Saturday, April 3, 2010

Kachina Bridge

8" x 10" oil on board
$195.00 + $10. s/h
please contact me if interested

This is another painting from Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah.

It was  about a 2 mile trail down to the bottom of the canyon.  Part of it was down these stairs built into the side of the cliff.  I was unable to make it down the Sipapu Bridge Trail.  It was not much longer, but much more challenging.  I made it along the trail that was precariously on the side of the cliff w/ no guard rails; I made it down the metallic stair case that was bolted into the side of the cliff; but, when it came to climbing down a two story ladder made of tree trunks, my fear of heights took over.  Yes, it was bolted into the cliff, but I couldn't get down it.  I've climbed up a 2 story ladder at Mesa Verde; but there was something about stepping over and down that held me back.  So, we hiked the other 2 trails instead.

To give some perspective to the size of these bridges, here I am!  Looking back at this photo I see I made the foreground a little more red/orange.  Maybe I'll warm it up a bit.

15 comments:

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

Wow! Love it. The eye just keeps circling thru the painting. Love all the colors, especially at the top!

Jala Pfaff said...

Wow, this is very cool.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

You stay AWAY from those ladders! Seriously, our 'gut' instincts are to be listened to!

You know that these 'skyhole' paintings are my very favorite of yours. So STRONG! So BOLD. Nobody else is doing these, either. They're unique.
Happy Easter!

Autumn Leaves said...

The painting is gorgeous, Pam! But I must say I really want to see those stairs painted. It seems I saw those same stairs on another blog, though it eludes me as to whose it was. Great work and an absolutely wonderful looking vacation you had!

Pam Holnback said...

Cathyann, Thank you. Yes, You could do the Kachina Trail (but not the first bridge, either!)

Thank you Debbi, Rocks have so many colors; every time you look at them they change (but, that's true of everything, isn't it!)

Jala, Thank you. I know you like abstracted things!

Kelley, I'm planning on several larger pieces...cant wait for you to see them.

Yes, Autumn, Utah is wonderful. As to these stairs...I don't know, that's an challenge.

Art with Liz said...

What an amazing place and what a really terrific painting Pam. You certainly captured the size and scope of those bridges. Beautiful colours.

r garriott said...

Shaping up into a nice series! One of my favorite places in the world.

susan hong-sammons said...

love your value and color decisions,they just pull me in

loriann signori said...

great use of color and value to create an interesting landscape in a challenging situation!

Gwen Bell said...

Both of these Natural Bridge paintings are fantastic, Pam! The bright blue windows are so gorgeous next to the warm reds and rusts. You've succeeded in conveying the power of these amazing sites. And thanks so much for showing your references...helps me appreciate your painterly eye even more.

Pam Holnback said...

Thanks Liz, Yes, the color and landscape is amazing!

R, Utah has become on of my favorite locations, too.

Thank you Loriann, Focusing in so closely does make an interesting piece!

Gwen, Thank you so much. You're right, the reference photos do help. They really do portray the magnificence of these locations.

Edward Burton said...

Wow, I love these paintings of the formations, Pam. The glow of the shaded areas are splendid.

Linda Popple said...

Wow! Both of the bridge paintings are beautiful! Everyone here has left comments that I totally agree with. Well done!!

Pam Holnback said...

Thank you Edward, I really tried to make sure that the orange was rocky and believable, while bright and glowy.

Linda, Thanks for your comment and visit.

Cobalt Violet said...

This series is killing me! Gorgeous!