Magic Hour-Grand Canyon

This was the second painting I did during my trip to the Grand Canyon in February 2013, my second painting ever done on location there. I had to return twice to complete this one, as the light and shadow patterns changed so quickly during the "magic hour"...that last hour or so of light before sunset. There are so many layers of atmosphere as this landscape recedes into the distance...and the colors and textures were all so beautiful. Standing on the edge of the South Rim, looking at the magical scene in front of me was a bit overwhelming, with the myriad shapes, colors and patterns…and painting with a large crowd surrounding me, walking in front of my easel, jockeying for the best view for their own photos, added an extra challenge. It was a beautiful experience to paint there…but I can only imagine how much quieter and more peaceful it must have been for Abby painting there a century ago.