This series of small acrylic on canvas paintings was inspired by a trip I took to Big Bend National Park (Texas) in 2022. Big Bend was a place I had vaguely heard of when my dear friend suggested that we go there to camp for a week. I tend to be a plush hotel kind of girl, but decided boundaries needed to be pushed in my world because I do love an adventure. We ended up “camping” in a cheap motel in Terlingua, Texas because of wind storms but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
The skies at night were pure magic, with stars as far as eyes could see. During the day, the sky was crisp and the land was full of vibrant color. The biodiversity of plants was incredible and everything felt so different than my Tennessee home. Crossing the Rio Grand in a row boat for lunch in Mexico was surreal and something I never imagined would be such a small joy.
I fell in love with everything there.
Carrie Lee Bartlett Art 