This sequence of images was at the end of my first “real” year with photography. I’d made the decision the previous year, just before my 50th birthday that it was “now or never.”  I purchased a camera, took a class, fell madly in love, broke my heart completely wide open, then set off on a 3,600 mile long road trip to see if photography would actually work. 

In my second public showing this image brought the “Best of Show'' award, in a room full of amazing and beautiful work. During the sunset that November night, I was focused on the San Andres Mountains to the west, the same mountains where Abbey’s grandfather, an old vaquero stood in defiance of the Federal government as they tested their long-range missile systems and forced other ranchers to abandon their homes and property.  In the last few minutes I turned a camera to the east, to capture this glow over the sands, the valley that stretched out to Alamogordo and the Sacramento Mountains in the distance. This light was absolutely breathtaking, turning the gypsum sands into a winter-like scene. 

One of the more amazing sunsets to witness.  If you've looked through the National Parks Gallery, you've seen the stunning and varied array the sky produced this night.  

24"x36" Acrylic