Through the Shadow

I love the eastward view at sunrise.  It is challenging to discern the layers and outlines of the Canyon's ridges.  Those who have studied and painted the Canyon know a few secrets, however.  And this secret was taught to me by my old, dear friend, Bob D.  One day, long ago, I consulted with him on a painting I'd done of Wotan's Throne, the obvious flat-topped formation on the horizon.  He said, "you didn't paint Angels' Gate".  I replied that it wasn't there.  He said it was and I should take a closer look at my reference photo.  I zoomed in on it later that day and, sure enough, there was Angel's Gate standing firmly in front of Wotan's Throne.  Difficult to see in certain light, I had to figure out how to include it.  The answer was to put just a touch of either shadow or light on the two remnants of Coconino layer on top.  Here, with the sun starting to peek around their edges, I applied a bit of light paint on their edges and along the Supai slopes to make just a suggestion of their shapes.