Salt Creek Park is a moody, atmospheric plein air nocturne oil painting that captures the deep blues and mysterious beauty of Salt Creek Park in Savannah, Georgia. This 11″ × 14″ work on canvas panel was Don Yaun’s first attempt at a plein air nocturne. He and a friend arrived a little late, forcing a fast setup as darkness fell. Don managed to sketch the composition and block in the basic tones and reflections before finishing the piece in the studio.
A warm glow from a light pole created the focal point as it lit the entrance to the fishing dock. The warm lit doc beautifully contrast with the rich blues and dark greens of the night. Bold impasto strokes applied with a palette knife give the painting a vibrant, almost Van Gogh-like energy. The result is a striking contradiction — a dark scene that still feels bright and alive.
About Salt Creek Park Salt Creek Park is a peaceful community park and boat ramp facility located along U.S. Highway 17 in Savannah. It offers fishing docks, picnic areas, a playground, and direct access to the tidal creeks and marshes of the Savannah River estuary. The park sits in an area with deep historical roots — much of the surrounding low country was once part of rice plantations that used an intricate system of canals and dikes for irrigation and transportation. Today it provides a quiet natural escape close to the city.