moonlit butte
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Moonlit Butte is a small oil painting, just 3 by 4 inches, that focuses on a local mountain peak overlooking our town. I worked entirely with a palette knife to build texture and form, using shades of black, white, and gray to bring out the rugged character of the rock. Set against a solid turquoise background, the peak stands out sharply, its surfaces catching light and shadow in dynamic relief. A simple white circle to the right suggests the moon, adding a quiet, steady light to the scene. This contrasts with the rough textures of the mountain while grounding the composition in a moment of calm and clarity. The piece reflects an ongoing interest in how landscape shapes identity and memory, especially in places we come to know intimately.
