During the spring of 2017, I was fortunate to go on a painting trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, with dear artist friends. There were 6 of us in two cars, driving from Santa Cruz California, and a few more met us on location. Sharing this kind of adventure with other artists is not only great fun, it also adds safety, support and inspiration along the way. We broke the 750 mile trip into two segments, and spent a couple nights on the way. This also gave us a chance to paint in Sedona, which I will share in a separate post.

Driving into Grand Canyon National Park we were surprised by a snow storm. What started as a few flurries, rapidly turned into a few feet of visibility. The ground was quickly covered by falling snow, including the road. Good thing I had my years of growing up in Germany and driving icy roads in the winter to draw on! The Drive became a meditation of focus…following in the “footsteps” of the car in front of us, one breath at a time.

However, the dusting of snow added a magic glow to this already awesome place. After quickly settling into Yavapai Lodge (which we loved by the way, a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Canyon Village), we hurried to the Canyon rim to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. Wow! I was truly speechless, overpowered by the beauty of the place.

GRAND CANYON – MORAN POINT ~ Tuesday April 4th, 2017

The next morning, we awoke to brilliant sunshine reflecting off fresh fallen snow. Despite being hit by a bad bout of altitude sickness and a sore throat, I could not contain my excitement, and ventured out with the group.

As our first site, we chose Moran Point, which is named after the famous landscape painter Thomas Moran. I so admire his work, it was exhilarating to stand in the same place he did, and to take on this awesome view.

Though I have been to the Grand Canyon several times, and did research on how to paint the grandeur, nothing can truly prepare you for standing in front of this jaw dropping window into earth’s history! Attempting to translate these awe-inspiring vistas into convincing paintings is truly a GRAND challenge.

Being a California coastal painter, I am used to rocky shores, however painting the ocean is infinitely more forgiving than attempting these vast vistas, and endless layers of geological formations. As an artist, especially one rooted in impressionism, I strive to simplify nature’s complexity, while communicating the essence, soul and spirit of the place. The Grand Canyon is a demanding and powerful teacher on this journey.

GRAND CANYON – ALONG DESERT DRIVE
Wed April 5 2017, morning

The next day, we drove along desert drive, scouting for a morning painting spot. This awesome vista stopped us in our tracks, and we quickly set up our gear (as quickly as it ever is for me, never the fastest of the pack…). The blues and purples in the shadows were stunning, as was the contrast of the forested foreground mountain, and the distant atmospheric layers.

 

 

 

Stunning – and CHALLENGING! The beauty of this place is overwhelming and complex, and the quickly changing weather and cloud formations vary the light constantly. Sure, as plein air painters we are used to this, but at the Grand Canyon the countless rock formations are like chameleons in the changing light. Just when you think you’ve established a workable pattern, it transforms…

What helps? Of course, as always, working quickly, and staying with your design of light and shadow, even as it changes. And, in my case, I finished my paintings in the studio, from reference photos. This allowed me to relax into the experience of painting this awesome place, without the added pressure of having to finish. Being a slow painter to start with, I have learned that going at my own pace is what I enjoy.

GRAND CANYON – AT MATHER POINT ~ Wednesday, April 5th, 2017, late afternoon

After taking a much needed break, we tackled Mather Point in the late afternoon. By tackled I don’t just mean the challenging views, but also the unimaginable crowds! This spot is so beloved (understandably) that it feels like the “Disneyland” of the Grand Canyon.

My friend and I climbed up on a ledge, to escape the constant stream of folks, just so we wouldn’t get run over. From our artist’s perch, the view was spectacular, and awe inspiring.

Painting is a spiritual experience for me anyway, yet witnessing the evening glow and glorious sunset along with everyone else, and doing our best to capture this spectacle on canvas, was truly a high point.

GRAND CANYON – GRANDVIEW Thursday, April 6th, 2017

Grandview point is amazingly gorgeous.  We found the perfect painting location, nestled among the trees and away from the crowds.  Heaven, especially after busy Mather Point!

My friend Jean and I picked the a special spot, opening up into a grand vista, while my friend Eunice painted the magical dusting of snow on the towering canyon walls.

The view was so breathtaking, I wish I had wings and could just fly over it.  The earth spirit of this place is so powerful, we almost belted out Indian chants.  Fortunately for any bystanders, I just sang in my head instead, and moved my paint brush to the soulful rhythm of the canyon.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the last painting of the trip. I finished these works in my studio, from reference photos and awesome memories.  Touching them up at home brought me right back to the wild beauty of the Grand Canyon. I hope to create some larger studio paintings from all this inspiration as well.

We finished this wonderful adventure with a lovely group dinner at the majestic Grand Canyon Lodge, sharing our stories and a fabulous meal.  These precious memories will last a life time!