Thursday, February 28, 2008

A Ride on the Earth

Oil on board, 11" x 12"
$650.00 + $10.00 shipping in US.
SOLD

This is one of the larger paintings I've been working on recently.

Out in the valley's plowed fields, I watched the sun settle below the mountain rim. As a sharp-edged shadow rolled across the valley floor and up the foothills, the higher mountains glowed in their snowy coats for a brief moment, then sank into the darkening sky. I suddenly felt so conscious of the "ride" I was taking on this great turning globe of earth.

24 comments:

Suzanne McDermott said...

Nice! Those are great moments - when we realize that we're on a planet, hurtling through space.

Bill Brauker said...

Wonderful!

I live just north west of Denver, and every day, I watch the sun rise and fall on the mountains. Although you are looking at different mountains, you have captured the light and shadows perfectly.

Well done!

Bill

Frank Gardner said...

Good one Don. I'll usually read what you have to say before I click to enlarge. This time I went right to the click. Very intriguing lines and design. Love all that shadow up front.
Have you seen the Carl Sagan pale blue dot video?
It fits in with your thoughts on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p86BPM1GV8M

Don Gray said...

Suzanne, the routine aspect of our daily lives takes precedence much of the time, doesn't it? Those moments of clarity--the sense of one's participation in a great and awesome mystery--are precious.

Don Gray said...

Bill, you live in a beautiful place. It's great to have those wide open vistas. Thanks for commenting.

Don Gray said...

Frank, I sure appreciate your words. I'd like to say I had seen the Sagan video "billions and billions" of times, but I had not. Thanks for the link--a reminder of our place in this astonishing universe.

Anonymous said...

There's so much I like about this. I'll focus on one thing... the diagonal stripes crossed by vertical tire tracks that lead the eye further in to the landscape.

I'm not even going to mention the brilliant peach foothills sandwiched between blues.

This one is stunning.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I feel like I'm there.
Another thing that makes you realize how small we are, is looking at the night sky. I liked your painting of the eclipse.

Don Gray said...

Those patterns in the plowed field were what drew me to this scene in the first place, Silvina. Thanks.

Don Gray said...

Thank you, Mary.

Rowan Dodds said...

Beautiful Don - I really feel like I'm there experiencing the moment. Well done!

Don Gray said...

Hi Rowan, thanks! I'm glad you stopped by.

Jason Waskey said...

Holy Moley. That's terrific, Don.

kimberly applegate said...

I look forward to seeing "your view" every day. But today, couldn't resist telling you how gorgeous this one is. And it looks like I'm not alone. You've really expressed the exquisite beauty of being human and our connection to the earth.
Thank you!

Don Gray said...

Thanks a bunch, Jason. I'm sure enjoying your blog.

Don Gray said...

Kimberly, what you said is very meaningful for me. Thank you for those kind words.

Emm said...

I've got to stop by more often, you have all new paintings and they are beautiful! You really have captured the mood of the moment.

Don Gray said...

Marcia, I really appreciate your visit--thank you!

A Reason to Paint said...

You've certainly conveyed that awesome sense of the 'ride' and the smallness that is us. Love those late afternoon shadows.

Don Gray said...

Nice of you to say, Triecia--thanks very much.

Deborah Paris said...

Just wonderful Don. In my own work I am really intrigued with the patterns and movement that agricultural activities create and suggest and you have used that beautifully here. all that and a sense of the quiet stillness of dawn. well done!

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Deborah, for the thoughtful note--much appreciated.

Jelaine Faunce said...

This is spectacular work, Don.

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Jelaine.