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Recently, during our return journey home from this year's Maynard Dixon Invitational Camp Out in southern Utah (a story all in it's own), we took a side trip to the Grand Canyon at the decision of my partner, Luke.  I was hesitant at first to do this...visiting the Grand Canyon and painting it's beauty has been on my bucket list for a long time and I felt I needed to give it my full attention, not a last minute, end of an exhausting week and a half long adventure.  However, we did it anyway and I have zero regrets!

When I first approached the edge and looked out I felt like I was in shock - I couldn't move, couldn't think and then came the tears...I was overwhelmed. The word "Profound" came to mind and how well it described what I was witnessing. At that same moment, I felt a little fear at the thought of setting up my easel and painting such a thing...how?? How could I possibly paint this? No pictures, no words could ever properly convey this place. I had to do it though... I wasn't leaving there without trying.

As I set up and began covering the canvas, I felt a humbleness wash over me... I was nothing more than a witness to a profound beauty stretched before me and as a witness, I expressed as best I could the truth as I saw it, as I "felt" it.  It didn't even matter to me how the painting looked, or whether it turned out, it was all about the moment and the experience. A refreshing reminder for an artist who sometimes gets lost in the pressures of the trade.

Painting at Navajo Point

I had a deeply magical first trip to see the Grand Canyon... it exceeded my expectations.

I wasn't ready to leave, but I will return!