Galaxy Over Sunrise by Rachel Noffke

Galaxy Over Sunrise
Rachel Noffke
Acrylic on canvas
36"h x 24"w x 1.5"d, unframed
2026

This piece depicts a view above Earth's clouds, showing the Earth turning into a sunrise. At the same time, in the early morning light, we can still see a galaxy above the sunrise, sprinkled with stars. My hope is that the painting inspires a reflection on our existence and recognizes our significance in a universe that is so vast and beautiful.

Get to Know the Austin Artist:
My work varies between the abstract and the representational. My abstract pieces tend to contain bold colors, patterns, and repeating shapes or objects, as I like to experiment with how those objects and colors react with each other and whether that reaction causes the viewer to stay longer with the painting. In both types of paintings, I enjoy referring to a color, pattern, or shape (or even historical event or memory) that I think most people would recognize or have a connection to and then incorporating that connection and feeling into the painting. I also like to substitute 2-dimensional objects or patterns for 3-dimensional parts of the painting especially when that substitution creates a common reference. My inspiration is usually based on a color palette or pattern that I have an emotional reaction to. By design or happenstance, those colors or images relate to a memory or idea or feeling and if possible I will incorporate that memory into the painting.