It took me around 200 hours over a three month period to produce this painting. The first step was to draw the view on an 18 by 24 inch sheet of 90lb. paper. The second step was to re-draw the view on the 30 by 40 inch canvas by referencing the paper drawing. The composition came from four photos I took of the canyon. I use the word referencing because while the total composition remained the same in concept, slight changes had to be made simply because of the size factor. What looks good on a small surface does not once it is expanded to a larger presentation. Adjusts always have to be made. Once the drawing is finished on the canvas the colors are added with a pallet knife for the textures and sheen surfaces that can be achieved with the knife. Brush work was done for form definition accuracy. Back and forth, back and forth between knife and brush to create a seamless unity so the viewer can only see the different application exchanges upon close inspection. Minor touchups were done with a small portrait brush to fill gaps in between different color spaces to complete the painting.