Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Painters of Utah's Canyons and Deserts


Painters of Utah's Canyons and Deserts [Hardcover], by Donna L. Poulton and Vern G. Swanson looks to be a beautiful and interesting book which has a 4.5 star rating. Check it out.







Editorial Reviews
Review
Painters of Utah's Canyons and Deserts is a welcome addition to any art enthusiast's bookshelf because it gives readers both a historical context and visual progression of the landscape through paintings created by Utah's past and present artists.

(Southwest Art )

This is a tremendous book - almost as big as a canyon itself. It's full of superb paintings and I like the broad selection with its wide appeal. This si much more than a coffee table book, it includes a series of essays giving a background to the painters that have visited and painted this region. Is there anything more wondrous than the canyons of this area? These painters capture the essence of the canyons - the quality of the light, the texture of the rock surfaces, the scale of the magnificent scenery and the colours of the desert and canyon. I have too many favourites to mention them all here. Some of the paintings are breathtaking. I think in this huge selection, there is something for everyone. This is a dramatic book that serves its dramatic subject well.

(Karen Platt www.karenplatt.co.uk/review )

From the Inside Flap
PAINTERS OF UTAH'S CANYONS AND DESERTS

Famous movie director John Ford once emphatically exclaimed, " . . .Monument Valleywasmy greatest star."But long before Ford lionized these great icons, paintings of the sweeping desert and colorful canyon country of Utah's plateau province had captured the popular imagination of American and European audiences.

Contrasts between painters who called Utah home and those who explored and visited. Starting with the rich visual images of Native American petroglyphs, the book then looks at the lively anecdotes of the "artists as explorers," including John Wesley Powell's harrowing trip down the Colorado River, artist Solomon Nunes Carvalho's recovery from the brink of starvation, and artist Richard Kern's death at the hands of the Paiutes. ThomasMoran is prominent in this history with dramatic lithographs and his own exploration of the Zion region.

Love of the western landscape has to do with the capacity of the viewer to experience vast space. To appreciate the desert terrain, one has to be comfortable with an inscrutable universe. Whether existential or spiritual, these themes are evoked in the modern paintings of Maynard Dixon, Conrad Buff, Georgia O'Keeffe, andMax Ernst,who are amongmany visiting artists successfully challenged by this landscape.

Utah artist Alfred Lambourne was the first artist to paint in Zion, and Henry L. A. Culmer was the first to paint the natural bridges. Utah artists recorded the natural beauty of the parks in the 1920s and the stark influence of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Today's modern and traditional artists mix it up, employing classical methods and conventions, often with flagrant juxtapositions, to convey political, existential, or psychological themes. V. Douglas Snow, Gary E. Smith, and Ed Mell are among a growing group of nationally known artists whose work is inspired by the Utah Red Rock.

In all, this is an informative and visually stunning compilation of Art in Utah, detailing its profound influence on western and American culture.

Donna L. Poulton is an Associate Curator of Utah and Western Art at the University of Utah's Museum of Fine Arts. She studied at the Boston University extension in Germany and received her PhD from BrighamYoung University. She has juried and curated many exhibitions, including the Olympic Exhibition of Utah Art. Dr. Poulton has written articles on Utah and Western Art, is the co-author of Utah Art, Utah Artists, and has recently completed a manuscript on Reuben Kirkham, an early Utah pioneer artist. She has taught Utah art history at the University of Utah and has served on the boards of several arts organizations. Dr. Poulton has also filmed extensive interviews with numerous Utah artists, produced commercial videos on Utah art, and consulted with private art collectors and galleries.

Vern G. Swanson is a native of Central Point, Oregon. He graduated from Brigham Young University (BA), University of Utah (MA), and University of London (PhD) in art history. He started his career at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. (1969-70), taught art and art history at Auburn University as an Assistant Professor (1972-75), and was employed atWasatch Bronzeworks in Lehi (1975-78). Since 1980, Dr. Swanson has been the director of the Springville Museum of Art, has helped the museum's art collection of Utah and Russian art grow, and has contributed toward the construction of a new wing, dedicated in 2004.

