"And the Day Begins" is my heartfelt tribute to the breathtaking sunrises of Big Bend National Park. As I stood there, surrounded by the prickly pear and the vibrant, gently waving grasses of the Chihuahuan Desert, I felt equally rooted to the land. The distant Sierra del Carmen range stands majestically above the Rio Grande, its luminous peaks bathed in the soft light of dawn. This pastel landscape captures that fleeting moment when night surrenders to day, inviting you to experience serenity. Sunrise brings a freshly glowing face to the darkly silent desert-- what sights and sounds will this day bring?

These colors shimmer and dance across the canvas, golden hues mingling with lavender skies, a living tapestry that reflects the beauty of this unique ecosystem. Each stroke of color yields a gentle reminder of the quiet strength found in the desert, where life thrives against all odds. I hope this piece resonates with you, inviting you to pause and appreciate the delicate balance of life that unfolds in this remarkable place that is Big Bend.