As a new dawn breaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, we walk, almost enveloped in darkness, down to the New River’s edge to take in the fresh morning air. Fresh mist moves across the dark water, dancing alongside the reflections made by the magical golden light of an awakening sun. The silence of these early hours is shattered as our presence startles an egret-like bird; the sound of its wings beating for takeoff disturbs our peace for just a moment as our attention goes skyward to watch the grace that comes with flight.
"Daybreak at River's Edge," 2019, by Jason Drake. Oil on linen; 27 inches by 48 inches. Recipient of the Animal Award (second place) at the “14th International ARC Salon (2019–2020).” ARC
