By default, anything that rises above the horizon to penetrate the big West Texas sky becomes a landscape superstar. Adding to its glory, this yucca was blooming unseasonably late, and topped a dramatic rock cliff along the scenic route through Davis Mountains ranchland. It didn't have to audition twice to become the subject for a painting.
In this composition, the noonday light directs your eye upward along the rock wall. I want you to sense the climb, then the triumph of coming onto the brightly lit strip of golden grass. The stately plant pulls you toward its giant flower stalk, then releases you into the cloud.
I did part of this painting as a demo on using light to create excitement in a painting. It's all about the magical journey art takes you on.
- Subject Matter: Landscape
- Collections: Far West Texas Landscapes, Vertical Art