My time as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Artist in Residence was coming to a close. For four wonderful weeks in September, I lived in the park. Being the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Artist in Residence meant time spent exploring the park and painting almost every day. With the end of the first three weeks, it was time to start wrapping up my stay in my beloved park.
Familiar Explorations
Sunday started with a drive to Gatlinburg to attend the small and wonderful St. Mary Catholic Church. The church sits along the Historic Nature Trail. When mass let out, I saw the traffic was very backed up. I decided since I was in the area, I would drive the Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
Unequipped in my dress, hiking was out of the question. Instead, I stopped along the way at the old cabins to take reference shots for later use. It was a beautiful day, perfect for driving through the trees with the windows down.
Next, I decided to hike the along the Alum Cave Trail. Having summited Mt. le Conte over 30 times, I decided to only hike for about half the trail. The Alum Cave hike is one of the park’s most popular hikes. Therefore, I waited until about 4pm to head to the trailhead. When I got there, I entered the overflow parking lot first. There were several open spaces! Hooray!
The trail had many hikers on it, but it was still peaceful being alone. I wanted to avoid the overcrowded Alum Cave, so I stopped just below it at Inspiration Point. Unfortunately, the sun was in the worst spot for any reference photos, sketching, or painting. However, this would be the perfect spot for the sunset, if one was willing to hike back in the twilight.
After my hike, I drove to Newfound Gap from some great pictures. I ended the evening by driving to the same spot from the day before where the golden sunset lit up the Chimney’s. I painted quickly before the light disappeared.
Townsend and the Little River
The next day I went to the Collections Preservation Center for the park, in Townsend, TN. You can make an appointment with them to view just about any historic item related to the park. I was interested in their artwork.
First, they showed me some amazing pen and ink sketches done by CCC workers while in the park in the 1930’s. The artist drew buildings, before/after scenes of trail maintenance, as well as local flora and fauna. J.D. Chaffin was one of the artists who drew incredible life-like plants and bugs found in the park.
Several paintings were also kept from various artists in the park. My favorite was Louis E. Jones. His oil paintings were simple and had great depth and color. Two samples can be found here and here.
Inspired by the collections, I stopped along the Little River on my way back to Sugarland’s. I found a nice open spot along a pull-off to pain the stream.
Plein Air Inspirations
The next day, Tuesday, was the big day at Elkmont for the professional Plein Air painters. Friends of the Smokies held their second annual Plein Air Smokies event, in which 20 nationally acclaimed artists were in the park to showcase their work, on scene.
This was the most beneficial part of my residency. I only wished it taken place during my first week there. It provided me with so much information and inspiration.
I arrived at Elkmont near the Applicaiton House and Daisy Town (the same place the students painted two weeks prior). Suzie Baker was just setting up and I was able to watch most of her process. She was the artist I observed the most, and she was the most insightful. She gave me, and fellow onlookers, tips on composition, paints, canvases, brushes, color, and sketching. I loved watching her work! Her painting was filled with undertones of browns and yellows, and it just brought the blues and greens in the piece to life. It was such great work!
Kathie Odom was nearby, and I stopped to see her work throughout the morning as well. She was the nicest and most bubbly person I have ever met! What a treat to speak with her. One day, Kathie’s husband gifted her with a painting class, and it took off into a career. Amazing! Her sketch was stunning, she could have easily stopped there. I loved her finished piece.
During our delicious lunch provided by Anakeesta, I sat with Charles Newman and told him I would come watch him paint. He was very nice and open to answer any questions I had. He was the only painter I got to watch from the blank canvas start. His use of a large brush and a large overall sketch has since inspired me to ditch the tiny sketch brush and do the same.
He chose the pink Spence Cabin as his subject. There was a mighty sunny spot in the corner. His use of purple for the shadows and yellow in this highlighted spot were brilliant. Watching him work in large shapes was a joy. I also got to see this piece sell at the reception, but more on that later.
Unfortunately, I did not realize the painters were split into two different days at Elkmont. My new friend Karen Philpott, the one who helped the students, would not be here until the next day. So, I planned to return! Still, this day left me with new inspiration and fresh ideas.
Arrowmont
The next day, Wednesday, I had to go back to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts to give a presentation about myself and my art. I talked about my 20-year long history with painting and the many chapters it contains. The beginnings of art classes in high school and college. The workforce era that left painting way on the backburner. Rediscovering painting during quarantine. Lastly, the new era, full-time artist and owning a business.
