Betty’s Lake Burns at Sunset

A fiery sky could overwhelm a picture. Here the dark bank, broken stump and foreground dragonfly give the sunset distinct points of rest.

The lake carries the color

Betty’s Lake Burns at Sunset centers the lake beneath a vivid band of orange, coral, and magenta clouds. The horizon remains dark with trees and low vegetation, allowing the color in the sky and its reflection to dominate. A broken stump rises from the water near the center, a distant fountain marks the right side, and a dragonfly rests among the foreground grasses. Those small shapes give scale to a broad, luminous scene.

The fountain at the far right is small enough to notice only after the color. The stump does the opposite: it interrupts the bright water immediately and gives the eye a way to measure the open lake.

Looking across Broemmelsiek Park

The water repeats the sunset in rippled streaks rather than a flat mirror. Reeds and stems along the near bank form a dark, detailed frame, while the stump interrupts the bright reflection with an unmistakable silhouette. The composition holds both the expansive sky and the intimate edge of the lake. Its saturated light, recognizable shoreline details, and contrast between glowing water and shadowed vegetation make this a distinctive Broemmelsiek Park image.

St. Charles County lists lakes for fishing and paddling, trails, and other ways to explore Broemmelsiek Park. The artwork’s collection identity does not by itself establish a precise capture point, date or unaltered documentary scene. For a visit, consult the county park guide for current information.

Bring this view home

The strong horizontal bands suit a framed print or canvas. A puzzle turns the delicate changes from orange to magenta into a slower experience; the greeting card carries the vivid color in a smaller format. Explore the framed print, canvas print, jigsaw puzzle, or greeting card made with this artwork.