On the Cover: "The Importance of Bridges"

"The Importance of Bridges," Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana, 2020

Artwork by Wyatt Waters

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

When Mississippi watercolorist Wyatt Waters (page 82) was a younger painter, what captivated him most about the art of “capturing” were details like color, and the effects of light. Over time, he’s found his focus expanding to include particularities and peculiarities of life, of place. “It’s more about the people you meet and the things that happen along the way. It’s the bird that makes a deposit on your painting, which has to turn into a bush. Stuff like that that is not anticipated, what you can’t possibly anticipate and you wouldn’t want to, because it takes a surprise away.” This inclination toward spontaneity is what reaffirms Waters’ commitment to paint his subjects in person, and it’s what keeps him on the road, traveling. “There is something very important about getting out and being in front of your subjects first hand.”

Wyatt Waters

In our second annual “Road Trip” issue, we set our sights further afield, to places rich in culture and riddled in history, and we heed their beckoning call to “Come along, get to know us!”

The inspiration extends to the font our savvy Creative Director used on our cover marquee, which is thoroughly infused with the spirit of the road. Be the first to name it (by emailing editorial@countryroadsmag.com) and receive a free print subscription for yourself or a friend.