Chasing the Evening Light

Story

Some paintings begin with a destination.  Others begin with simply going out to see what you might find.

My dad and I headed toward Canyon Lake one evening, searching for a place to paint as the day began to wind down.  Near the marina, we found a view we thought might be just right.  As we were getting settled, we met the gentleman closing the restaurant for the evening.

After hearing what we were there to do, he graciously invited us to use the back deck.

And there it was-an even more spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains, with the evening light beginning to settle across the landscape.

We set up our easels and painted quickly, catching those last warm colors just before the sun slipped away.  I was even able to capture a person kayaking on the lake.

That evening became Chasing the Evening Light-a plain air painting, but also a memory of another evening spent painting beside my dad.

Reflection

There is something beautiful about going out without knowing exactly what you will find.

We thought we had found our view that evening. Then a simple encounter opened the door to something even better.

Maybe that is part of why I love plain air painting so much.  You cannot control the light, the weather, or what you will discover along the way.  You simply show up, pay attention, and receive what the moment gives you.

Sometimes the most beautiful things are waiting just beyond what we had planned.

Scripture

"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!"

-Psalm 113:3