Sunrise

Most mornings I run the country backroads close to where I live. I like running during that time of morning right before the sun comes up. It's still dark, but the eastern horizon is showing just a glimpse of the start of a new day. There is something quiet and peaceful during that time of day. A time when I can be alone with God and myself. He's the best running partner I could have. As I watch the sun come up over the horizon, I am always amazed at the beauty. Every morning it's like I am seeing it for the first time. It reveals itself in so many ways. No two mornings are ever the same. There is always something different whether it be the clouds, or the wind, or the chilling cold that nips at more than my nose. My favorite mornings are those when it's partly cloudy and the oranges and reds and yellows of the sunrise are trying to peek through those clouds and announce their presence. It is so beautiful that I am always asking myself what am I doing running when I should be out here painting this incredibly beautiful miracle before me. So I imposed an excercise on myself. I decided to try to paint the scene from memory. To remember everything I could about it, but mostly to remember only those things that are important to me. After getting myself showered and cleaned up, I went to my studio and did this small painting of what made the biggest impression on me. To His glory!

"Glorious Sunrise" 6" x 8" oil on canvas panel