New Painting Pilgrimage

Cathedral Rock Pilgrimage, 12 x 12 inches
Acrylic on Wood, Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle

I recently finished my first Sedona landscape painting, Cathedral Rock Pilgrimage. It's a rather small acrylic painting, 12 x 12 inches that I began en Plein air.

It is a view of Cathedral Rock as seen sitting at Bell Rock with the glorious century plant in bloom not far from where I was sitting.  See my first post with more in process photos.

Cathedral Rock is the 2nd most photographed site in the world. It looks different from every angle in which you see it.

Its name, Cathedral Rock, suggests something sacred. As I worked on this painting in the studio, a sacred pilgrimage was suggested as the rocks seem to be walking along the golden path. I see in my imagination a cloaked monk figure. Can you see it? I didn't paint it in. I left it to your imagination. Perhaps this painting speaks to you of something else. Do tell. Drop me a line.

Me, Mary Gravelle, at the top of Cathedral Rock,
end of the hiking trail.

In some ways, I think of my move to Sedona as an unknown pilgrimage. The journey to reach this destination was long, and arduous, requiring a great amount of spiritual strength and stamina. It began when I left Silver City in May of 2012. I'm glad I am on the other side of it now, I'm home. And great things are happening.

En Plein Air beginnings
Cathedral Rock Pilgrimage, 12 x 12 inches
Acrylic on Wood, Copyright 2015 Mary Gravelle

I also think another way of defining a pilgrimage is as the dark night of the soul or the hero's journey. Have you taken a pilgrimage? What was the impetus to move you to do it? What did it require of you? What was waiting for you on the other side? I would love to hear if you want to share, drop me a note.

Until Next Week

• Create art
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Mary Gravelle (Brianna Rush)

The handsome, Sir Kitty. Meow.

About the author: Brianna Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.