Thursday, August 25, 2011

Sunset

What is it about sunsets that is so all consuming?  The sheer awe-inspiring beauty of the reds, yellows, blues, shades of colors that don't even have names, but resonate with my soul has long been a source of calming comfort for me.

No matter how many sunsets I've had the pleasure of seeing, each one gives me something new and special.  I think my favorite sunsets were viewed from my balcony when I lived in Miami, FL.  Daily, well almost daily, I would take part in this evening ritual.  There is something about the regularity of viewing a sunset from the same spot that allows you to truly notice and appreciate the tiny nuances.  Never before had I been in tune to the shifting of the sun's position in the sky.  Never before had I been in tune with the effects of weather patterns on the colors.

Hurricane season was always the most beautiful time for sunsets.  The shifting clouds and atmosphere made for particularly spectacular views.  Almost as if it was nature's way of making up for the potential for destruction during this time of year, a gift of beauty for the risk endured. 

I recently met another lover of sunsets, Kimberly Turnbull, an artist from Gibraltar whose inspiration comes from the realm of African art and Georgia O'Keefe's approach to sunsets to create a wonderful piece called African Elephants at Sunset.
African Elephants at Sunset (Original Watercolour) - Kim.T 2011
I love the colors in this work.  Kimberly has managed to capture so many of those colors that I've seen but never been able to name.  The dark outlines of the elephants highlight even more the brilliance of the setting sun much like the clouds during hurricane season did for me in Miami. 

So early in the morning as I draft this blog, all my memories of sunsets are crowding into my head urging me to go find one now to re-experience the wonderful calmness and connection to nature.  I'll certainly seek out a front row seat for tonight's show.  I hope you join me and find a little inspiration as well!

Kimberly learned to draw and paint at a young age and has loved painting ever since.  You can see more of her work online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimberlyTurnbullArt

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful article Jillian :) Thanks for featuring my work. See you on Etsy :)

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimberlyTurnbullArt

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