Capturing Images : `Magic Hour'

Every piece starts with finding and capturing the perfect reference images that bring ideas to life with clarity and detail. The images also assist in revisiting the feeling of the moment that will form the emotional foundation of the visual story yet to be created.

In a visit to an area of Quebec in 2024 many photos were taken to remind me of the places, people, plants, animals and spirit of the moment. On this particular visit to the island of Isle aux Coudre--there was an ancient apple tree growing along a creek and I thought how beautiful it was with the plump apples ready to be picked.

My absolute love of sunrise and sunset inspired me to immediately choose the name for the piece. `Magic Hour' was in my mind as I pulled together the starting point. I asked myself many questions: What time of day was it? Who else would be watching the sunrise? What color is the sky? What textures stood out? Is this realism or abstract in style? What size and shape is the canvas?

I was inspired by how long had it stood in this spot and wondered what it had seen?