The organizers believe that artists can communicate the beauty of this place better than other means. This event has been taking place for many years, so their belief in visual communication must have reaped results.
I arrived the first afternoon armed with canvases, paints, and an arsenal of bug spray, since my friend who has been a participant before warned me that the bugs could be vicious. I stayed in the Stewart House. It was great to have a shared kitchen and great room along with the camaraderie of outstanding artists.
My roomie and long-time friend Collins Redman arrived and we went on a tour of the huge 103,000 acre ranch in order to get a feel for the area. Dinner was served at the main lodge and we were greeted and orientated by one of the managers of the ranch, Janet Phillips. Each evening she gave us a schedule of what activities would be going on at the ranch so that anyone could go photograph or just soak in the experience.
I planned my next day according to that as well as the weather. I was very excited about the possibility of seeing and photographing bison. The ranch has a 2,400-head herd, in addition to cattle. I also love the expansive landscape...so simple and serene...I am hoping to convey that feeling in my paintings.
Zapata Ranch
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