The Rio Grande River exits St. Elena Canyon and abruptly turns southeast, running alongside the very cliffs it has created. The opening of the canyon is just out of view, to the right of the lush embankment of trees in this painting and the Rio Grande is reflecting a sliver of sky as it rolls on downstream.
The shadow of the immense canyon walls silhouette the grass, against the far bank, and distant cliff. This contrast of light and dark is a constant in Big Bend, where retreating to the shadows is a welcome relief from the searing sun.