Nightfall 2014 acrylic and oil 36 x 24 in
Nightfall 2014 acrylic and oil 36 x 24 in

While in Yosemite National Park, we watched the sun set from Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome.  As the light faded and the darkness became absolute, more and more stars appeared.  I had my camera set up and photographed the emerging stars.  To make this painting, I wanted to try the thick layers of  transparent medium again like I did in my painting Winter Cliffs.  The multiple layers of acrylic end at the horizon line where I then used oil paint to capture the subtle shades in the mountains.  The painting was then given a wax varnish.    I think the textures and depth created by this technique is interesting.  I especially like the brilliant star above the crown of Half Dome-makes me imagine a plumb line making a link between the  two.