Early Morning Flight? Reserve a Window Seat

All complaints I had of a recent early morning layover at LAX just after a red eye flight were defeated by a red sunrise as we ascended over LA at approximately 20,000ft at 6:30 AM. Never have I seen a sun so brilliantly red as it rose from the mountains. The heavy smog only added to the vibrant sunrise. After a sky like this, I resolved to always request a window seat when flying. I would recommend you do the same!

The sun rising over LA.

Breaking out of the clouds.

Looking South, just after sunrise.

Above the Clouds on Mauna Kea

Rising above the postcard perfect beaches of Hawaii’s Big Island, looms Mauna Kea, or White Mountain, the world’s tallest island-mountain measured from the ocean floor. At an elevation of 13,796ft above sea level, this dormant volcano will take your breath away literally and figuratively.

While the geological history of Mauna Kea is fascinating, I was more interested in the atmospheric and astronomical aspects that this mountain offers. The extremely dry atmosphere on Mauna Kea makes for an excellent location for astronomy observatories and general sky watching. Far below the summit exists a tropical inversion cloud layer. By ascending the mountain to the summit you are able to climb above the clouds, as I had experienced on a recent trip. It was a moment of inspiration looking down on the clouds from such an extraordinary site, and certainly well worth the trip. Below are some of my photos from Mauna Kea.

Up next: What does LA look like at 6:30 AM from 20,000ft? Find out in my next post.

After sunset, just below the summit.

Descending Mauna Kea, below the summit, the sun sets.

At the summit looking at the tropical inversion cloud layer.

Above the clouds on Mauna Kea.

So New the Paint is Still Drying

As promised, below are some photos of my most recent work.

Tomorrow's post: Above the Clouds on Mauna Kea, stay tuned!

Golden Chalice, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 78.

End of Storm, Ucross (revised), 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 64.

First Storm, Fall Equinox, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 52 x 44.

Stalactite Sky, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 52 x 44.

What Makes the Desert Beautiful...

"What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well."

--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

End of Storm, Ucross, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 64.

First Friday Open Studio Is Here Again!

I am having open studio tomorrow night from 6 to 9 PM as a part of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe First Friday. My studio is located at Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Please stop by if you are in the neighborhood, and see what I have been working on all summer.

Have a great weekend!

40,000 ft Sky, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 36 x 60.

There Are Two Ways of Spreading Light...

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

--Edith Wharton

Winter Radiance, Jentel, WY, 2008. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 54.