Dunes Tapestry

I challenged myself with this piece. I wanted to portray the staggering variety of landscapes and environments in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in a small format. I witnessed this view- ready made. When I saw this, I new I would have to break several compositional rules- such as the need to break through planes using vertical devices. Trees are usually good for this. Instead I chose to feature how in a single vista you can witness the many transitions from high desert to 14,000 foot peaks. When I finished the painting I noticed that this piece was almost like a weaving or a tapestry wrought on a loom.

Dunes Tapestry 9 x 12 oil on linen