Restoration Project: Removing the footprint

Restoration Project

 For as long as I can remember I have always loved the look and feel of the rugged untouched remote landscape. Having said that there is commonly evidence of human footprint almost anywhere you go. No question about it, you would be surprised at the glow of a discarded red coffee cup with a name that sounds like Jim Portman on it! 

There is commonly discard around from previous adventurers and hikers, campers and so on, there is just no escaping it. No way, unless you are an artist. 

When I set out to paint a location it has to connect with me in a deep and moving way. I must feel the vibe of the natural textures and depth of view. The layers of the setting must speak to me, as if to say “I’m here! Come and paint me!” Occasionally there will be some form of footprint. Might be a fencepost, maybe an abandoned car or truck. When I come across this sort of interruption I just omit it at the time of painting. You would be surprised how many of my painting locations have noticeable objects that I conveniently left out of the composition. 

I avoid at all costs the inclusion of human used objects such as red canoes, lawn chairs on docks, Cattle loading ramps, etc, etc. My goal is to preserve nature as best as I can. That is what thrills me in the end, to know that I have in my own small way returned a landscape to its original state. 

I’ve never been called a restorer but it fits. For this artist the world around me is one big Restoration Project. 


Robert McAffee