Dr. Swanson has published fourteen art history books as sole or joint author. Five of these have been on Utah art, with several in collaborationwith Drs. Robert Olpin,WilliamSeifrit, and Donna Poulton. In 2006, he published a major tome Dynasty of the Holy Grail and in 2007, his third and largest book, Soviet Impressionist Painting. He is now researching for his next two books, "John Hafen: Faithful Artist" and"The Chiasmatic Atonement."

Friday, October 14, 2011

Photos of Utah's National and State Parks


Many of the visitors to this site are attracted by the photos of Utah's spectacular parks. The following slide presentation puts a few together for your enjoyment of Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Dead Horse Point State Park.



Check out Canyon Country Jigsaw Puzzles.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Hike the Trails in Canyonlands National Park , Utah, Using a Great Map


To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Canyonlands National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Canyonlands National Park-Needles/Isle, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 210 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
This map is updated to reflect road closings, new trails, and campground relocation, and includes detailed trail information, points of interest, trailheads, picnic areas, facitlities, and more.

Included on the map are Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky district, the Needles district, and the Maze district. The map also includes the Colorado River, the Green River, Indian Creek Wilderness, Bridger Jack Mesa Wilderness, Butler Wash Wilderness, Canyon Rims Recreation Area, and fascinating information about the park's archaeology. Ideal for recreation activities in this beautiful area, including hiking, biking, camping, climbing, photography--any back-country outdoor activity. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:70,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.

Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Lake Powell Has the Seal of Approval


Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, has got the "Seal of Approval"! However, you do have to use your imagination a bit.

At Wahweap, I managed to take two boat trips on Lake Powell, exploring the canyons, visiting Rainbow Bridge and cruising around this vast and magnificent lake. Perhaps the attraction isn't so much Lake Powell itself but the rock formations around the edge.


This particular rock formation is really only visible from water level whereas many of the others are more obvious from the air when gaining a bird's eye view.

You will have to zoom in on the photo to enlarge the "seal" on the right hand side of the picture just above the water's edge.




Cruising on Lake Powell and manoeuvring through the canyons is one activity you have to put on your list of "must do" tours. The boat captains are very skilled and well versed in the history, culture and geology of their patch. They also have a great imagination, a wicked sense of humour and an eye for the unique beauty of the area.

Looking up at these great hunks of rock really brings home the fact that we're just tiny specks compared to the vastness of nature. Quite a humbling experience.

Here's more information on Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Compact Compass Gives Confidence in the Canyonlands


A good magnetic compass in the pocket, hiking backpack or around the neck is always a great backup to have when out walking. I like to wear mine dangling around the neck because I always know where it is and it's easily accessible. Here's one to check out: Suunto M-3DL Compass.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
Hailing from Suunto's M-Series, the M-3DL is a compact, premium-quality precision compass designed for accurate and convenient direction taking. The user-friendly compass features a large, liquid-filled capsule and an adjustable declination correction scale that guarantees a high level of accuracy. Another convenient feature is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. And thanks to the easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lens, the M-3DL is ideally suited to navigating in poor visibility. The compass even features a base plate with anti-slip rubber pads for stability and rounded edges for ergonomic comfort in the hand.

The M-3DL employs Suunto's two-zone system to help adventurers find their way anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto's two-zone system, by contrast, considers only the northern and southern hemispheres. In practice, this means that a Suunto compass designed for the northern hemisphere--as the M-3DL is--will still work for a fair distance into the southern hemisphere and vice-versa. Suunto is one of only two compass manufacturers to offer two-zone compasses.

The M-3DL, which also features a jewel bearing and marking holes for drawing control points, measures 2.4 by 4.9 inches and weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. In addition, the compass carries a lifetime warranty.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Capitol Reef is Captivating, Really


Capitol Reef National Park, one of the Utah parks in the south, really is captivating. It's a long skinny national park accessible between Torrey and Hanksville. Or if you're doing a clockwise trip around the national parks like I did, it's between Bryce Canyon National Park to the west and Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park to the east.


I love photographing different signs. The national parks, in particular, have a clear welcoming sign that lets you know that you're in for something spectacular. Photographing signs also indicates where the next photographs have been taken. It's also not a bad idea to photograph the sign when you leave a place (for obvious reasons).


