Kimberly’s ornament captures the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands National Park, from steep green mountains and sandy beaches to turquoise seas, including iconic images of the human inhabitants from Pre-Columbian Taino, to the European plantation era, to modern sailors enjoying the islands, all wrapped in natural resources including the Magnificent Frigate Bird.
2006 and 2007 MOTORCYCLE TRIPS
After four weeks, five states and Canada, buffalo, forest fires and a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, North Dakota, I have memories to last a life time. As I rode behind my husband Rafe on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle both years through majestic mountains, deserts, around lakes and along rivers, the freedom of the road beckoned us ever onward. For 7000 miles we lived in the moment; moment after precious, awe –inspiring moment, images flashing by continuously. And from those moments come the impressions that will continue to inspire my series of “On the Open Road” paintings.
Kimberly and Rafe with the White House
Christmas tree hung with National Park Service commemorative ornaments.
Ornament on the
White House Christmas Tree
In 2007 the White House paid tribute to our National Parks by inviting artists from across the country to produce a representational ornament for each park. I painted the ornament for the Virgin Islands National Park. On November 28th I, and my husband Rafe, attended the lighting of the Official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Laura Bush spoke briefly to the artists thanking them for their special contribution to a “Holiday in the National Parks”. The ornaments will be placed in the National Archives as part of our Nation’s heritage.
As a bonus while in DC we viewed J.M.W. Turner’s largest U.S. exhibition and a showing of Edward Hopper’s work in the National Gallery besides visiting a number of our National Monuments surrounded by nature in its fall glory.
But the riding isn’t over.
I can’t get enough of the big sky on a motorcycle where there are many more horizons
to seek and paint.
Show All From On The Open Road Series: Click Image for more info
