"Shadow Game"

SHADOW GAME

The sun rising transforms the flat, matte landscape into a living, dynamic view. The restless illusions, reflections and shadows catch my eye; they are stirring but say goodbye in a moment. The lines play catch-me-if-you-can and I am confused. Emerging, they woo and tease with promises that are empty. The distractions tempt me as they move with haste, pointing here and there, and always pulling away from the sun. l work to keep pace and somehow equate activity with faith. But there is no substance in the stretching lines that contort and climb opposite the light. I notice as the sun takes its course, every shadow boasts bigger than its static source. I am so easily deceived. But not everything is moving. Understated masses with roots and weight stand fixed. Even if I look away, their silhouette lines stay in place. Shifting shadows tell lies. I fix my eyes to what remains the same… and win this shell game.

This scene is an early morning view of the lake near our home. This was my first time painting plein air and learning to dance with the ever-changing shadows and reflections on the water caused from the rising sun.