Sunrise Sunset

 Am I continuing my orange theme on purpose, or is this just a coincidence?


Honestly... I don’t even know anymore. While the goal of A Burnt Orange is to explore and reflect on art that feels meaningful or interesting to me, it seems many of these works naturally lean toward the warm end of the spectrum. I guess orange really is my north star.





This striking digital piece by Aaron Jordan Gabaldon is one I bought a few years ago. It’s full of orange tones- burnt, glowing, and deep, and I loved it immediately. I met Aaron about ten years ago through my sister; they both went to Vassar College. He originally posted this work on November 7, 2020 as part of the Huevember challenge- an art prompt project where participants create work based on a different hue each day of November. It’s similar in spirit to Inktober, another month-long art challenge we’ve both taken part in.

Aaron and I used to laugh and roll our eyes about Inktober when we didn’t love the prompts. I’m the type who’ll still try to follow through even if I’m not feeling inspired. It’s a challenge, after all. But Aaron is more likely to skip a prompt that doesn’t genuinely spark something in him. I respect that too. It shows in his work. 



I ended up framing this piece and first hung it in the hallway. Eventually it found its way into my room, where it now lives above my painted wood panel Nena Fania and a cool whimsical postcard I stumbled across online- one that mashes up Van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, and Frida Kahlo on a surreal road trip to somewhere fantastic.


Aaron and I are hoping to catch up soon for a casual interview here on A Burnt Orange. I’m really looking forward to chatting with him about his inspirations, process, and whatever else comes up, and giving him a space to share where folks can find more of his work.

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