Find Artistic Inspiration at the Grand Canyon Arizona’s Grand Canyon has lit a spark in generations of artists, adventurers, and travelers seeking inspiration. From Thomas Moran, the first to portray the area in 1873, to the Taos Society of Artists in the 1920s, the Canyon’s huge dimensions and contrasting shadows and light attract artists today, both professional and amateur, photographers and painters.1 Start with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, then keep the sense of awe it inspires as you focus down to an earthbound view. Where to Start The Grand Canyon is approached primarily from the South Rim entrance. It is easier to access, and offers more shops, lodging, shuttle and air services, historic buildings, and an extensive Visitor Center. The North Rim offers a Visitor Center and lodging as well, plus a whole different set of views and perspectives. Get an overview of the Canyon’s vastness with an aerial Grand Canyon tour from an experienced airline like Papillon. It’s the only way to achieve a true birds’ eye view, usually reserved for the area’s iconic golden eagles and condors. Back on solid ground, you’ll have new insights into choices for setting up your easel and canvas or camera. South Rim Locations Famous scenes represented by past artists are still visible and unchanged, taken from viewpoints near the South Rim. Gain inspiration from them, or explore and find your own new locations. Here are some of the most popular: Kolb Studio, at the head of the Bright Angel Trail, welcomes visitors to a main access point into the Canyon. Founded in 1904 by photographer-brothers who helped shape the future of frontier photography and the park itself, it contains a fascinating exhibit with some historic photos of early park activities captured by the two pioneers.2 Mather Point is one of first spots within the south entrance, near the Visitor Center. This is a shuttle departure point, so access is convenient. Among the most heavily photographed views for good reason. Avoid the summer tourist season unless you want to compete with the crowds.3 Desert View Drive extends 25 miles east from Grand Canyon Village. Find 5 major viewpoints along the road, traveling by car or shuttle, including: o Yaki Point, accessed only by shuttle in summer months, off the main road, has fewer visitors, more contrasting views, access to the important South Kaibab Trail.3 o Navajo Point gives a spectacular view of the Canyon and Watchtower, and is the highest vantage point on the South Rim.3
o Desert View Watchtower is at about mile 20 along the Desert View Drive. It provides a wonderful focal point and dramatic perspective. Views from the Tower are worth the trip.3 North Rim Locations This area offers a different perspective and fewer visitors, although there are facilities for lodging, plus stores and restaurants. Scheduling note: access is closed from mid-May through mid-October. Even when open, many locations require extra planning and more hiking. Famous and popular viewpoints include: Horseshoe Bend, with extraordinary wide-angle views and a straight shot down 1,000 feet to the bend of the Colorado River.3 Bright Angel Point near the Grand Canyon Lodge. An easy half-mile roundtrip trail takes you to views of Bright Angel Canyon.3 Havasu Falls is part of the Havasupai Reservation. Already a spectacular site on the Canyon floor, made all the more magical by the challenge of hiking 10 miles, taking a steep, adventurous mule ride, or a pricier helicopter ride. Overnight lodging and access must be reserved through the Tribe up to a year in advance.3 The Challenges for Artists Painting or photographing the Grand Canyon means overcoming special challenges. Plan ahead by checking for the best times of year to visit your preferred sites. The weather can change suddenly from serene to violent lightning and thunder. Even on dry days, the wind plays games with delicate equipment. Bring protection for your camera gear. Come prepared for aesthetic challenges, too, like translating changing distant panoramas into powerful images. Try walking down any of the major trails and find your unique perspective. Most of all, enjoy the lessons and surprises nature has in store for you. Leave with a deeper sense of awe, and perhaps some of your “personal best� images.