I had so many great photos from the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, but I chose this one because I love the American Flag Balloon and that not all the balloons were lit up at the same time making this a more interesting composition for me. All the lights made is seem almost like a Circus Midway and there was a lot of excitement in the air. The lighting also made the water in the lake a glowing greenish bluish color that was so fun to paint. All of the sides on this cradled wood panel have been painted to continue the painting onto the sides.

"The Glow" at a Balloon fest is when they tether the balloons and light them up alternating between them all being lit up at once and then 'twinkle time' where they go on/off  on/off  and they all look like their twinkling. The 'OWA' in the title is the Muscogee Creek Tribe word for 'water' and by capitalizing it it becomes "Big Water". OWA is the name of the amusement and water parks on which the balloon fest takes place. The Muscogee Creek Nation owns the land and the park. They are originally from Okmulgee, Oklahoma. This balloon fest happens every year in my hometown and is free to attend so if you're ever in Foley, Alabama check out their festival and events schedule. It is a very friendly and very busy town and we're only 7 miles from the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.