Shoshone Point Sunset – Grand Canyon
acrylic on board, 23″x47″ (25″x49″ when framed soon), 2022
Available for Purchase:
For a Limited Time the painting is listed at an Early
Release Sale which also includes Free US Shipping (Approximately a $400+
value – Please Email kpolkowska@gmail.com for Local Pickup or if you have any questions about my custom
monthly payment plan – art is shipped to buyer following making the
first payment)
This
image was inspired by a spectacular sunset I got to enjoy at the
terminus of a short hike through the woods to an edge of the Grand
Canyon that sees much less traffic then the more readily accessible
lookouts. Over the years, I’ve gotten to enjoy hiking and viewing the
Grand Canyon from various vantage points, from both the South and the
North Rims as well as from the very popular and highly visited lookouts
as well as more remote locations like Shoshone Point.
No matter where along the canyon, the views were always incredible,
whether at crowded lookouts full of other admirers or at less traveled
locations. A sunset that I got to watch at Shoshone Point during my
first trip to this area was one of the most memorable.
Along with a few
friends, we set out to walked about a mile through the woods to a more
secluded spot, perfect for sunset viewing according to my research. All
of a sudden we were startled by a huge, lone elk who a moment ago seemed
like he was a still tree but in a flash turned into an antlered keeper
of the woods. He stared us down while having his evening snack. We were
not sure if we were supposed to proceed or turn back but decided to
quietly, press on. Arriving at the stunning edge of the canyon felt
extra special, almost like we passed a mystical guardian of this special
palace and that he chose to allow us to see the magic beyond.
The evening was perfectly still. The changes in color of the canyon
walls and the sky above were subtle but powerful. The layers of the
Grand Canyon seemed to dance in the slight foggy mist that softened the
brightness of the setting sun. Anywhere I looked, I was seeing something
I’ve never imagined could exist. I was looking at infinity yet it felt
so fleeting as the vibrant colors quickly began to disappear for the day
with the fading light. We knew that the longer we’d stay out there, the
darker the woods would be on the return walk back to the car. All of
this felt so precious. I took away an image of the brightest part of the
sunset and tried to share it in this new painting. I hope that the
magic and wonder that I got to witness and absorb out there comes
through for the viewers and that it reminds them of time spent in the
outdoors and of their own magic that they have experienced during
moments as special as the one I had at Shoshone Point.
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My stained glass mosaic 'Shoshone Point' circa 2010
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Additionally, I'd like to share my other inspiration for this new painting, a mosaic that I created back in 2010. It was inspired by the same sunset from the same spot along the Grand Canyon. I loved that memory as well as my mosaic interpretation of it and now that I am focusing on painting, I wanted to create a painted version to once again try to show the beauty of this very special place.
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The painting photographed outside in the bright sunlight prior to it being varnished.
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The painting photographed outside in overcast atmosphere following being varnished. |
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A closer look.
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Another closer look toward the painted sky.
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Here I caught a fun reflection as the sun began to peek out from the clouds and reflected the trees into my painting.
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The same reflection capture from a different angle.
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The painting seen from a similar angle but with a much lesser reflection that still shows the gloss of the varnish.
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The painting is currently being framed in a black
hardwood floating frame which will add an inch of size all around
totaling at 25″x49″. Please email kpolkowska@gmail.com if you’d like to see a
video of the painting.
