My “Sketch the Parks” tour has begun!
My plan to tour the parks of America has commenced with a journey throughout New York’s Adirondack State Park and Catskill Park. Canoeing, camping, and painting off the beaten path has always brought me closer to nature, providing inspiration and clarity far from the daily distractions of modern living. Replacing the sound of telephones with the call of wild animals feeds my soul and reminds me of my true purpose, chronicling my time on earth with my paintbrush!
The National Park System was created to preserve the health, diversity, and beauty of nature, while ensuring public access to these wondrous places. Nineteenth century artists such as Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, Thomas Moran, and Albert Bierstadt were instrumental in the creation of the National Parks System. By exposing people in the power centers of the Eastern U.S. to the beauty of the pristine wilderness, these artists and others ignited an effort to protect lands throughout America from the rampant industrialization and expansion of our growing country. By painting my favorite parks in the twenty first century, I am fulfilling my duty to renew interest in the magnificence of nature!
The Journey begins…
Paddling my canoe up a tributary of Raquette Lake in Adirondack State Park, I am with every stroke of my paddle further from man and closer to nature. Eager to allow my adventure to unfold as freely as possible, I left Milton, Delaware with plenty of painting and camping gear for a weeklong sojourn, with no exact destination in mind. Once I entered the Adirondacks, I explored by car and foot until I found a river with no manmade structures visible, and then I loaded and launched my canoe.
Hearing the distant sound of rushing water awakened my senses after a two hour paddle on that steamy June day. As the river had become marshland it was apparent that I would be portaging (carrying canoe and gear) through the swamp directed only by sound… Luckily it wasn’t long before I was back in my boat heading towards a small waterfall/rapids area nestled in the woods. Perfect, I had found my first plein air painting scene!
After setting up camp, hanging my food (bear country, oh dear!), and creating a rock fire ring, it was time for dinner… and sleep! The quantity and hunger of the black flies present necessitated a hot smoky fire… Luckily the pain and annoyance of these flying devils kept my mind from worrying about bears!
Painting in the rain!
The next morning I awoke to a steady rain that informed me of my tent’s lack of water repellency. Luckily I paint in oil so there was no problem painting in the rain! Having passed on the umbrella option that would have complemented my new Soltek Easel nicely, I was left with no choice but to set up and paint in a downpour. I have always enjoyed experiments and this was an interesting one. Water beads up and runs from a vertical oily surface, perfect! Painting at the base of the rapids in the pouring rain also kept me alert to the possibility of a flash flood, luckily that was an adventure that never materialized…
Surprise from the rapids…
“What is that strange noise?” I thought, and suddenly from ten feet away, a merganser appeared from under a rock in the rapids with eight ducklings in tow- two hitching a ride on her back. It was apparent that she wanted to make a speedy getaway when she realized she would be passing so close to me, but being a good mom swam slowly enough that her offspring could follow. I have highlighted this special moment in my painting of the rapids, which I am now completing back at my studio!
July 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Loved the first blog!! Can’t wait to see the paintings…
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Great photos! Looking forward to seeing what you are working on.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:27 am
Hi Brax - I love the new paintings you’ve added to your site since I visited last and think it’s great that you’ve started a blog, too! Looking forward to seeing the next posts and future completed works.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I love your new easel and your new project; that may last decades I hope, of doing the National Parks “on location”. I hope to drop by your studio tomorrow and see if you are working on something that will be added to my collection when it is done. Otherwise, I plan to continue adding to my account ballance for my next purchase.
I love that you are expanding and increasing in quality and value with each year of your professional life. As you know I feel there are far to few artists who push to get better as they get more successful. I believe you and your work will be known as among the finest of all time… as you and your work gets better and better!
Love,
Dad
November 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I hope I am not intruding in this comment section but it seems we are invited to comment here on Jody’s sad passing - news which has shocked and deeply saddened me today.
May I say - how much I was pleased and privelaged to have known this man, albeit only enjoying quite a modest time in his actual company. Several years ago I met up with him at Allentown PA where we enjoyed an excellent meal and stayed then in the same motel - proceeding next day to near Quakertown for a very enjoyable day’s shooting.
We have kept in touch all the years since and only recently he invited me to join him on “plaxo”, where he has had many friends. I, even from a distance, will miss him greatly and am thankful to have been able to share time with him.
Jody - just for you my friend - “keep making those ‘U’ turns”. R.I.P.