The Visitor Center very fittingly blends in well with its surroundings. It's well worth a visit to pick up maps and information, look at the exhibits, watch a short video, buy souvenirs and use the rest rooms. The location is at the junction of the Scenic Drive and Route 24.

I really only had time to travel along the Scenic Drive and back and then continue east along the main road. However, the park really needs a couple of days to explore.

Looking at the photos, you can see that Capitol Reef National Park is one of those really rocky Utah parks. It's comprised of 378 square miles of towering landforms, canyons, mesas and folded rock layers and it's a photographer's Paradise (most of my photos of Utah are rocks, rocks and more rocks!). Stay tuned for more posts later.

Here's more information about Capitol Reef National Park.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hike and Tour Capitol Reef National Park , Utah, Using a Great Guide


To get the most enjoyment out of hiking and touring in Capitol Reef National Park, southern Utah, you need information from someone who really knows the park. Check out this one, Capitol Reef National Park: The Complete Hiking and Touring Guide [Paperback], by Rick Stinchfield.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
The only complete guide to Capitol Reef National Park whether on foot or from the road.

Finally, the total experience of enjoying Capitol Reef National Park has been captured in one comprehensive volume.

About the Author
Rick Stinchfield, and his wife, Lynne, have spent three months in each of the last six years volunteering and living in Capitol Reef National Park. He is the author or co-author of several articles on mineral collecting, as well as publications on recycling and non-motorized commuting. Rick and Lynne life in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Hike the Trails in Arches National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map


To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Arches National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, National Geographic TI00000211 Map Of Arches National Park - Utah from National Geographic.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
This map is updated to reflect road closings, new trails, and campground relocation, and includes detailed trail information, points of interest, trailheads, picnic areas, facilities, and more. Included on the map are Arches National Park, The Highlands, Little Valley, Devils Garden, Lost Spring Canyon Wilderness area, Negro Bill Wilderness area, Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, Cache Valley, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel, Double Arch, and more. The map also includes the Colorado River, the Windows Section, Petrified Dunes, and fascinating information about the parks geology, archaeology, history, and culture. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit. Approximately 4.25in x 9.25in folded and 27in x 39in fully opened.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Amazing Arches is Absolutely Awesome


Arches National Park, in southern Utah, USA, is absolutely awe inspiring. So much so that the state has actually put an image of Delicate Arch, located in the park, on vehicle number plates. I'm obviously not the only one gobsmacked by this national park!

It's easy to get to being not that far out of Moab, action capital of Utah. Just take US 191 and travel for about 5 miles north of Moab - a national park situated so close to a major town. How good is that?




After you've picked up your information at the Arches Visitor Center, you then head up the winding road to really enter the park.







Obviously there are many arches in the park to give it its name. You may think a dozen or so but you'd be wrong. Apparently there are over 2,000 arches and they vary considerably in size from something a few feet across to the largest, which is Landscape Arch. This one is 306 feet wide and so skinny too!














Check out the Arches National Park website for further information.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hike the Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map


To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 219 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
The map includes the entire national park area, with detailed trails and topographic information. Also included are portions of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Bryce Ampitheater, Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point, the Queens Garden Trail, and more. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:35,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Check out Canyon Country Interactive Jigsaw Puzzles.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Squirrel Stands Up To Snake in Zion National Park, Utah


A hike along the trail in Zion National Park, Utah, led to several discoveries of wildflowers and also wildlife.

Walking in a group may allow for socialising but the noise made by the group can often scare away wildlife and it sometimes drowns out the sounds of nature, like running rivers, bird songs and animal antics.

I'd just left the trail to escape the endless number of noisy hikers and have a closer look at the river and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. On my way back to join the trail I heard this commotion in a fenced off clearing. I thought it sounded like a rattle (I may have been mistaken though).

However, when I looked closer I saw a squirrel and a snake having a go at each other.


The snake definitely didn't like the squirrel in its patch and there was dust flying everywhere with the squirrel artfully dodging the snake's strike. However, it didn't matter how angry the snake was (click on the photo to zoom in on it), that squirrel was determined to stand its ground even if it meant being bitten.