Then, I went through some of my latest and favorite artwork. I ended the presentation with samples of my oil paintings during my time as the Great Smoky Mountains Artist in Residence, including my plein air paintings and sketches. Afterwards, listeners approached me with questions, comments, and warm words.
Arrowmont also kindly provided me with yet another delicious meal in their mess hall with the fabulous handmade ceramic plates and bowls. As a bonus a BEAR came up to sniff out the remnants of hamburger and hotdog meat on the grill. The faculty shouted at him to leave, and he walked away, looking back forlorn and jealous of our tasty meal. It was incredible to see a bear in Gatlinburg. In fact, my parents saw one cross the road the night before…could it be the same one?
More Plein Air
I said my goodbyes to the wonderful people at Arrowmont and those who came to watch my presentation. It was time to make my way back over to Elkmont so I could see Karen Philpott and the other Smokies Plein Air painters. I found her beside a stream. Perfect! I needed to watch someone paint rocks and water! We talked for a long time, and she showed me some tips. Her painting looked incredible. Unfortunately, the company was so good I forgot to take a picture!! I was sad, but I’m hoping we can meet up again someday when she comes to Charleston.
Before I left, I was able to watch Charlie Hunter paint. He is everyone’s favorite, and with good reason. His work is unimaginably good. It’s like a dream.
Buzzing for the excitement of being around these amazing artists I drove to Greenbrier to try my hand at a piece. Sadly, it started raining, but I was able to go back the next day!
Once in Greenbrier, I drove to the bridge that takes you to Ramsey Cascades. This bridge was closed off for weekday maintenance. Down below however, was a perfect spot to paint the stream and bridge. I had to climb down rocks to get to it but once settled, I used my newly attained lessons and put them into practice.
It was sad to paint one last time in my beloved park. But I know that I will be more willing to get outdoors and paint once home in Charleston.
The Final Day
Friday, I had to check out of my apartment. Looking back one last time, I said my goodbye. My parents were still staying at their campsite in the Greenbrier Campground, and I was able to spend the day with them. Woody, mom and I sat by the little creek behind their site for a long time, soaking up the sun and catching falling leaves.
That evening I attended the Smokies Plein Air soiree. All 20 artists had their weeks’ worth of work on display and ready to sell. They also entered two pieces to be judged. Wow, what a collection! I discovered Marc Anderson’s work and have to say, he was definitely my favorite. I noticed he “broke the rule” of putting the horizon line directly in the middle. But his incredible use of light completely distracts from this fact. It is brilliance!
I talked to all my new friends from Elkmont and even saw some of the high school students I mentored! They also displayed their pieces for sale, and I’m happy to say, all pieces sold. For them and the other artists, portions of their sales went to Friends of the Smokies. It was a great event, but the best part was the awards. I am so happy to say that Charles WON best in show!
The next morning, it was time to drive back to Charleston. I was sad, but completely fulfilled. This Artist in Residence program was the best thing I have ever done. The experience, knowledge, and insights gained are priceless. I will be applying to similar things in the future. Next step is to improve my plein air painting and apply for smokies plein air next year!
Farewell soulmate! I will see you next summer (or always hopefully sooner!)
Hello, Mrs. Lisicki, you probably won’t even remember who I’m. I was one of your middle school students back in 2016-2017. I was talking with my best friend about the old middle school times, like the mile they made us run and the pizza that was anything but edible pizza, or that time all the girls in my grade used to make these love stories between Mr Karam and you (I saw that you guys are married now, super late congratulations!). So I decided to try to look up the teachers I used to have. I wanted to see if they were still teaching at JCMS, and I ended up coming across this page, and it’s great. I also love art, and your realistic oil paintings are amazing. I consider oil paintings to be one of the hardest painting methods, and you have a bunch of amazing pieces. I find it really cool at how many National Parks have you been, it made me remember that time we went to the Red Rock as a science class. We weren’t that fit for the tasks, I remember how exhausted everyone was when we got back to the bus. Those all were great memories of that time of my life, and I wanted to thank you for being part of my education.
I hope this comment doesn’t bother you, it took me a lot of convincing to send it.
Hi Carolyn! Yes, I do remember you! Thank you so much for checking out my site and the kind words. It’s nice to reflect back on the Cashman memories. I highly recommend oil painting. It’s so much easier than acrylic and with enough practice, it can become a great and forgiving medium. Thanks again for stopping by, good to hear from you!