As Above, So Below - Colored Pencil Drawing

"As Above, So Below" Colored Pencil

During winter’s dusk, an infinite field of celestial blue domes the serene landscape. A silky cloud sweeps over the snow-covered summit, conjuring an atmosphere of timeless peace.


As above, so below, where the sky’s serenity is reflected by the vast expanse of violet pastureland. A few horses graze on the short-grass stubble, evoking a feeling of pure contentment.


Looming over the transcendent valley, jagged peaks engrave a rugged profile out of the gloaming sky. Some last beams of fading light streak across the southern slopes, blending the realm of heaven with earth.


Soon, the constellations will fill the sky with a web of sparkling stars that blaze through the long night. Quilted into the high plain, endless patches of crusted snow melt into the mountain scenery.


The mountains at dusk are a foreboding barrier so sacrificing detail for clarity creates a more ethereal effect. The softer edges ease the tension and enhance the already somber mood.


The mountain tops form a bridge with the firmament creating a gateway to another world where Shangri-La exists. Despite the chaos and confusion of this world, some sanctuaries still survive and this alpine paradise is one of them.


Mapping the connection between the upper and lower realms is an ancient tradition that still influences my work today. Observing the visible overhead and translating its essence on the ground is the mission.


Unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos through acquaintance with nature is an arduous task. It’s impossible to reproduce the eternal but by accepting the challenge, safe passage during the long journey is assured.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 1, 2022 at 8:10 PM

    Great colors in this drawing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 28, 2022 at 7:09 PM

      Thanks! Lots of gold and violet here. I started out with a reference photo and then did most of the work from memory and imagination. - Dan

      Delete

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