Episode 23: “Winter Sunrise”

This winter morning, I'm grateful to have some sky to read, instead of the news feed on my phone.  I sit quietly with my coffee and watch as the clouds move slowly from Pleasant Island over the meadow towards me from the southeast.  There are some blank spots where the sky comes through, fostering the hope there might be a dry window when time comes to walk the dogs.  I mark the spot on the horizon where the sun will soon appear, happy to see that point moving slightly further to the north each day.  The earth turns, the seasons change, and thankfully all manner of natural wonders continue to offer their quiet wisdom in these chaotic times.  I need this peace and beauty to keep myself grounded.The Alaska art print "Winter Sunrise" shows a different sky on another winter morning.  A thick cloud cover seems not to move at all, just like layers and layers of cotton batting tamping down the landscape.  No breaks for sky to show through... it's quiet, with no wind to stir the trees or the meadow grasses.  Then as the sun rises and color begins to paint the sky, I can see that the bottom layer of cloud is actually more of a mist rising up through the trees.  Small distinction, I know, but then how the mist disperses the sunrise glow of coral and red and pink is quite magical and different than flat cloud color.  The light rays from the sun just peeking above the horizon appear to tint each individual droplet with their luminosity.  The thicker cloud layer above takes on a deeper tone.  The dark trees silhouetted along the edge of the forest provide for a stark contrast, with details of the branches etched on the mist, clouds and fog behind.  It's amazing to realize there's actually a view of mountains in this direction that is totally obscured by this weather.The color washes over me when I step outside to take the shot, shivering slightly with the chill.  The color is warm, but the temperature is not!  Back in the studio, I look for the perfect filter to express my vision of this particular morning's magic.  The color is exquisite, and comes through truly.  The dark tree silhouettes are sketched in to emphasize the bare winter branches.  The resulting winter sunrise wall art is comforting like a warm blanket to burrow into on a cold morning.  "Winter Sunrise" wall art by Gustavus, Alaska artist Lillian Ruedrich.  Love this image?  Click here to purchase it now.  Enjoy it as a 5X7 blank notecard or 11X14 matted giclee print.