“The more artists use and understand color, the more they learn about nature; what’s really going on. Why is it doing what it’s doing?  We are painting with knowledge.  We are not guessing.    I used to spend hours studying light on the mountains—why is it doing what it’s doing?

And you ask, why are we painting the same things over and over again?  We aren’t.  Yes, a lot of people paint the Tetons, but if you lined up every one of those paintings, each is different.  Why?  Because either they’re painting the WOW or trying to paint something they can sell for the market.  I’d rather paint the WOW.  I love painting Buck Mountain.   I’m one of the only ones who paint Buck Mountain and I probably own most of my paintings of Buck Mountain.   I’ve only sold two in 36 years.  But I’ll keep painting Buck Mountain because I love painting it. ” – Greg McHuron, Founder, “Artists in the Park”

Fred Kingwill. Greg McHuron. Jennifer Hoffman.  Lee Carlman Riddell.   These are 2009′s Grand Teton Association “Artists in the Park,” and one of these local artists will be on location the second Saturday of every month—June 13 is Kingwill’s stand–so that anyone may watch talented artists put brush to canvas, creating painterly snapshots and adding to the Park’s rich art history.  2009′s painting schedule continues thusly:

July 11 – Greg McHuron

August 8 – Jennifer Hoffman

September 12 – Lee Carlman Riddell

Artists choose a favorite place and time to execute plein air painting demonstrations for the public.  Wonderfully accessible, artists answer questions regarding inspirations and creative processes.  These plein air demonstrations are free to the public.

The  series, officially called the “Art in the Environment Program”, was founded in the early 1970’s by Greg McHuron and Conrad Schwiering as a way to bring the public free access to some of Jackson’s most talented natural artists.  Funded by the Grand Teton Association, the series underlines appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Area.

For over 40 years, Fred Kingwell has been painting his watercolors of the Tetons and other locations.  (We’ve had so much rain I advise checking with GTA about rain dates.)   Weather permitting, you will find Kingwill at the Oxbow of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park on Saturday, June 13, from 9am-noon. Visitors can park at the Oxbow Bend Parking lot, 2.5 miles from the Moran Park entrance.  Look for the Artist banner.

For information, contact Jan Lynch at 307.739-3406 or Liza Millet at 917.864-9395.