Back to Plein Air
Every year my family takes an annual trip to the Smokies. I have been going to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since I was 3 months old, and we have always camped. This year, I added a new activity.
Last September (2023), I was selected for the Great Smoky Mountains artist-in-residency program. I lived in the park for one month, painting every day. My goal during this time was to get better at plein air painting. Therefore, on our annual summer trip to the GSMNP this year, I brought my painting supplies with me.
Attempt #1: Smokemont Campground
Normally we camp at Smokemont campground. One of the more popular campgrounds in the park, located about 6 miles from Cherokee, NC. A small stream called the Bradley fork runs alongside the campground, a once bustling sawmill. You can still find tracks from the old railroad along parts of the Bradley Fork.
The Bradley Fork eventually runs into the Oconaluftee River, sacred to the native Cherokee. The confluence of the river is right at the base of the campground and easily accessible. This is where I decided to paint.
From my vantage point, I had a nice view of the whitewater of the confluence. Above, green grass lining the busy highway 441. My easel would be in the shade and the sunshine provided great light.
This painting had depth, looking far up the river, which I was happy with. I also liked the road above, peaking out. I did not get to finish the painting on site however, because a rainstorm moved through! The Great Smoky Mountains are located in a temperate rainforest after all! But, overall, I am happy with the piece.
Attempt #2: Elkmont Campground
During my time with the artist-in-residency program, I was able to observe the Plein Air Smokies event. This unique experience was very beneficial. I learned a lot of tips and tricks from professionals in the field. Therefore, I decided to go back to Elkmont campground since it was a huge success before.
I walked around the area of Daisy Town and Spence Cabin. Not feeling an architectural piece, I moved down to a few spots along the stream. Unfortunately, the sun was in and out, but I managed to get a glimpse of some white water. I had just enough sunlight to map out a section of the stream with the white water and nearby rocks gleaming. Mostly however, I was drawn to the section of blue green still water.
I spent nearly three hours at this spot. My intended focal point, the closest white water against the large dark rock, eventually led to a different focal point. The white water in the distance became my favorite part of the piece. So, I dialed down the brightness of the closer water fall to give all the spotlight to the distant white water.
Attempt #3: Smokemont Campground
One warm day during our camping trip we went “swimming” in the stream, the Bradley Fork. I use the term swimming loosely because the water is 30 degrees. OK, the water is more like 67 degrees, but it feels ice cold to me!
While we were down at the stream, I noticed a section of the water looked particularly nice in the sunlight. I decided I needed to paint again! I was captivated by the surge of white water, that was yellow in the sunshine and a pretty blue in the shade.
The first two paintings I did were oil on linen, stretched canvas. However, for this piece I decided to use a small 8x10in canvas panel.
This was my favorite piece of the three. I am going to bring it to my studio and paint a larger version. While in the Smokies I also took several reference photos for later studio works as well.
As usual, I did not want my time in the Smokies to come to an end. Capturing the sights and smells on canvas helps me relive these moments in my mind. Although, any time I want, I can close my eyes and I’m right back there.
