Approaching Shoshone

by Jerry Bokowski

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Price

$15,000

Dimensions

72.000 x 48.000 x 2.000 inches

Title

Approaching Shoshone

Artist

Jerry Bokowski

Medium

Painting - Acrylic On Canvas

Description

***On May 27, 2020, I found out that this painting won two AWARDS at the prestigious Phippen Museum 46th Annual Western Online Art Show and Sale. I thank the judges for selecting this as their choice for 1st Place in the Acrylic Painting Category, and I thank all those who voted for this piece (out of 183 pieces of artwork) for the "PEOPLE’S CHOICE" Award. I am humbled beyond belief and consider this as such an honor.***

***At the Tubac Center of the Arts, in Tubac, Arizona, for the 49th Annual Members' Juried Exhibit, this painting won the "2019 PEOPLES' CHOICE AWARD Master’s Meed." It is an annual award, given once a year, since 1971. It is a people's choice award, as it is voted on by all who visit the 6 week show. It is such an honor, and I am truly thankful for everyone who took time vote for me as their favorite artist.***

I traveled to Grand Canyon National Park in 2018, visiting Shoshone Point for the first time. I was prompted to do so, after viewing some beautiful photography of this area.

Unlike all the other major viewpoints along the south rim, that are clearly marked and shown on park maps, this point is not. In fact, nothing indicates where it is. So after a little investigating, we found an unmarked, unpaved parking area, just east of Yaki Point. The four cars that were parked there already, gave us a clue the we found it.

We then walked along a wide, rugged dirt path, for about 25 minutes, and came upon the rest facilities and picnic area. Heading east of this path, about twelve feet past the furthest most picnic table we see this view that's in my painting. At times, we were the only ones there, compared to hundreds of visitors at other south rim view points. Sublime, quiet solitude, at its very best.

By zooming in to 50-52 mm, this is what Zoroaster Temple looks like. The view from every direction was fantastic, but at this spot, looking north to Zoroaster and Brahma Temples, was so dramatic, I just had to paint it.

As with any reference photo, I do not try to copy it exactly. The photo serves to provide the correct architecture, layers, and placements.

With "Approaching Shoshone," I decided to have the entire North Rim shrouded in storm cloud shadows. I also eliminated other sunlit areas, so that famous Zoroaster and Brahma Temples would be the focal point in the late afternoon light, contrasting against the stormy, rainy, background. So, this is the impression and expression of my visit to the splendor of Shoshone Point.

The more I worked on the painting though, the more I wanted to know who took the picture of it that led me on this trek. So, later I found an online article on Shoshone Point, written by Toni Subia. It gave credit for the photo, to the National Park Service. Later, I found another image of the same photo, and discovered that a photographer named Michael Quinn took the picture. Bravo Mr. Quinn!

People ask why I don’t paint places like Yosemite. Well, I feel that you have to personally experience a place, observe it and absorb it with all your heart and soul. Only then can I attempt to paint it. I love Yosemite but I have not been there since 1969. Grand Canyon on the other hand, is a place I have visited many times, during almost every month of the year, for over 50 years. I love this awesome place.

It is also a popular point for wedding photos, family gatherings, or just to get away from some of the other crowded viewpoints.

Approaching Shoshone © 2021 Jerry Bokowski Fine Art. All rights reserved.

Uploaded

June 27th, 2018

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