Earth and Sky

One of the latest in a series of 8"x10"  Monument Valley scenes:

The Gatekeeper

It's hard to describe the kind of childish urge to run and climb that happens when I get up in the middle of a landscape like this. Maybe you feel like a kid when the rocks and cliffs are suddenly dwarfing you like huge parental figures. On a good day I restrain myself and paint instead, so the painting can remind me of the moment there was something to discover... just around the corner.

Vanessa Rock

Last night's painting- from a favorite spot in Monument Valley, UT. I love painting these big, smooth, rock sculptures because they have such well-defined light and shadow shapes, and edges.