National Parks
I began painting some of the US National Parks shortly in April 2020, after the Trump administration announced they were seeking to open uranium mining in areas bordering the Grand Canyon. Past uranium extraction in this land, sacred to indigenous people, polluted their drinking water and poisoned their air. This announcement, added to the disruptive chaos due to COVID lockdown, caused me to hunker down and do a series of artworks that I felt would connect me closer to the beauty and majesty of our natural land.
Zion 30”w x 30”h Acrylic on canvas 2020
The massive sandstone cliffs of red, pink and cream captured my imagination while walking through Zion National Park. I chose Zion to be the first painting of my National Park series. As you can see, it is rather strong in color and line. I felt as though I was focusing onto a canvas my fears, worries and frustrations of COVID and negative Trump administration rhetoric.
Bryce Canyon 30”w x 22”h Ink on Gessoed paper 2019
I visited Bryce Canyon in 2019 and did this meditative drawing soon afterwards. You can find the largest collection of “hoodoos” (spire shaped rock formations) in the world, in the canyon. They are mesmerizing and fascinating and almost unbelievable!
Golden Gate Park, 30x30
Grand Prismatic Spring 30” x 30” Acrylic on canvas 2020
The magnificent colors found in the springs in Yellowstone National Park call out “Paint me!!” My version of this Grand Prismatic Spring required more than 25 coats of fine acrylic misting. The turquoise color gradually acquired a glow and a depth. I loved doing this piece.
Lone Tree in Bryce Canyon 30” x 30” Acrylic on canvas 2020
Just thinking of Bryce Canyon, an expansive natural reserve in southern Utah, brings to mind the huge numbers of strange, crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. Because of the challenging times – COVID and Trump Administrations ministrations – I felt a need to paint a symbol of strength, hence the singular bristlecone pine standing tall and straight.
Sacred Cave 30” x 30” Acrylic on canvas 2020
There are areas in Southern Utah that pulsate with ancient sacredness. To get away from the toxic news cycles, I felt a need to paint this cave of quiet and tranquility.
Smoky Mountains 30” x 30” acrylic on canvas 2020
“Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park”. (from the National Park Servicer!) I just had to paint it!!
Grand Teton 30” w x 30”h Acrylic on canvas 2020
My most favorite mountains in the world are the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I left this piece as my last in the series of National Parks. The flower is the Indian Paintbrush – another of my favorites.