Keepers of the Land - Western North Carolina

I am always fascinated by abandoned houses, and I can�t help

but wonder just who were the people who once dwelt there. 

And even though I might never know, I also puzzle on why the

people had chosen to come to the house and why had they

chosen to leave.  So, it was not surprising that I decided to

photograph an old house in the extreme western part

of North Carolina.

But I forgot about the house until I was reviewing my photo files

for the �Keeper of the Land� series.  Then, as I re-examined the

shots I had taken, particular features seemed to stand out and

demand that I paint it.  Whoever lived on the property had

respected it.  There is evidence that the area behind the house

had been cultivated and harvested.  At the same time, no scars

were left to mar the land.  And during the time the house was

inhabited, forsythia and shrubs had been planted that graced

the land instead of taking something away from it.  Most of all,

though, the house had been located on the site so that it was in

total harmony with the land itself.

"Keepers of the Land - Western North Carolina" The original is a watercolor

on 22� x 15�  140# cold press paper and is copyrighted by Gerry

Grimes, the artist.  He retains all rights regarding copies and/or

reproductions regardless of the ownership of the original by

others.  

A few giclee prints are available.