evolving dawn

I have seen my share of sunsets, but sunrises have been rather rare. The photographs I was painting from had been taken one morning in Phoenix, Arizona, when I had awakened up to watch a sunrise. This was probably the first time I had dragged myself out of bed before 4:00 am—rather than already being awake and pulling an “all nighter”—to see the sun come up. I was surprisingly motivated to hike up the path above our hotel before dawn to see the transforming sky. Somehow knew it would be spectacular. Despite of—indeed, maybe because of—the cloudy sky, the astounding show did not disappoint.

Over the course of an hour, I photographed the gradual shift of hues which were blending above me. From dark indigos and lavenders to fuchsia swipes and then orange and crimson highlights, the sky changed quickly and dramatically. During the time I stood above the valley, the most enchanting spectacle revealed itself before me.