Sunset Storms at 30,000 Feet

Inspired by some of the storms I've seen out airplane windows over the years, here we look over some summer thunderstorms in the warm sunset glow. Lightning flashes silently from our perspective as rain falls on the land below.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Mackerel Mountain Sunset

 

Sunset comes to Appalachia under a mackerel summer sky. In a gap between the clouds, the low sun blazes brightly, illuminating everything in rays of light and colors. Soon, night will fall over this wild realm, but for now, enjoy the sunset.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Isolation - Humphreys Peak

The theme for the past month or so has been one of isolation and social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. So, I figured I'd paint a scene related to that theme based upon a photo taken on my most recent trip out west in last June. Here, we see Humphreys Peak in the distance - the tallest mountain in Arizona - from somewhere in the desolate, empty lands between Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. While the mountain and the city of Flagstaff are both around 100 miles away in this view, there is basically nothing around us; it's about as "socially distant" as one can get. This painting was both challenging and easy to paint for the same reason - there's essentially nothing in the scene aside from crumbling desert rocks, some brush, and the distant mountains under floating clouds and a blue sky.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Autumn Cinders

This isn't the prettiest or happiest of paintings, but not everything in life is beautiful, as we all know. This painting is one of quiet persistence; a scattered few maple trees turning their usual crimson colors, as they do every year. Despite the endless rain and clouds, amid the mud and brown-leaved trees everywhere, these few cinders spark and glow, reminding us of better times and the endless cycles of nature. I know it has been a rough year for many people, and for everyone who needs a sunnier tomorrow, I hope it arrives soon.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Dark Clouds and Waters

Spring is finally here, bringing clouds and rain to a land weary of winter. Here, storm clouds roll over the dark water of a lake or bay in the afternoon.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Remote Foggy Island

In a lost, ancient sea, an island looms out of the fog and waves. Sunlight streaks through broken storm clouds, illuminating the waves and waterfalls that tumble from dizzying heights into the dark depths below. Part of my MTG basic lands series.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Sunset on Distant Plains

On a far away world, the sun sets amid illuminated clouds as a gentle wind sweeps across the grassy plains. Two moons hang in the evening sky, an alien sight to our eyes. Part of my MTG: basic lands series.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Ocean Storm Sunrise

A rainy thunderstorm moves off over the ocean, tossing up waves, as the sun rises on an empty beach. Later, vacationers will be here, but for now, enjoy the solitude.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Eclipsing Storm

A late spring thunderstorm rolls over the trees and meadows, eclipsing the sun behind dark clouds as it passes by.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Cliffside Lightning

Low angled light cuts across the mountain peaks as dark clouds gather in the distance. Lightning flashes, thunder rolls, and in the wavering breeze, we can feel the first storm of spring.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Daylilies and Drizzle

On a cloudy, drizzling day in late June, orange daylilies bloom by the side of a rural road, adding a spark of color in place of a hidden sun.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Waterrock Knob - Sunset Stormscape

About a decade ago, my brother and I went on a roadtrip through the Smoky Mountains. We saw the sunset amid storms near the top of Waterrock Knob. While I painted this scene once before soon after the trip, I decided to approach it again, using what I've learned since then. The end result better captures the infinite hills and rolling, illuminated clouds, though nothing compares to actually having been there.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Defiant Spring

Along a muddy forest path, the cherry trees bloom under a cold, cloudy sky. Though winter seems unwilling to give up its grasp, spring flowers bloom in defiance of the gloom.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Cloudy Summer Sunset

Clouds roll over a vast field as the descending sun illuminates a small stream and fills the sky with gold.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Rolling Spring Clouds

Spring runoff fills a stream in the open plains while clouds roll overhead, casting shadows across the gnarled trees and endless grass.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Stormy Autumn Road

Storm clouds and tree tops are illuminated by the setting sun along a peaceful road in autumn. For the second year in a row, a hurricane threatens the Mid-Atlantic states in fall, prompting me to paint this scene before all the autumn leaves are blown away on the winds.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"