The Sentinel (2021)

The ponderosa pine tree can be one of the bigger trees in my area. I often hike the mountains that are literally out my front door. One day, while exploring some new territory, I spied this golden eagle in this massive tree just over the top of the hill I climbed. The growth of the tree becomes apparent when the bark falls off exposing the wood beneath. Perhaps this tree was struck by lightning to cause its demise, being that it is substantially taller than the trees around it. The eagle and I made eye contact and had a moment as we stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. The sky that day was quite flat, but I had taken some photos of dramatic clouds earlier in the month when the weather was changing from hot and dry to the cooler fall temperatures. I felt that those skies completed the mood appropriately in what I was trying to portray in this painting. Proud and noble. They watch together like guards of the beautiful valley we share together. Timeless and resolute.