Painting Elephant's Feet, Arizona

Elephant's Feet, AZ, 9" X 12", oil on panel, Bruce Black, $850

​In the midst of my 8th-grade year, a remarkable backpacking journey through the Arizona Desert unfolded, leading my friend, his father, and me to the iconic Rainbow Bridge on Lake Powell. However, before starting our nearly thirty-mile hike, we first camped beneath the imposing Elephant’s Feet rocks, nestled in the heart of the Navajo Nation.  Little did I realize then that this unplanned pitstop would etch itself into my memories even more vividly than the ensuing hike.

The mesmeric beauty of the Navajo Nation's mesas served as our backdrop, with the surreal presence of the Elephant's Feet monoliths standing sentinel in the landscape. There was something enchanting about sleeping under the shadow of those majestic pillars, an experience that lingered in my mind and beckoned me back to it years later.

Upon rediscovering the snapshots of those Elephant's Feet in my old photo collection, an undeniable urge to capture their essence on canvas took hold. The result of that inspiration is the painting before you—a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty that nature crafted in the heart of the Arizona Desert. The intricate details of the rocks, the play of light and shadow on their surfaces, all translated onto the canvas to immortalize a moment frozen in time.

As I reflect on this artistic endeavor, I can't help but anticipate future creations. Another rendition of the Elephant's Feet may grace my easel, and the Rainbow Bridge, a symbol of our arduous yet rewarding trek, awaits its turn for artistic expression.

​The journey through the Arizona Desert, the unexpected rendezvous with Elephant's Feet, and the ultimate destination of Rainbow Bridge have become integral chapters in my personal narrative—a narrative that continues to unfold on the canvas of my artistic endeavors.

A little background on Elephants Feet, AZ.  

The Elephant's Feet are iconic geological formations located within the Navajo Nation in Arizona. These towering sandstone pillars, resembling colossal elephant legs, stand as sentinels in the vast and mesmerizing landscape of the Navajo Nation.
​
Situated near the Utah-Arizona border, Elephant's Feet is renowned for its distinctive rock formations, which have been shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion. The Navajo people hold these structures in high cultural and spiritual esteem, often attributing sacred significance to the surrounding land.

Visitors to Elephant's Feet are treated to a surreal panorama of towering monoliths that seem to defy gravity. The reddish-brown hues of the sandstone against the backdrop of the sprawling desert create a visual spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness it.

In my painting, I’ve attempted to captured not just the physicality of Elephant's Feet but also the essence of a place steeped in cultural significance and geological marvel. The decision to revisit this moment through my artwork is a testament to the enduring impact of this unique corner of Arizona's landscape on my personal journey.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram.  You can also find all my current paintings at: www.bruceblackart.com

INSTAGRAM