I took several photos (without tele lens unfortunately) before the snake gave up and retreated from the dust bath created by the squirrel. I've always thought squirrels were cute and quick but this particular one was a feisty little critter as well!

A couple of observations:
  • if you're going to enjoy nature en masse, then keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut
  • watch where you're walking (as an Aussie, part of bushwalking is watching out for snakes on the trail anyway)
  • cute and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean weak and lacking courage (perceptions can often be wrong)
  • even if you think you're facing insurmountable odds you can sometimes achieve success through sheer determination

Monday, April 11, 2011

Hike the Trails in Zion National Park , Utah, Using a Great Map


To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Zion National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Zion National Park , UT -Trails Illustrated Map # 214 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

Click on the ad for more information.







Product Description
Covering all of Zion National Park, our Trails Illustrated map contains detailed topography with shaded relief, up-to-date trails, roads, and points of interest, plus trail summaries and useful information to get the most from your visit.

The North side of the map covers the popular Zion Narrows with a companion hiking timetable, plus Kolob Canyons, La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, Wildcat Canyon, the West Rim Trail, and more. The South side of the map details the park headquarters, Floor of the Valley Road, East Rim Trail, Telephone Canyon Trail, and the Virgin River.

Printed on durable, waterproof, tear-resistant and environmentally friendly material that will stand up to any outdoor condition. Both sides feature a UTM and Latitude/Longitude grid for use with a GPS, plus compass rose, scale bar and legend for easy interpretation.

Approximately 4 1/4" x 9 1/4" folded; 26" x 38" fully opened
Scale = 1:37,700.

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society s non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Flyabout to Rainbow Bridge over Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona


Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah, can be reached by boat, on foot or on horseback but my preferred method of viewing is from the air.

I got up very early to go on a scenic flight at 6am while the sun was rising. We took off from Page Airport and headed over Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. It's better to go flying early in the morning when it's cooler and generally calmer. The light is quite intriguing as well.


Rainbow Bridge is the largest natural bridge in the world at 290 feet tall and 270 feet across (about 90 metres) and is considered sacred by the Navajo Indians.

When viewed from the ground Rainbow Bridge looks as though it's in the open but from the air you can see that it's tucked away amongst the rocks. Zoom in on the photo so you can see the top part of the bridge in the bottom right foreground.


Fortunately there's no visitor centre on the ground to degrade the spirituality of the place.

After my flight I headed back to Wahweap to catch a day cruise which took us over the large expanse of the lake, into some of the canyons, and to Rainbow Bridge itself. It was a short hike from the jetty but on such a hot day a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water were essential.

This is one place to put on your bucket list but see it from both the ground and the air like I did.

For further information check out Rainbow Bridge National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreational Area.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Colossal Canyonlands Totally Awes Visitors


The title says it all. Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest national park and it's colossal. There's mile upon mile of canyons and rockscapes and the state's slogan "Utah Rocks" is a very apt description.

This national park isn't that far from Moab, adventure capital of Utah (it reminds me a bit of New Zealand's Queenstown). There are two sections to the park, Island in the Sky, the northermost area of the park, and the Needles District, in the southernmost section, closer to Monticello.

I didn't have enough time in the southern part but the drive in was absolutely beautiful.

More time was spent in the Island in the Sky section with quite a few different landforms to stop and explore. For a quick visit to the park, you can get to the main attractions by paved road. Then there's the really rugged off road stuff for 4 wheel drives. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking and rafting are other activities to do if you plan to stay a while.

The main paved road ends at the Grand View Point Overlook. That name is an understatement, much like saying the Grand Canyon is grand. You can see canyon after canyon fading into the distance.

I took this photo more for the actual lookout with the piles of wood bordering the path than the scenery. However, if you zoom in on the photo you'll still get some idea of the canyons in the distance. I'll do more posts later to show some of the park's other beauty spots.

When I was in the park it was very hot, so I had on my trusty Akubra hat, sunscreen on my face and arms, and lots of water in the backpack. All essential when you go hiking in the Outback or Utah's desert country.

Check out Canyonlands National Park site for more information.

This might interest you too. Click on the ad for more information.