A Day in the Life

Trio artists share how they would spend the ideal creative day. 

As the artists of Trio Fine Art described their "ideal creative days," it became apparent that being and feeling unplugged from technology, society, and everyday demands lay at the heart of our artists' inspiration. A chance to escape, to paint, to ponder - and share these experiences with others - these three talented artists take a moment to reflect on the special moments in their life in which they glean inspiration and motivation for doing what they do best.  

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6:30 AM | It's summer, and the days are long in the Wind River Range. Kathryn rises and starts the day with several Sun Salutations. These yoga moves get the kinks that happen from sleeping on the ground. A feel-good way to wake up! More awake, Kathryn gathers up her field easel to continue her study of the morning light. The cook starts the coffee back at camp, and Kathryn takes a break to grab her morning jolt of caffeine. When the painting is finished, she returns  to a hot breakfast at camp.

11:45 AM | After several hours of hiking, Kathryn finds herself high in the Green River Lakes area.

It is a clear summer day, and the light is vivid. She will spend the afternoon painting here.

2:30 PM | I am working on an afternoon painting that is informed by what I took in from my hike and sketches. The shadows are lengthening, and the colors are getting richer as the day goes by. It is a blue sky, but the high cumulus clouds slowly drift over the Mountains.

5:00 PM | The pack trip outfitters patiently wait as Kathryn puts the finishing touches on her paintings. They are packed away one a mule with the rest of the artists' materials to head back to camp. Appreciating the lighter load, Kathryn hikes back to camp, taking in the quiet and low light. Dinner is ready upon their arrival, and the artists and outfitters sit to enjoy a meal and each others' company around a dancing fire. As the stars start to appear, we feel uniquely blessed to be exactly where we are.

It feels like a luxury to be 'unplugged' from all this in the wilderness. In this solitude, I can best hear my artistic voice and intuition. - KMT

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6:30 AM | The morning light finds Jen connecting with her husband, Ron, and daughter, Amelia. They share breakfast and discuss the day's plans. After walking Amelia to the bus stop, Jen takes a private moment to enjoy the sunshine on her favorite bench, writing and thinking about her art. Inspired and ready for the day, Jen packs up her painting gear and a lunch to head to Grand Teton National Park. She drives the Park road until she discovers her painting location for the day, exploring and reacting to the light. This is her favorite way to decide where and what to paint, focused and feeling like I am where I am supposed to be.

11:45 AM | Limited by the changing patterns in the light, Jen works for no more than one hour, one piece at a time, completing several sketches. Totally in my creative space... I lose track of time, completely at peace. Breaking for a brief lunch, Jen rests next to String Lake, enjoying her solitude. 
2:30 PM | Jen takes time to explore the far side of Leigh Lake by canoe as she waits for her family to arrive.
5:00 PM | Ron and Amelia prepare camp and dinner together, and Jen takes advantage of the waning afternoon light to capture her surroundings on the canvas. It's hard to give myself to the creative process when I feel compelled to take care of my family. But my family also gives me such joy that it feeds my creativity, and a trip like this is the perfect way to have it all! Camping by the lake, the three roast marshmallows and watch the stars together late into the night.

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6:30 AM | A quick breakfast, and Bill sets off to his church to start the coffee and set up for Mass. After the service, he takes several canvases to a location North of town near the mountains to study the geometric shapes from the old buildings of the valley's ranches. The buildings provide contrast to the organic shapes of the landscape - this sets the picture off.
11:45 AM | Stopping to relax for awhile, Bill sets up a chair and admires his surroundings. Enjoying the day; feeling thankful.
2:30 PM | For the afternoon, Bill dives into a massive painting project on location - blocking in a 6 x 8 foot canvas! This image includes figures working in the landscape with the help of hired models. A rush of adrenaline and excitement working on a painting this size from life. He starts with two or three inch brushes to lay out a solid foundation of big, warm, dark, loose, bold brushstrokes that fall spontaneously into the right place!   
5:00 PM | Bill works as long as the light will hold, taking advantage of the immediacy of working from life. There is a sense of urgency that calls upon full concentration and commitment. He pays close attention to proportions, scale, and anatomy. Asking himself, What do I want to say, and how can I say it as simply as possible, he is thankful for the opportunity to experience and paint this scene, and to be able to share it with others through his work.

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Make sure you take some time to 'unplug' as well.
All the best,

- Kathryn

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Save the Dates:

July 8th - 25th | Jennifer L. Hoffman's solo exhibition

July 29th - August 15th | Kathryn M. Turner's solo exhibition

August 19th - September 5th | Bill Sawczuk's solo exhibition