Originally ment to be a fictitious view from a rediculoulsly high mountain. I was going to paint a mountain climber in that scene for a "Going Beyond All Limintations" moutain gear advertisment.

"Adrift on a Comet" Copyright R. A. Symonds, July 1985, acrylic on masonite, 24" x 31"

Inspired by the vast, more absolute expressions of nature, I tried to paint the face of God only to realize God is in all galaxies, stars, and natural phenomena, events, etc.

"Radio Galaxy" Copyright R. A. Symonds 1984, oil on canvas, 5" x 8"

Many layers of acrylic, varnish, and finally oils created a three-dimensional effect not visible in this photograph. Astronomy, space exploration, nature and mysticism were often the main sources of my inspiration.

"Orion Nebula" Copyright R. A. Symonds 1981, acrylic on canvas, 26" x 22"

This was one of my earliest projects lasting for many months. Many of my largest paintings took years. The Andromeda Galaxy can be seen near the center of this mysterious "Pantagonia" style moutainscape cut through the center, revealing a "window" to other astronomical dimensions.

"Mountain Universe" Copyright R. A. Symonds 1980, acryilc on canvas, 24 x 48"