Severe Heat Wave in the Upper Galilee

Severe Heat Wave in the Upper Galilee: Pastel Drawing on Paper,  8.75″ x 5.25″

“I stopped on the roadside to capture on paper the feeling of a relentless summer sun beating down. This drawing began its life as a watercolor but I could barely breathe in that dense hazy heat. I felt as though every bit of moisture is being wrenched from my body and from the earth around me. I could not allow myself the luxury of leisurely painting this water color and building layer upon layer of loving color, so I took out some pastels and wildly rendered the scene before me. I had to work quickly as you can see from the almost frenzied strokes because I was afraid I would just melt away.” ~ Ednah

This dynamic piece reflects Ednah’s urgent response to the oppressive heat of summer, a feeling that radiates from the paper. The initial intent of a watercolor transforms into a vibrant pastel drawing, capturing the intensity of the moment with each stroke. The chaotic energy of the pastels conveys the overwhelming heat and the artist’s sense of urgency, bringing the viewer into the heart of the experience.

The frenetic strokes mirror the relentless sun above, with vivid hues exploding across the page, emphasizing the sweltering atmosphere that seems to vibrate with life. Each color choice reflects the intensity of the heat—the warm yellows and oranges depict the blazing sun, while deeper shades evoke the parched earth struggling to maintain its vitality.

This artwork, Severe Heat Wave in the Upper Galilee in Israel, is not just a visual representation but an emotional testament to the power of nature and the artist’s connection to it. The urgency in the brushwork invites viewers to feel the suffocating heat and the desire to capture a fleeting moment before it fades away.

The interplay of light and shadow in the pastel application adds depth to the landscape, enhancing the feeling of being enveloped by the oppressive summer sun. This drawing stands as a powerful reminder of the natural world’s impact on our senses and experiences, capturing both the beauty and brutality of summer. Through this Severe Heat Wave in the Upper Galilee in Israel artwork, Ednah invites us to appreciate the fleeting moments of heat and the rawness of life, making it a striking addition to any collection that seeks to celebrate the relationship between artist and environment.