day before. The cooler shades of colour across the field allows the viewer to feel the chill of the fresh farm air, full of the smell of freshly cut grass, churned soil, and early morning dew.