Early one morning I went to the Hill Country to see the first light. Driving up a gently sloping lane and across a narrow bridge, I stopped at a high point to sit quietly and watch. The countryside was all awash in slumber except for a single, brave rooster and a magnificent oak. Slowly the clouds turned from gray to coral pink and then threw the colors across the sky. Returning to the studio, I came home refreshed and tried to recreate the poetry I had just witnessed.
As a part of my Landscape Atelier training this year, I have spent many hours developing my visual memory. I observe a scene or object, take notes, then draw and re-check for accuracy. This helps me capture the effect of fleeting light, whether it be dawn or moonlight. More importantly, it allows me to focus on the essence of a scene. With memory work, you can only remember the most important things, and that is why the process is so powerful. My most vivid memory that morning was of the pink cloud and the tree. I hope the painting will help you to recall your favorite scenes of dawn.
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and art with you.
-Mallory