Ansel Adams, Thomas Hill, Albert Bierstadt and my uncle, Thomas Kinkade, are just a few of the artists whose visionary imaginations were captured by the sublime beauty of Yosemite Valley. I, myself, have a long history with this magical place, visiting it on several occasions with my father while on one summer ramble or another. It always struck me as true when Dad would comment that the tunnel view at Artist Point was akin to seeing the face of God" as the perspective opens the valley to the wayward traveler. It is this very backdrop that I am using to finish my first series of paintings on America's Wildlands. The Spirit of Yosemite composition captures the iconic images of El Capitan, Half-Dome and Bridalveil Fall while paying homage to the majestic bald eagles that call the Valley home. In the clouds, see a menagerie of tributes to the other places visited on this particular artistic sojourn. While I hope the depiction of the Valley provides ample evidence of true glory in creation, I also wish that the indomitable nature of the spirit be felt as our majestic national symbol soars. Truly, it is impossible to do work that is comparable in standard to any of the mentioned masters of visual art but I sincerely enjoyed the challenge and want to share with you the outcome. And, as always, let me thank you for sharing my adventure in art."Original oil painting. Blad eagle flying through Yosemite. 24" H x 48" W
