William Keith's Sunset Glow showcases a forested and mountainous California landscape, soon to be shrouded by thick evening cloud cover. A lone hunter in the lower left passes quietly along a winding trail that connects him to the impressive panorama stretching into the distance. Despite the painting's appearance of topographical accuracy, Keith likely composed it in keeping with his belief that "an artist ought to go to nature as a poet does, selecting and combining in order to make his impression the stronger."
His subjective approach to painting landscape was influenced by George Inness, whom he met in 1891. Keith's love of nature was also nurtured through his friendship with legendary conservationist John Muir.
