In Early Riser, Adam Young captures the serene beauty of a tranquil morning, where the soft light of dawn bathes a coastal landscape in ethereal hues. A row of traditional fishing stages, painted in vibrant reds, stand perched on stilts along a rocky shoreline, their bold colours contrasting against the gentle pastels of the sky and water. The surrounding evergreens rise in the background, their cool blues and greens adding depth and texture to the scene, while the subtle reflection of the stages dances across the calm surface of the water below.
The painting’s soft, diffused light evokes the peaceful quiet of early morning, as the world awakens to the new day. The water, painted in delicate shades of lavender and blue, mirrors the glowing sky and creates a sense of stillness and reflection. The muted tones of the sky and distant trees give the painting an almost dreamlike quality, as though time itself is suspended in this moment of calm.
Young’s use of colour and light in Early Riser captures the quiet beauty of a Newfoundland morning, where the vibrant fishing stages stand as a testament to the resilience and life of the coastal community. The painting invites viewers to experience the serenity and magic of this early hour, where nature and tradition meet in perfect harmony.