October two years ago, I spent some days in the Glen Ferris and Hawk's Nest State Park area. My goal was to get as much plein air painting done as possible while the weather was pleasant and fall color was breaking out. Most of these plein air studies have been posted, with the exception of this one which I just finished. This last one was painted using a photo reference taken minutes before leaving. I had packed the car and checked out of the inn, but as I crossed the parking lot, the idea surfaced that I should take some shots of the inn and surrounding buildings. It was an after thought, just a fleeting idea, and I had time, so I grabbed the camera and started walking. The inn and "downtown" area was still in morning shadow, but incredible morning light had kissed the top of the mountains and cast light down the distant highway that hugs the Kanawha River. There have been moments in my life when I have had what I refer to as "God moments." I don't mean to imply that God is not always there, but there are times when I have sensed a singular presence, a knowing. I won't bore you with my tale, but one of the myriad benefits of painting, and especially plein air painting is that it requires the discipline of paying attention. Most of us just don't pay much attention. Standing in the middle of the road in front of Glen Ferris Inn, I felt such a sense of peace and yes,...pure joy. Gratitude for that special moment and that lovely sight washed over me, and I knew I had to try and paint the view. My prayer is that I learn to pay attention even more.
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