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Artful Academia

The musings of an artist, art teacher, and art history lover

The Praying Monk of Camelback Mountain, A little Pious Painting

9/6/2022

4 Comments

 
Painting of Camelback Mountain
Praying Monk, Camelback Mountain, 2022, oil on canvas, 9"X12" Bruce Black
It has been exciting to spend so much time in the studio.  As I am leaning back into landscape painting, I have been wanting to start to paint some of Phoenix's most iconic locations, and of course Camelback Mountain had to be at the top of that list. Camelback Mountain dominates the skyline of the east valley, and thousands of people climb her steep sandstone slopes each year. 
One of the things that I love best about this mountain is the way that it shifts color throughout the day.  You can drive by in the morning, and it will be a bright orange color.  Pass it again in the afternoon, and it might be more of a reddish purple.  In the evening, it can be almost a blood-red hue.  During a storm, it will turn a misty gray.  This mountain is constantly changing outfits to fit its mood. 

Part of Camelback's mystique is the praying monk that sits so piously on its back.  The praying Monk is a sandstone rock formation that nature has carved to resemble a monk kneeling and bent over in prayer.  It's Phoenix's own Christ the Redeemer statue and no matter your faith, its spiritual quality cannot be missed. 

I enjoyed painting this small image of the Monk at sunset, and was not sure that I would be able to capture the way the sun was setting on the mountain.  I also had to work out the details in the foreground and remove some structures that didn't seem to help the composition.  In the end, I think this little painting came out just right.
photo of Camelback Mountain, Phoenix Arizona
Camelback Mountain with clouds
4 Comments
Lisa
12/9/2022 12:09:21 pm

Is “Praying Monk, Camel Back Mountain” for sale? If so, what’s the price? Thanks for your time.

Reply
Bruce Black link
12/12/2022 10:49:51 am

Thank you so much for your interest. At the moment, it is not up for sale. I am attempting to build a body of work in order to submit to some galleries. I have had a few requests for this piece, but I am currently holding on to it.

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Lisa Clarke
3/4/2023 11:31:50 am

My son got married last November in the shadow of Camelback Mountain and I have been searching ever since for a smallish oil painting of same. I keep coming back to your “Praying Monk” piece. Any chance you are ready to sell it? Do you have any Camelback Mountain paintings available to sell? Thanks so much. Lisa

Reply
Bruce Black link
3/6/2023 07:52:00 am

Lisa, yes I am happy to work with you on this. Please contact me directly at [email protected] to work out the details. Thank you so much for your interest in this piece!

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    Author: Bruce Black

    Welcome to Artful Academia:  
    Welcome to my blog, where I celebrate the joy of creative living and the beauty of the arts! As a professional landscape painter and experienced middle school and high school art teacher, I'm passionate about sharing my artistic journey with you. Here, you'll find a treasure trove of my own artwork, insightful art history lessons, engaging art projects, and motivating tips to inspire and support you on your own creative path. Join me as we embark on a journey of artistic exploration and inspiration together!

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