Ephemeral Beauty: New Paintings by James McGrew

One of the great relationships in history is the one forged between humans and nature, the intervening courtship often interpreted through the artistic mediums of the time.  Yosemite’s own success story owes much to the romantics of the nineteenth century, whose photographs and paintings helped bare the conservation movement.  Today, these talismans of silver and oil are held in great reverence, as affirmations of yesterday, and mnemonics for tomorrow.

With his own dedicated approach, en plein air and on elaborate studio canvases, painter James McGrew has continued this tradition.  On his affinity for Yosemite and the state of conservation and climate, James has written:

‘As more visitors flock to national parks which embody the most uniquely beautiful scenery in the world, we often find ephemeral or transient events as the most memorable or compelling experiences.  This may be best represented by sunrise/sunset and the firefall-like effect on Horsetail Fall, nocturnal adventures, chance wildlife encounters, solitude among ancient sequoias, spring waterfalls and flowers, thunderstorms, autumn color,  fresh snow, or even a the simple sudden view from a wilderness trail.  Such magical events inspire lasting impressions and emotions.  On a larger scale, Yosemite’s unique beauty seems more evanescent and precarious in the face of rapidly changing climate and wildfire behavior, and increasingly altered, isolated ecosystems and the resulting endangered species.  However, when we slow down and spend time exploring in nature, we find wonderful rays of hope and inspiration. .’

Opening on February 27th and running through April 23rd, 2022, “Ephemeral Beauty: New Paintings by James McGrew” will continue this tradition in Yosemite, with a nod to the past and an eye on the future.