RETROSPECTIVE # 5: SOLSTICE & EQUINOX SKY DIARIES 2010 – 2011

FALL EQUINOX 

Mixed media and watercolor. 40×24″. 2010.

WINTER SOLSTICE

Mixed media and watercolor. 40×24″. 2010.

SPRING EQUINOX

Mixed media and watercolor. 40×24″. 2011.

SUMMER EQUINOX

Mixed media and watercolor. 40×24″. 2011.

 

Early in the year of 2010, I had decided to do four 24 hour sky diary projects of the view from our house of the West Temple, Zion National Park, Utah, each to be painted on the EQUINOXES and SOLSTICES, from fall of  2010 through summer of 2011.

Firstly I printed 100 + water color postcard of a simple line drawing of the scene in gray, using a Gocco Printer from Japan. On which I would paint the scene and sky on the hour for the 24 hour day – all through the day and night.

I then figured out the actual Equinox or Solstice time, using that hour as the middle card (far right third row) I counted 12 hours back and 12 hours forward, giving me the start and finish times for each 24 hour piece. I placed an hour time in the left top corner, cut out of the water color paper – so it would be paintable.

On each Equinox and Solstice I would paint the postcards, on the hour for 24 hours.

I mounted them on large sheets on water could paper and loosely mounted, in separate frames, but to be hung together.

It was a great experience – I loved how much you can see at night – even on the darkest of nights. Also, how much different weather can come through on a 24 hour basis, and how the Temple reflects the different lights.