Painting the National Parks: Shenandoah National Park

Monday, May 30, 2011

1st Stop and some other stuff

We went to Shenandoah National Park over spring break, it was a good start for us. We didn't camp but I took a lot of great photos and am working on some studies right now. I'd love to go back with the leaves on the trees. It's an amazingly beautiful park and 3 days simply isn't enough.

This weekend we went to Kaaterskill Falls and the Thomas Cole house, (he was the founder of the Hudson River School... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River_School not really a school) Frederick Church and Albert Bierstadt were other artists from this school and two that were very inspirational to me.

The biggest dilemma I am having now is deciding which season is best in most parks. I'm reworking the route to see if there's a better option. Maybe hitting Rocky Mountain after Washington and then going through Utah into Arizona and California. Timing is everything. Any thoughts anyone?

Traveling the US with my 9 year old and Painting the National Parks.

www.heathersart.com

In this time when National Parks may be on the chopping block I think Ken Burns documentary about these phenominal places should be required viewing for the decision makers. If you haven't seen it, check it out, it's on Netflix streaming right now.

Conner and I are not missing our opportunity to see these magnificent places first hand... I would like to do my part to share their beauty through my paintbrush and my ever curious 9 year old can't wait to be deliciously filthy exploring the nooks and crannies of each park while hopefully spotting a magnitude of wildlife along the way.

Our main mission... for me... painting the National Parks.... for C.... becoming a junior ranger in all of them. I'll be homeschooling Conner of course, and am excited about that process. Our route is being mapped out and I'm nailing the dates down now. If you are along our route and would like to come see us, paint with us, backpack or hike with us, or want us to drop in, let me know, we'd love to see as many of our nationwide friends as we can.

I am going to be posting questions and would love for everyone to send me advice by commenting here.

Conner is keeping a blog as part of his schooling and his is here... http://connersjuniorrangeradventure.blogspot.com/ Conner will start his blog once we get started.

December-March will be time off to create grander paintings of what we've seen and reconnect with friends and family, no matter what we decide to do.

By the way, I am taking orders for paintings and studies so let me know if you're interested.