Sunray

We rent a boat each summer when family comes to visit and we motored down toward Eagle Bluff in Ephraim, Door County Wisconsin as sunset was approaching. The majesty of the large bluff with the sun setting behind it and the brilliant sparkles along the water was awe inspiring. Everyone else on the boat was having fun, music blaring, but I was solely focused on trying to capture the scene on my phone. Having grown up close to water, I have had a lifelong passion for “sparkles” on the water and try to see it everyday. I walk my dogs on the beach or drive by the water daily to see my daily “sparkles”. There is a calming feeling of gratitude that comes from witnessing such awe inspiring natural beauty on a regular basis.

I used a metallic gold and bronze acrylic underpainting for this scene which deliberately shows through in a number of spots. I typically use some type of colorful acrylic underpainting but I particularly liked this metallic tone. It enhances the shimmer that you feel from the water. I used a pallet knife for most of the painting. I left the palette work rough on the water so you would get the feel of the waves and movement. For the clouds, the paint was applied the same way, but I used a brush to smooth it out to capture the feeling of the wind and soft air. It’s hard to create a painting that does justice to the beauty of the real thing but I gave it my best try and will keep on trying. Such is the blessing of living in Door County where I can just keep on painting in this wonderful spot.