Along the Trail of Tears

 

Painted on Long Springs road, this is part of the Trail of Tears that runs through Steelville.  We were asked to capture the story in paint as we stood in the very place they walked.  It was emotional. I had read some of the history the night before, and could not imagine their plight, especially the mothers who were losing their babies. This painting will join others that will be auctioned off in support of a sculpture to commemorate this trail.  Those souls should not be forgotten. I am honored to have this painting awarded an Honorable Mention for the Trail of Tears Paint Out. Painting number 4542 in 4542 days. 

Making Camp

SOLD

 

This painting on the Whittenburg Creek was my second painting along the Trail of Tears in Steelville, Missouri.  We were asked to envision a scene and recreate as we captured the very landscape thisc tragic event occurred so many years ago. I did as much research as I could the night before, so that I could faithfully recreate the scene.  It was emotional to paint this, letting it all unfold on my panel  I don't understand how something like this could happen, it all is so unfair. This painting, along with my other one,  will be among others to go to auction in support of a sculpture to commemorate this site. Painting number 4541 in 4541 days.

Hoppe Springs

 

I lose all track of time when painting by a spring, especially when the water is rushing by at my feet  I stood on the small footbridge crossing this spring, wanting to keep an eye out for the copperhead I just saw dissappear into a crack between rocks. As the minutes rolled by, I forgot about him altogether, so mesmerized I was by the water.  There is something so healing about a spring, so soothing to the soul.  This spring is an amazing painting companion with it's magical sounds, and I think I'll be returning each time I'm in town. Painting number 5071 in 5071 days. It looks like I've got a bit of catching up to do on my blog, a few entries didn't post again.  If only every place had a good cell connection in the Midwest.