Rise and Shine

Sunrise at Ten Mile Beach



Sunrise around here comes over the coastal range and through the second growth redwoods, bishop pines, alders and tan oaks. The eastern view here does not get high praise or invoke romantic notions.  Not many will drag out beach chairs to face east and in our case, Mt. Baldy, in the dark and wait in great anticipation for not so showy sunrise on a dewy morn. 

Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse (taken from Mendocino Headlands)

Very few go down to the beach to witness the morning sun sneak its way overhead either. It is hard to turn your back on that wild and restless ocean to face east and the sparse view of coastal homes. The ocean can be a bit jealous anyway and send a sneaker wave to snap you out of your rising sun worship. 

eastern view of sea grasses

While musing about en plein air, I looked across the ocean to see the sun has blushed the clouds grapefruit pink. And all I could do with a 5" x 7" canvas board, one brush and a few tubes of paint, was quickly, without a care, without my hat, dabbed a picture and with great humbleness, turned and bowed to the morning sun. 

Morning has broken like the first morning...
...Mine is the sunlight,
Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light
Eden saw play;
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
Of the new day.

written by the poet Eleanor Farjeon (and famously sung by Cat Stevens)

Comments

  1. wow, that is beautiful, what is the medium ? acrylic ? the overall softness is appealing to my eye; the strokes of the waves and sand are wonderful

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  2. Thank you, Linda. It is acrylic. Painting is not my forte, but on occasion I try ;)

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  3. I love the immediacy of en plein air. There is a vibrant energy which comes with capturing the feel before it changes - as it so quickly does.
    You have done exactly that here, Charlene. There is a boldness to your strokes, which evokes the intensity of the sea contrasting with the soft hued sky and golden waving grasses. Simple, yet dramatic.
    The moment you painted has long gone, but from afar, I can feel it still.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is hard for me to paint when it is early morning and the salt air fills my senses. All I want to do is just look and breathe and muse. En plein air!

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