The Story Behind “Sedona’s 1st Light”

“Sedona’s 1st Light” is one of only four oil paintings I created before moving into acrylics. The others—Creekside Cathedral, Sailing Sedona’s Sky, and Monument Valley—each marked a chapter in my evolution as a Sedona artist. This painting, the fourth, captures the spiritual hush of dawn when Sedona’s red rock formations awaken under the first rays of light.

It shares a deep kinship with my first oil, Creekside Cathedral, which was licensed by Warner Bros. for use in a media series and later sold during the American Contemporary Art Show in Guangzhou, China. That piece rekindled my creative energy after a long hiatus, and “Sedona’s 1st Light” brought that journey full circle—closing the oil-painting era that began my rediscovery.

Standing by Oak Creek, I watched the sunlight break over Cathedral Rock, spilling across the water in gold and crimson reflections. I wanted this Sedona painting to reflect that balance—where the earth, sky, and spirit come together. The result is a luminous artwork full of emotion and renewal, embodying everything I love about Sedona’s luminous landscapes and Southwest art.

A Bridge Between Eras

“Sedona’s 1st Light” symbolizes transition. It was my final oil before I fully embraced acrylics, opening the door to my “Vivid Mystical Landscapes” series and the glowing color energy that defines my newer work. The composition reflects my fascination with Sedona’s shapes and light, while the palette hints at the vibrancy that soon emerged in my high-chroma acrylics.

Today, this piece acts as a bridge between the traditional warmth of oils and the vibrant brightness of acrylics—a key part of my Sedona Paintings collection and a proud symbol of Sedona Artwork that continues to inspire collectors worldwide.

The Heart of It All

Art lights up the same part of your brain as

falling in love—it’s an unforgettable feeling.

Collector’s Note

“Sedona’s 1st Light” is available as giclée art prints, canvas gallery wraps, Luminous Metal Prints, and Gift Art Photo Plaques, bringing the serenity of Sedona’s mornings into any room. This luminous desert landscape painting celebrates Sedona Art’s connection between light and emotion.

My work is also featured at the Village Gallery in Sedona—a Sedona art gallery devoted exclusively to hand-made artwork by local artists, and widely regarded as the true heart of Sedona’s local art scene. You can also find my work at Creative Gateways, a contemporary Sedona gallery that offers a welcoming mix of fine art and jewelry across a range of price points, as well as at Desert Valley Gallery in Las Vegas at Tivoli Village, where creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship come together in a unique and inspiring setting.