Deception Pass Sunset
Based on a beautiful painting I saw in an art gallery.
On Tuesday, April 26, 2005, I visited The Class Act Gallery in LaConner. I found a painting called the Sunrise Over Deception Pass which caught my eye. Sunrise Over Deception Pass was painted with “Transparent Oil on 22 Karat Gold Leaf” by Randy VanBeek. Randy Van Beek is from the Bellingham area. This is Randy Van Beek’s description of his painting. “The gold leaf is hand gilded, applied to gessoed wood panels, using techniques that have been used for hundreds of years. Sterling silver leaf is then inlayed into portions of the composition where color or atmospheric changes are desired, as in the clouds or ripples on the water. The oil paint is then glazed in multiple layers of transparent mixes, allowing the gilded leaf to show through. The combined techniques create an atmosphere and sense of sparking light in a further attempt to represent the affects of sunlight and water” (Van Beek).
Randy started with a smaller version on original oil with far less affect than the larger version painted on gessoed wood panels. The light print is done on three panels. Looking from the entrance door of the store on the right hand side next to the stair case, the painting sits high above the counter. The view from the right side is breath taking. The details of the sunlight on the water stand out as the sunlight from the entrance door shines on the painting. Imagine how sunlight ripples the water during a sunrise. The sunlight on the water is dominant in vertical row in the center of the painting. The interesting thing about this is the more I move to the right with the sunlight coming into the store; the more golden sunlight appears on the water. In a closer view, it appears that the sunlight on the water begins to give away; it appears to be like magic. The painting image is centered between what I believe is east of the Deception Pass bridge. The bridge runs alongside the naval base and points toward Anacortes from right to left.
Sunrise Over Deception Pass is an aerial design. The painting is done in such a way that it stays with its subject matter. It appears that the view is from a plane looking down at the water but also is also parallel to Mount Baker. Some of the smallest details can be seen such as the drift wood washed up on the beach. A close up view of the painting reveals a texture that is somewhat rough and appears that the trees pop out of the painting. This is definitely a painting that I would like to touch if allowed. There are a multiple combinations of grays and blues to form the shelf of the ridges of the island and mountains.
My interpretation of this artistic painting is that the author had no intentions of his painting having a historical reference or value, but having the content and subject matter to be of the natural beauty of Deception Pass during sunrise.
Liked it
25 Comments
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 2nd, 2008
Darlene,
Type in Sunrise Over Deception Pass in your search. You will see Randy Van Beek’s painting. Unfortunately it has copywrites and I wasn’t able to use his picture for my article. Thanks again for your kind comments.
Lauren Axelrod, posted this comment on Nov 2nd, 2008
Wow, this is an interesting piece for you Chris. I appreciate all types of art and I’m sure the original based off of these pics is beautiful. I linked it on the blog.
Check under “Best of Linkology” at http://www.laurenaxelrod.blogspot.com
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 2nd, 2008
Lauren,
Thanks for the comment and linking this one to the blog! I reached deep into articles I had to write for an arts and humanities class. I don’t have many works outside of health care and disabilities, but I am searching for a change of pace every now and then.
nobert soloria bermosa, posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
very interesting, nice description,i’ll check it out,thanks
BC Doan, posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
Very pretty description, and the paintings are so gorgeous!
Mike E., posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
Indeed, fun shift in focus topic. I know the scenery and you have helped to share it with many who may never get to see what inspired Van Beek, well done.
Chris A Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
Thanks Nobert! Thanks BC! Your kind comments inspire me.
Chris A Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
Thanks Mike for continuing to support me even with your busy schedule. See you at the Fathers’ Network!
Jimmy Smith, posted this comment on Nov 3rd, 2008
very interesting and great paintings
Chris A Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 4th, 2008
Thanks Jimmy for your comment!
Ruby Hawk, posted this comment on Nov 6th, 2008
It is a beautiful and your description is amazing in detail. I paint as a hobby and I might see what I can do with this one. Take care,Ruby
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 6th, 2008
Thanks Ruby! The art class where I produced this article was the most difficult class I have ever taken.
C Jordan, posted this comment on Nov 9th, 2008
WIthout being able to illustrate the article with the picture this was a bold undertaking and you have pulled it off very well. Full compliments on a very interesting and lucid article.
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 10th, 2008
Thanks Chris for your inspiring and kind comment! It is much appreciated. Blessings to you.
eddiego65, posted this comment on Nov 19th, 2008
The painting is dazzlingly beautiful! Excellent description as well!
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Nov 25th, 2008
Thanks eddiego65! I appreciate your wonderful comment
Blessings to you.
Chris
goodselfme, posted this comment on Nov 29th, 2008
You detailed this well.
Patrick Bernauw, posted this comment on Dec 9th, 2008
A really interesting article! Loved it!
Michele Cameron Drew, posted this comment on Dec 19th, 2008
Very lovely, Chris. Your description of this work is almost poetic. I would love to see this piece. It sounds like both the artist and the person hanging the piece in the gallery have an incredible eye for perspective. Well done. 
-M
Judy Sheldon, posted this comment on Dec 19th, 2008
Beautifully written. Thanks so much for sharing. I have pasted “Sunrise Over Deception Pass” and am waiting to click go. I would love to see this!
God bless & Merry Christmas!
Liane Schmidt, posted this comment on Jan 8th, 2009
Beautiful pictures and interesting article*
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
The Quail, posted this comment on Feb 21st, 2009
Beautifully writen and awesome pictures.
ladybaby, posted this comment on May 1st, 2009
Both the pictures and the story were incredible.
kate smedley, posted this comment on May 28th, 2009
Enjoyed this so much, thanks for sharing, it’s wonderful when a painting inspires you like this.
Leave a Response
-
Follow Us
-
-
-
-
Popular Articles
Darlene McFarlane, posted this comment on Nov 2nd, 2008
Interesting story and beautiful painting. I would like to see this painting, your description of its effects makes a beautiful picture in my mind.
Thank you