You are invited to the 16th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art! Plein air painting begins on Saturday September, 7 and continues through September 14, 2024. I am super excited to return to this amazing event at one of my favorite places on earth! The exhibition of paintings from the event remains on display at the Kolb Studio near the Bright Angel Trailhead at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through January 20, 2025.
Learn more about the event on the website, and check back for updates as paintings become available online: 16th Annual Celebration of Art at Grand… | Grand Canyon Conservancy
Here is a slideshow of photos from last year’s event:
8×8 oil
7.5×12 oil
8×10 oil
SOLD
6×8 oil
SOLD
10×10 oil
8×10 oil SOLD
8×8 oil
8×10 oil
SOLD
9×12 oil
SOLD
I have always been captivated by the Grand Canyon and strongly feel the place inspired me to become an artist. My first backpacking trip was at the age of thirteen on the South Bass Trail during a warm weekend in June. Since that hike, I was hooked, returning for annual multi-day hiking trips in the Grand Canyon. During these hikes, I will photograph and sketch for future paintings. I can paint for months based off of these awe-filled adventures. I also enjoy the challenge of plein air painting: being outdoors, painting from life, and capturing a fleeting moment. In recent years, I’ve packed in an oil painting set to capture the hiking experience in plein air at from around our campsites inside the Grand Canyon. I grew up in Prescott, AZ, just a couple hour drive to the South Rim. This closeness has its advantages, which I fully used to view the Grand Canyon in all kinds of lighting and weather. Furthermore, I’ve seen the exhibits at Kolb Studios over the years and wanted to become part of the Art Festival to share my impressions of the Grand Canyon. It was an honor to participate in the 2023 Celebration of Art event for the first time and would be excited to be there again. I am captivated by color and light, especially at the Grand Canyon. When I paint in the studio it is often with a palette knife, enjoying the sculptured textures I can create. I feel these knife textures mimic the rocky crags of the Grand Canyon. I find endless inspiration in nature and wish to create an escape for my viewers. My use of color and texture are meant to captivate the imagination and bring the awe I felt directly into the painting.