The Keeper of Twilight – Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
36″ x 24″ x 2″ – Original Acrylic and Oil Painting on Canvas
Brian Christopher Zickafoose © 2016
Approximately 150+ Hours
About the Artwork
Hues of autumn and twilight color the sky, as the mighty screech owl emerges from a hidden nook. This fantastic scene was inspired by an overnight hiking trip at the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area with my wife and children in 2015. The haunting crystal moon was brilliant and filled the night sky with pale blue luminescence. Our heads were weary from our travels when we arrived upon our quarters. I unloaded the last of our gear from the vehicle when suddenly a screech owl’s shattering cry startled me from the tree line. I turned to look and behold, a piercing gaze caught me cold and we locked eyes for what seemed like eternity. The owl scanned my soul intently and seemed to examine every aspect of being. I began to squirm under its scrutiny and stepped hard on a twig. Snap! The sound alarmed my feathered friend and in a flash of lightning, the fierce screech owl took to the night. That was the last I saw of it. The next morning we ate breakfast ravenously in preparation for our hike through the beautiful landscape at Seneca Rocks. My encounter with the owl the night before stuck with me throughout the day and later in the evening as we rested, I sketched the initial roughs that would eventually become this painting. Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
We ventured north to the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in Wappingers Falls, NY over the weekend of August 9-10 for the Annual CoSM Members BBQ, Full Moon Celebration and Lightbody Art Church with our hosts, world-renowned visionary artists, Alex and Allyson Grey. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.
Gruss vom Krampus Funk from your friends at BrianZickafoose.com.
Have you been naughty or nice this year? I’m pretty sure Krampus is going to get a few of you.
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This time of year the whole world over, folks gather round with friends and loved ones to reflect on the highlights of year that has passed and the abundance of blessings it has brought. It is a time to be thankful for all the wonderful fruits that the universe has provided for us and to remember those who have been less fortunate.
The essence of the season is more than just the giving of physical gifts, it is the sharing of love, helping others and coming together as a community.
One doesn’t always have to buy things to get in the spirit of giving. Sometimes free stuff is the best. Pass along a smile. Hug someone. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Random acts of kindness are really contagious.
Regardless of what religious tradition or spiritual path you may follow, we sincerely hope each every one of you have an amazing, and safe, holiday season.
About the Artwork
Gruss vom Krampus Funk – Digital vector illustration created on a Wacom Bamboo tablet in Adobe Illustrator by Brian C. Zickafoose – December 5, 2013. Zenna (18 months) and Xia (3 years) Zickafoose are illustrated in the basket.[/read]