Sunset Moonrise Over Shining Rock

#53.3
oil on canvas
30 x 36 in.
33.5 x 39.5 in. (framed)
I first encountered this cliff face as I was painting along the Chama River. Focusing my attention entirely on the scene before me, I began noticing the light fading fast. As I spun in the opposite direction to leave, I was met with the most unexpected sight: this grand cliff face bathed in the most extraordinary light. The sun was setting and the moon rising. I thought now this is the painting. Interesting how I was originally painting with my back toward the very thing I was there to discover. I have since returned to this “shining rock” many times to paint this one view.