This multi-media piece is signed and professionally printed on luxurious 11x14 (artwork reveal 9x12) archival textured fine art paper- 310gm, 100% cotton, acid and lignin free.

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From what I understand the word Petoskey is based on a Native American word meaning "rising sun" or "rays of the dawn". With their hexagonally shaped sun pattern it doesn't take much of a leap to then understand how Petoskey stones got their name.

I really liked that definition when I learned it. At that time I had also recently seen the tightly packed seeds in a milkweed pod and thought they would make an interesting representation of water so between those two things the overall motif for this painting was born. I also wanted to include the feeling of awe and the smallness one sometimes feels as a human when natural phenomenon are revealed in a majestic way so in came the small quiet sunfish on a morning sail (also, I've just always loved Sunfish sailboats- everything from their classic and evergreen design to their beautiful and ever-changing sail colors).

In the study I brought the orange from the sky down on to the water for a natural representation of its reflection but left it off on this piece. When I reached the stage in the final painting where the sky and the water are as you see them I was getting ready to add orange on the water but stopped because really liked how separate the sky and water are and how the water feels very cool and the sky feels very hot but when looked at together there is a balancing effect. It's been a hot summer and I am so grateful for our area's cooling waters.

This is the first time I've painted on cotton paper and it's pretty great for allowing rich deep colors. This is one I'd love for people enjoy as a print (and in person at a show one day soon!).

Anyhow, soak in as many "rays of dawn" and swims in cooling waters as life will allow. Thanks for having a look.

-Nate