Broken Top from Dutchman Flat

I had photographed this view many times during the seven years I've lived in Central Oregon. But it wasn't until I painted it on the spot that I tried painting it at all. All of my reference photos presented a very boring composition. But with my focus on the spectacular light and shadow of that moment in time, I took a few liberties to make the composition work. This studio piece is based on the plein air study.