This painting was inspired by the drive to a friend’s place early one morning, to help at a cattle branding. This beautiful sunrise was great compensation for having to get up so early!

Sunrise East of a Town is a tonal piece – which means I’ve used an overall muted tone that is usually restful and easy on the eye. Tonal paintings often invoke emotion, as sunrises and sunsets do. Their soft edges often create a sense of timelessness and ambiguity.

I donated this painting to the Great Falls Symphony for their 2020 Fundraising Event, although that became their 2021 event because of Covid!

 (This branding was at Deb Schmit’s, another Montana artist and good friend. Check out her work @ www.debschmit.com)

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