November 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear this news of the passing of your father. I was fortunate enough to meet your father through your artwork. When I contacted him with a fairly large order for his beautiful photographs, he was very humbled and said that this sparked his love again for persuing his photography. His artwork is hanging at a new health care facility in Rehobeth Beach and has recieved rave reviews. This same client was interested in purchasing more from him for another facility opening in the future.
Jody came to my store many times and we had such great conversations about art, family and business. I respected him a great deal and I enjoyed the time he visited very much. I will miss him and I wanted you to know that he was exteemly proud of his son Abraxis, as he spoke of his sons talent with such pride.
I wish you all the best.
Lisa from The Gem
November 14th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Abraxas-
I visited your site today to see how your recent works were progressing and was saddened to see that your Dad passed away. I did not know your Dad but judging by the Son he raised he was obviously a great man and wonderful father.
My best to you and your family.
Bob
November 14th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Dear Kate, Abraxas, Joss,and Jazzy,
It is with deepest sadness in my heart to write this to all of you.
Joyfully, we as Christians believe Jody’s reward is peace with God.
Friends for many years we discussed many issues together. We shared many ideas and like values.
Jody always spoke of his love for you. His love of God a family and friends were foremost to him.
.
Danielle, and I regret we are unable to be present with you Sunday, for the bonfire and funeral. We are both seriously and limited in our travel.
Hopefully,our thoughts and prayers might comfort in these lonely bleak times.
“Or help is in the Lord who has encouraged us to cast our anxieties upon Him.” Phil. 4:19
IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
If tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity,
And all I’ve promised you.”
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day is the same way,
There’s no longing for the past.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart ”
-0-
May God Tenderly Bless you.
Reverend Jim & Danielle Lehman
November 17th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Brax
The passing of your Dad has had me reflecting on how I came to get to know many members of your wonderful immediate and extended family. As much as we see each other, I had kind of forgotten that I actually got to know your Dad before I knew you. For it was he who first came into my store, Rehoboth Art & Framing, over ten years ago marketing two dynamite limited editions of his son’s.(Seems strange doesn’t it that there was a time when you only had two prints). Jody was a great marketer and we always were trading stuff. In hindsight, he probably got the better of me in most trades. But that’s o.k. I appreciate all he did for me both as a business associate and friend.
It’s also ironic, that at the same time shortly after moving here, I met my neighbor across the street, who turned out to be your brother, Joss.
While he will certainly be sorely missed, I know it is comforting and will even occasionally bring a smile to everyone’s face, as we all seem to have a “Jody” story in our memory.
My condolensces
Matt
November 17th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Dearest Hudson family members,
First, selfishly, I am pissed.
My friendship with Jody was much the same as was already spoken or written. I was blessed to have known him. I will miss the opportunity to have breakfast with Jody(as we did in the 90’s). I will miss the countless times of running into him, sitting and chatting - Books and Coffee, Browseabout, 2nd Street Lewes, Rehoboth Ave., nearly every parade! There is a huge hole in our community, where a wonderful smile and warm hearted gentleman once was. I loved the clothes he wore - he created atmosphere. I don’t know how I will go to this years parades. After bumping into Jody, I remember when my wife would give up on me and continue to follow the band without me… Jody, thanks for the memories and your smiles - Peace to you my friend -
Oh, if there is a lesson in this for me, I have already called an old friend… and we’re meeting for breakfast.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Brax,
I was shocked to learn of the passing of your dad. I was out of the country for my 40th birthday and just returned last weekend. I was in the process of sending you some of our vacation pics and went to your website to get your e-mail address. Then I read your blog…
Dorothy and I are deeply sorry for your loss. We were not privileged to have met your dad but judging by the glowing recollections of him posted here he must have been a remarkable person. Our thoughts are with you.
I’m still sending you the vacation pictures as I’m sure some of them will bring a smile to your face. I’m cherishing the role of being a dad. It is a precious gift.
Hope to see you soon,
Mike
November 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
My deepest sympathies to Joss, Abraxas, and Jazz. To the Hudson family, and to Jody’s friends, family and acquaintances.
I don’t believe Jody realized how much he touched so many people’s lives. He was a legend in his own town, not just in his own mind. He leaves with great respect from all who knew him. And peace, knowing his sons and daughter are a product of him. So filled with Love, charisma, joy, success, and peace. I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless!