Who loves music? Who loves outdoor concerts? Who loves Red Rocks Colorado? This painting by cool artist extraordinaire John Bukaty captures the outdoor music experience and was painted from "stage right" during this concert by funk band Lettuce at the famous venue Red Rocks in Colorado. Bukaty is a rock star of an artist and gets to hang out on stage with headlining bands and do his paintings in the midst of all the action, in this case en plein air. Van Gogh would be jealous. Humans and nature are co-existing at perhaps their most joyful and harmonious in this composition. The fresh air and musical energy lend style to the groovy curves of the blue, pink and gold sky in this breathtaking mountain sunset, a right-to-left rendering of a glowing Western panorama.
The celestial is punctuated by a selection of very large and eponymous Red Rocks, as well as a line of healthy green trees that stand tall as they become shaded with painted nightfall. A bright round aperture of a moon draws our eye up to the left and then we find the band amongst the large rock formations. In the palm of this universe’s hand, they are gentle on the earth’s surface, temporary guests in this sublime location. The crowd is sharing the good vibes at this show, their full attention on the musicians on the stage, who are leading the scene with their songs and funky music. Among the musicians at lower left, the viewer can make out the brass section, the keyboard, the drumstick in the air, the guitars - the band itself a complementary part of the scenery at this vortex. The musicians do have some skeleton appearance and I wonder if one can’t help but include an homage to the Grateful Dead, whose Red Rocks shows are iconic. 36” x 60” Acrylic on Canvas.
Prints available as well – please email for details: info@gypsysunartgallery.com.