Painting with Southwestern Inspiration

oil painting birds

The preservation of rock art is of paramount importance if we want to preserve our own history of the Southwest. Early Native Americans detailed hunting sites, rivers, spiritual life and other important events on the rocks. Today we can still see the engravings and paintings in the Western United States. Painting rock art on watercolor paper or canvas is the primary love of his author. The desert flora, birds and people create colorful and interesting matter.

Painting Plein-Air Style in outdoor southwestern United States is a way to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this picturesque region while creating works of art for sale. I love to paint the red rock and petroglyphs in the area of Utah. I have the utmost respect for the ancient carvings of prehistoric Native Americans. Some rock art is in the form of pictograms that was painted with natural pigments present in the minerals and plants in the area, which date from before 800 BC. Unfortunately, many farmers in these areas use southwestern rock art for target practice or defame the rock with spray paint or their own carvings. I fear that if I found someone doing this, I would lose all sense of control and club them senseless.

The native flora, wild birds and the vastness of the beauty of the landscape is a constant inspiration in the production of my watercolors and oils.

There is nothing like sitting in the open, exposed to the elements with only wind as a companion, to truly appreciate the stunning scenery of the Southwest. Painting seems to be the natural thing to do after being one with the landscape. My fingers literally itch to paint when I’m amongst the red rock.

About the Author:

Trina Strong is a watercolor artist living in Utah. She travels all over the west to paint Plein-Air style watercolors and oils. She is self taught but has won multiple awards and her paintings can be found in private collections around the world. She owns One of a Kind Things, an online store that can be found at www.oneofakindthings.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Watercolor’s and Plein-Air Painting in Utah