JAMES M c GREW Lake Oswego, Oregon
James McGrew’s strong background in natural sciences (degrees in biology, chemistry, and geology) helps him understand his natural subjects as well as to carry on the tradition of 19th century artists whose images helped to establish the first national parks. He also lends his art background to his work as a summer seasonal Yosemite ranger/naturalist as he has for the past 24 summers. His paintings hang in collections around the world, and he has received numerous awards, including Best of Show and five consecutive People’s Choice Awards at the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, and four People’s Choice Awards at Zion Plein Air Invitational. James’ work has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, Plein Air Magazine, Southwest Art, and Western Art Collector.
I awoke in early morning darkness at my North Rim campsite and drove to the Walhalla Plateau through sub-freezing temperatures and wind gusts while maneuvering around wind strewn tree debris, often slowing or stopping for various birds and wildlife, apparently surprised with the first headlights of early morning. I arrived near Cliff Spring trailhead and scrambled up a steep ridge in thrilling anticipation as growing twilight filled the canyon with faint grayish forms. Clouds on the eastern horizon first began glowing like crimson embers slowly burning higher until igniting a burst of brilliant light and colors as the sun broke over the horizon and clouds. Its warm, comforting light spilled into the new day and illuminated nearby Angel’s Window as most of the canyon remained in cool shadow. I photographed and painted that morning in solitude except for the company of a pair of juvenile Cooper’s hawks occasionally paying me curious visits and playing together as they darted throughout the cove towards Angel’s Window and soaring out over the canyon. Throughout a week of plein air painting, this brief sunrise created the most vivid memories and greatest inspiration for a larger studio piece. It also seemed most appropriate for 2021 as a hopeful new dawn following a long, stormy night.
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