It was in the fall of 2OO1, to avoid the worst of the heat, that I chose to tackle Colorado. Planning a 5O day trip, I began with the Grand Canyon - "a painter's nightmare" according to David Hockney (I would not deny this) - and followed with the Page (Arizona) and Moab (Utah) areas with some obligatory detours, following John Ford's tracks at Monument Valley, and venturing into the fiery furnace of Death Valley. Over 7 weeks, regardless of atmospheric conditions, equipped with a pickup vehicle and lodging in motels, I painted a set of 4O large, acrylic canvases that depict the amazing natural architecture of the area. In absolute contrast, it was in Las Vegas, an artificial oasis in the depth of the desert, with it's kitsch and delirious motels, that I ended my "artistic marathon". Charles Guy, companion in my travels - as he is in my life - took part in this adventure, acting alternately as my assistant, the cameraman, the itinerant webmaster... and, especially, the photographer along our 6,OOO mile- long trip.
"Colorado" - The movie