On this particular morning in Cades Cove, I was behind a line of cars crawling down the one lane blacktop. Brake lights were all on, off for a couple seconds, then on again.

The morning mist was thick and the air was thin. I remember wishing I had a warmer jacket as I strolled away from the line of cars hoping to find a vantage point that just might get it all in. It rarely happens that everything comes together, and I hear music in the background as I take a photo! This day was no different, but the sun was eager to shine its light on the landscape, and that is what caught my attention. Everyone else was there to see the fall color or an elusive bear, but I was after the light. I took this photo and smiled inside when I reviewed it on my camera screen.

As you can see, it was the mood that I was interested in when starting this painting. I arranged and rearranged some barns and a cabin, and decided to make it feel like I felt that morning, walking on my own through this picturesque countryside – nothing was planned. There was no centerpiece. There was just the randomness of nature and the addition of a family farm which I would see in a few minutes around the corner.

Then out of my imagination and longing, stroll a herd of deer into the pasture from a thicket on the left. Oh, did you hear that? It sounds like turkeys in the woods over there. Maybe they will come out too. There is something about these dawn moments that stir the soul and helps us anticipate excitement and adventure in our life.  With Morning at Cades Cove, I want to invite you to your new day. It is bursting with color, sound, and light so go ahead and enter it with anticipation.

~ Mark Keathley

18x27 S/N  (95):    $895 Framed   or   $695 Canvas
18x27 A/P  (15):   $1395 Framed   or  $1195 Canvas
24x36 S/N  (25):   $1395 Framed   or  $1075 Canvas
24x36 A/P  (10):   $1995 Framed   or  $1675 Canvas

Note:
A/P edition is embellished by the artist.  S/N edition is embellished by an artist on staff.
Above prices represent Publisher’s suggested issue release price.  Each Gallery is independently owned and operated and
prices may vary.  Also, Limited edition art may sell for higher prices on the secondary market after they are sold out