Thomas Annear
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www.tomannear.com
Every time you go to Zoar, it changes. The weather constantly reshapes the land, allowing views to open and close. It is hard not to respond to the energy created by the wind and the water moving through Zoar's canyons. For me a visit to Zoar is always a magical journey. All of my works were painted on location (with the exception of a winter scene that is still in production), informed by the birds, trees, wind, water, the occasional fisherman, and the (sometimes naked) hikers. Few experiences enrich the soul as much as painting the sun rising across the valley and experiencing the natural world waking. I have watched as a bald eagle fished for its breakfast in the waters of the main branch. I've felt fear as I realized that the footprints in sand all around me were not made by a big dog but more likely by a black bear. I've wondered how stable the land is under my feet as I've painted on a ridge. I've felt the chill of the wind standing on an enormous piece of slate in the middle of the south branch as I furiously tried to capture the changing fall colors of the valley. I am thankful for every trip to Zoar Valley, and I am honored to have the opportunity to help preserve it.