"Sunfire Dance Over Winter's Embrace" , an 11" x 14" gouache painting, captures the contrast of a winter forest under a vibrant sky. Dark, leafless trees stretch across the canvas, their intricate pattern standing stark against a fiery backdrop. The sky swirls from bold oranges to subtle purples, a radiant sun casting its ethereal glow over the scene. Snow-covered ground in the foreground heightens the drama, offering a cold, striking counterpoint to the warmth above.

The inspiration came from a photograph by Thomas Mabary on the Appalachian Trail. The image of swirling fog, snow, and bare trees against a blazing sky resonated deeply with me. The quote accompanying the photo, describing a subzero sunrise, sparked a desire to create an expressionistic interpretation.

A unique aspect of this artwork is its creation on an all-black gouache underpainting. This choice intensified the contrast and depth, emphasizing the starkness and beauty of winter's embrace beneath the sun's fiery dance.