Reading Edgar Payne’s book, Composition of Outdoor Painting, has changed the way I look at art! And, given the opportunity here recently to view his work, The Scenic Journey, a MUST SEE exhibition currently going on here in Sacramento at the Crocker Art Museum, was a breathless and awe-inspiring experience; definitely spiritual in nature as well.
Edgar Payne: The Scenic Journey | Crocker Art Museum | Sacramento, CA | FEB 11 – MAY 6, 2012
My wife and I decided to check–out the museum café before we entered the show, first sampling the gourmet selection of wine, coffee and tasty faire. Although the coffee and truffle cake was out-of-this-world, the savoring of it was not on my agenda that day. So, before you knew it I had downed the goods and was off and running as the divine was waiting for me on the third floor. My wife would just have to come and look me up once she was finished. Besides, opportunities for her to sit and relish the quiet from my restless spirit don’t come as often as she needs.
We met up once again within twenty minutes, and as she proceeded to enter the exhibit, she found me breathless, with my hand clutching my chest. Not sure whether I was in the throes of a cardiac arrest she proceed to ask if I was okay. Of course, I said, but I’m just unbelievably taken back to the point of breathlessness at the beauty and genius of stroke I find in Edgar’s work. His ability to paint with a large brush and achieve the realism that he did was amazing. I’m seeing first hand the passionate, relentless discipline of a man wholeheartedly committed to the gift he possessed and the trade he loved so much. His compositions live up to all he has communicated in his book.
Edgar’s passion for the Sierras and his avid outdoor pack trips to paint what he loved most have left me with an incredible desire to visit the very same places that he painted. As a lover of the Sierras myself, and a painter of them as well, I find that the mountains represent the majesty of God’s handiwork. They are reverent and awe-inspiring, and silence the soul!
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” Acts 17:24
“I lift my eyes up, to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 128: 8
Edgar Payne’s work has clearly captured the best perspective on this viewpoint, as well as depicting the authenticity of our mountainous region. I pray you are able to visit this exhibit. It will inspire your heart! The show runs from February 11 – May 6, 2012; the cost is a mere ten dollars per head.
So, what’s on my agenda next? Well, I am reminded that although Edgar traveled the world over, the Sierras were his favorite place, and with all the outdoor painting gear I possess and a four-wheel-drive to boot, what’s stopping me from making some plans for a summer trip to new places in the high Sierras! Why, it’s certainly just a short trek from home.
Hope to see you out and about!
Jim
Check out new show and art demonstration held in the beautiful Sierra Mountain town of Truckee, California. I will be on site for two days on the weekend of February 18th & 19th at Art Obsessions Gallery. Should be a great getaway time for any and all as Presidents Day weekend is a must do for those visiting the Tahoe region. Lots to do, places to go and fun, fun, fun during day and evening hours. For more info on the art show please read the press release below submitted by Art Obsessions Gallery or follow this link to 
