We returned home almost a week ago from our vacation and we are just now feeling fully rested. During that time we put 2,856.8 miles on our bikes touring the badlands and scenic by ways of the black hills of South Dakota and some of the most challenging rides available. The ever changing scenery as we passed through Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and finally Kansas was something worthy of a storybook. Rich farm land changes with the topography as hills emerge and planting patterns change to reduce erosion, forested areas lend way to small patches of farm land. Go a little farther and crops are replaced with cattle, continuing to head north into South Dakota small patches of new marsh land appear from the recent flood revealing the most surreal blue in their reflection. The clouds become full and fill the sky with incredible volume and power- I see where the phrase, big sky country, came from. I study the clouds and rolling hills in a series of successive glances similar to rubbernecking at the sight of something you cant believe you just saw. A firm grip on the handlebars keeps me on my course while I check the mirror, road at varying distances, any side roads that intersect hwy and then again at the landscape to my right trying to burn it into my subconscious that it may later return when I have a chance to paint. There was so much beautiful country to see and being an artist need of photographing and sketching but there was little time or availability to do so, because when you are traveling a double lane hwy with no shoulder on a motorcycle, you cant always get the shot. When I was in the lead it allowed me to pull over when it was safe to do so for a quick picture. But even though we had two weeks to make this journey it seemed there would never be enough time to take all the reference photos or sketches I would have wanted to take. My desire to capture everything was soon brought into check when the road conditions were too challenging and staying on the road through the twists and turns of the badlands and again in the black hills again became the priority. It was at this time I surrendered to the enjoyment of the moment of wind on my face as the beauty of the landscape melted into me. Breathing it in, I paused and continued to study the hills, rock formations, the color of the dirt and foliage, reflection of light, the gradation of light on the hills and the intense blue that peeked between the voluminous clouds that cast graceful shadows on the flowing hills below. I lay out a palette in my mind, literally and think, ok, what do I need to make that color of sage brush, or color of misty mountains and what technique would best replicate that type of cloud. This little exercise continued throughout the trip and I was only able to turn it off on occasion because it was truly exhausting to be painting at 70mph.
Subjects were varied in the photos taken from personal snapshots, amazing landscapes, cheesy tourist stops, performers, people interacting in the space and close up shots of cracked mud at the base of the badlands but its when you are heading down the highway and a semi behind you, the perfect picture reveals itself, and then it is gone. Well into the trip and half way through available exposures on my 2g memory card I again pull out my camera, stopping several times within a half hour to capture new and interesting landscape. This would be all well and good if there were only myself and my own artistic needs to cater to, but my husband was growing tired of stopping for this wasn’t the first time I subjected him to this. He expressed considerable concern that our bikes would overheat and that we needed to stay on track to make our destination on time, which puzzled me when I didn’t feel any real pressure to see more, do more, get farther…..I was just enjoying the moment. Feeling scolded for, being me, something I rarely apologize for I hopped on my bike and make a little promise to myself, no pictures till we stop for gas 50 miles away. I thought that should be easy enough, not so. When we stopped for lunch it was then my husband explained in an apologetic tone, “ You know I have to remind myself your not one of these hard core bikers- get up at the crack of dawn and power your way to the next destination 500 miles away at top speed. But, you enjoy the moment, what ever it may be.” I look at him, smile and simply say yes. He goes on to say, “ It must be hard for you to resist taking pictures of every new thing you see, because you see everything like a painting, It must be exhausting.” Ah, so he gets it, peace washing over me. He adds, “ How wonderful it must be to see the world with so much passion and joy.” Humbled, I smile slightly and realize this gift not only of being able to paint- that part is easy, but to be able to truly see in a way only afforded to the few. It was hard to pass up one beautiful sight after another without stopping and taking note, a salute – if you will to God for a job well done. I continued on for miles and the landscape became part of me, something I will carry with me forever and if God wills it, it may be reflected, in part, on canvas.
No comments:
Post a Comment