Dusk Along Chadwick St., Penn Hills, Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh region has been having some amazing sunrises and sunsets lately, and this little bit of wild space along the road is a gentle reminder encouraging us to breathe in that deep, peaceful connection with nature's ambient light. Normally we see spaces like this as something overgrown, to be simply ignored or beautiful but taken for granted.  

The location is in the west end of Penn Hills in Allegheny County just outside of Pittsburgh. It's a small area where nature has reclaimed a vacant lot. Houses are close by, but are obscured by the trees and brush. 

This painting is titled "Dusk Along Chadwick St., Penn Hills, Pittsburgh", oil on canvas unframed 16" H x 20" W x 0.75" D. It is finished except for painting the sides and final varnish, so that's why it is marked still "in progress". The sides will be painted dark blue (one of the colors used in the painting) so it is ready to display or can be framed later on. There is a flat D-ring wire hanger for flush wall mounting.

Artists Statement:

Everything in nature is connected, and even though that connection is overlooked as we go about our day-to-day activities, that magic is there, constantly creating. It can be calming, invigorating, or downright terrifying. But when we appreciate the power of that magic, marvelous things can reveal themselves.

We only need to slow down, breathe it in, feel its energy. The Earth is calling to us “Notice me, see me, I am your home”, during these times of climate change and society’s challenges. The trees, the animals, the oceans, the air, speak to us though it is up to us to listen and act. Home is, after all, meant to be our refuge so it is up to us to take care of it.

Our ancient ancestors understood the deep connection between humans and nature as profoundly magical. Appreciating how nature works is imperative to ensuring our survival into the future. I encourage you to take a walk, anywhere. Listen to the birds, the rustle of wind in the leaves, feel the softness of a flower petal, smell the fresh air after it rains, watch squirrels play in the trees.

In my paintings I look for what the Earth wants us to hear and see by searching for unseen experiences or a sense of place. My goal is to help people bridge that gap between conscious and unconscious awareness of our connection with nature.

“Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye... it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.”-Edvard Munch