DAWN

At dawn, the river awakens cloaked in a mist that shimmers with the first blush of the sun. The sky, a canvas of muted rose and lavender, bleeds into the water, creating a symphony of soft pastels. As the sun ascends, the mist evaporates, revealing the river's true colors - a deep, rich turquoise that dances with emerald green shadows cast by the towering pines lining the banks. The water becomes a mirror, reflecting the sky's vibrant palette, a spectacle that leaves the beholder breathless.

MIDDAY

Midday brings a blaze of light. The sun, a fiery orb perched high above, bathes the landscape in its golden embrace. The river glistens, a shimmering path of liquid gold. Whitecaps, like playful brushstrokes, dance on the surface, contrasting the serene turquoise depths. On the horizon, the blue sky deepens, its vastness a counterpoint to the intricate tapestry woven by the trees and water.

SUNSET

As twilight descends, the sun dips below the horizon, igniting the sky in a fiery display of color. Crimson bleeds into orange, then into fiery yellows, painting the clouds with strokes of unimaginable vibrancy. The water, once a mirror, becomes a canvas of molten gold, reflecting the fiery spectacle above. This breathtaking display reminds us of the ephemeral nature of beauty, a fleeting moment to be cherished before the darkness engulfs it.

NIGHT

But the darkness is not without its own beauty. Under the cloak of night, the river transforms into a canvas dotted with twinkling stars, their light reflected in the water like scattered diamonds. The moon, a luminous pearl in the inky black sky, casts an ethereal glow on the water, creating a sense of serenity and peace. The silence is broken only by the lapping of waves against the shore, a gentle rhythm that lulls the soul into a state of tranquility.

LIGHT

This interplay of light and dark, color and contrast, is echoed in the captivating art of Cheryl Johnson. Her secret forests, awash in vibrant hues, transport the viewer to hidden sanctuaries where nature reigns supreme. The intricate details and bold brushstrokes evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting the viewer to explore the depths of the forest and discover its hidden secrets.

COLOR EMERGES

Similarly, her abstract paintings are a symphony of color and texture, where contrasting elements create a sense of dynamic energy. Bold colors burst onto the canvas, juxtaposed with soft, muted tones. The rough texture of the paintwork contrasts with smooth, flowing lines, creating a visual dialogue that engages the viewer's senses.

CELEBRATE

Like the St. Lawrence River, Johnson's art celebrates the beauty of imperfection. The interplay of light and dark, the juxtaposition of vibrant colors, and the contrast between smooth and rough textures all contribute to the overall beauty and energy of her work. Just as the river is shaped by the interplay of natural forces, her art is shaped by her own personal experiences and emotions, offering a glimpse into the artist's soul.

AFFINITY FOR PLACE

Both the St. Lawrence River and the art of Cheryl Johnson are testament to the power of observation and appreciation. They remind us to slow down, to savor the beauty that surrounds us, and to find inspiration in the everyday world. In the ever-changing dance of light and dark, color and contrast, we find a reflection of our own lives, a reminder that the truest beauty lies not in perfection, but in the embrace of our unique stories and the vibrant tapestry of our experiences.