All I can express about the Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA) is that I could see it only as an embodiment of God's awesome creation on earth. Its multicolored rock walls, craggy cliffs, and sandy slopes has left me in awe. Years ago, my brother wanted to buy a Grand Canyon painting but for some reason he could not, since then I have been wanting to paint one for him. My desire to paint it became deeper when I myself visited the Canyon and experienced its grandeur. Here is my version in acrylics on canvas sized 12'' by 14''. I did this referring to a poor picture taken with my small digital camera. I had to keep the source of light in mind, which is coming from my right side to block the shadow areas first..I did not want to over work and spoil the feel altogether! So simplified the details and just managed to get a feel of the place along with a glimpse of the Colorado river. All said and done, I would like to share this meaningful quote here that explains it all!
"The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail".
John Wesley Powell
Instantly recognizable. The warm colors give a very rich feel to the painting. The varying size of the shadows give depth to it. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteNever having been there, the quote, together with your explanation, give the painting so much power and majesty. Wonderful colours.
ReplyDeleteDespite having lived in Arizona for two years and traveling across this gorgeous country, I am sad to admit I still haven't seen the Grand Canyon! I do know the awe of which you speak though. I felt the same when I saw Mt. Rushmore. Beautiful painting, Padmaja!
ReplyDeleteIt is the most wonderful place. I was fortunate to backpack there and spend two nights in the canyon many years ago, and it's magic inside too. Autumn Leaves, you must get yourself there. I have a Karl Thomas painting of the Grand Canyon in my bedroom. I think it's true in a way, that some places are too beautiful to paint, but I think we know them better when we try.
ReplyDeleteI would say you captured the size and scope and colors of this place beautifully! Isn't it fun to play with photo images and see what you can come up with from the memory of experiencing a place like the Grand Canyon? Your brother is one lucky fellow. Great painting!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! Love the depth and and scale you've acheived with such an expansive subject on a small space. I've only flown over the Grand Canyon, and so badly want to visit. Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThe Grand Canyon is SO inspirational, isn't it? I have a photo of my husband at its edge, from shortly after we married. That photo has inspired our 3 kids, even though they have never been to the canyon. They have each drawn themselves at a cliff's edge, and also tried to recreate the photo whenever they are someplace with a view. Wonderful painting!
ReplyDeleteIt's a spectacular embodiment of God's awewsome creative power. The painting is a wonderful expression of your talent as a painter. Very nice!!
ReplyDeleteHi Padmaja..the Canyon looks so majestic and imposing.One has to see it to feel the magic- and you have been fortunate to have done so!The light plays a very important part while painting them...you have done very well inspite of the lack of a clear photograph.BTW,have you seen Mick McGinty's depiction of the canyons?Of course, he lives in Arizona so its like home to him:) I like his work so much-visit him at his blog- http://twiceaweek.blogspot.com/search/label/Grand%20Canyon
ReplyDeleteYou have beautifully palced the lights,and the perspectives are beautifully placed.nice work.
ReplyDeleteMost of the things on planet earth are wonderful creations to be admired and experienced.
ReplyDeleteYour drawing has caught the beauty as it is.
You have captured the colors and shapes accurately. I can still see the vista in my mind's eye and wish you had done a panoramic view about 10 ft wide!
ReplyDeleteWe vacationed in Utah a few years ago, and while we didn't cross the border to visit the Grand Canyon, we did visit Arches National Park and I can attest to the feeling of awe that you voice. God's creation truly is amazing, mesmerizing.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is wonderful. Captures the vibrant color and timeworn sculptures of the rock.
Thanks for your comments Padmaja,you know what,My paintings are getting proper critic from you..
ReplyDeleteVery nice painting. Your description is most fitting. It is an amazing place and the light shows especially in spring with squalls rolling through is an eye to heaven. You are right. God truely did give us a gift with its creation.
ReplyDeleteIt is not easy to capture how big and magnificent the Grand Canyon is---you have done it! Warmth really shines through your work.
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ReplyDeleteI really admire the shades and those intricate details of the canyon. Its wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment padmaja.
ReplyDeleteAt that time i'm not a professional girl in tanjore,yes I do know what color to use in what paintings now:).
You did a beautiful job with this. I like how graphic it is through your simplicity. Thank you for you comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteYour painting and the quote capture the fascinating beauty of these canyons.Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGrand Canyon never fails. Always a perfect muse for the artist's soul. Keep up your good work.
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Thanks Padmaja for comments on my teapot painting. Its always encouraging to get comments from artists like you.
ReplyDeleteI love this Grand Canyon painting - beautiful color, lot of depth and I agree its a breathtaking view out there. I have been there only once. But wish to visit once again.
Beautifully captured, a thing so awesome that to catch it in the camera itself one must have enough knowledge to do it properly, and you have done a more difficult job painting it.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to visit it last year along with other places in the US, and we made it a point to visit both times, morning as well as evening, to capture the light and shade and the changing colors of the Canyon. It was indeed a wonderful experience.
A very good painting, lucky brother too.
I like how you've captured the grandeur of the rocks. As you know I'm working on a painting of the red rocks in Utah so it was wonderful to come across your painting. You've really managed to get the size, depth and color of the rocks perfectly.
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