Sierra Blanca Massif is a compact cluster of mountain peaks, with the tallest one being Blanca Peak measuring a soaring 14,351ft making it the 4th tallest mountain in the state of Colorado. This formation is part of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Range running along the Eastern side of the valley where I live. The sky over these mountains is known for an incredible display of colors both at sunrise and at sunset.
This is the view is what I get to enjoy everyday on my evening walks. I particularly love the imagery when the mountains have a bright, white snow-pack that is illuminated with the setting sun. When the sun sets across in the West, it leaves a gentle, rosy trail of colors over Blanca. The subtle violets and pinks of winter's alpenglow perfectly frame this most prominent feature seen for miles in every corner of the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado.
As you can see, I combined various effect I experienced to create the atmosphere in my mosaic.
More photos and details of the finished artwork coming later this week!
Don't miss the Pre-Order Sale on the Limited Edition Giclee Print of Blanca Massif Alpenglow: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/blanca-massif-alpenglow-pre-order/
As inspiration, I used the purple and pink vail of light illuminating the mountains in this photo I took. |
I also used aspects of this photo, particularly the pinkish/violet sky and the lighter snow in the foreground. |
I used a black and white printout of one of my photos as a general blue print. |
I matched up the pieces of glass for the sky to create a painterly effect. |
The mosaic is custom framed in my studio - I choose stains for the wood to best highlight the artwork. |
Don't miss the Pre-Order Sale on the Limited Edition Giclee Print of Blanca Massif Alpenglow: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/blanca-massif-alpenglow-pre-order/