Travels

Travels & Artistic Inspiration

“For many years, the landscape has served as both my mentor and muse. I’ve danced within its ever-changing theaters and listened to whispered wisdom from its greatest teachers. These works are my humble attempts to capture the spirit of these lessons. My hope is that they bring you even a fraction of the joy they have given me.”
– Art Sherwyn

Art Sherwyn’s creative journey is deeply intertwined with the landscapes he explores. Whether scaling mountains, wandering deserts, or painting by the ocean, his artistic process is a direct response to the beauty and impermanence of nature. His plein air works reflect a lifelong dialogue with the land—each painting capturing a fleeting moment, preserved in color and form.

Through his travels, Art has developed a signature approach that blends technique, intuition, and deep observation, inviting viewers to see the world through his eyes. His work celebrates the harmony of nature, the unpredictability of the elements, and the raw emotions they evoke.

At the Base of Mt. Whitney: Where Art Begins

Art Sherwyn’s artistic journey was born outdoors. His classroom was nature itself—campsites, mountain peaks, and open landscapes served as his training ground. Working en plein air, he has painted coastlines, high deserts, and valleys across the country and beyond.

Whether traveling solo or alongside fellow artists, Art has explored California’s deserts, forests, cities, and shorelines, capturing fleeting moments through pencil, pastel, and paint. His work is a testament to the raw beauty and ever-changing light of the natural world.

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Valencia Peak, CA: The Creative Process

“It starts with a quick, loose drawing, followed by layers of acrylic paint, and finished with pastel highlights. Each painting is created using only four colors—red, yellow, blue, and white. These primary colors, when mixed, provide me with every shade I need.”

Painting en plein air demands speed and adaptability. As sunlight shifts, it creates new shadows, textures, and moods across the landscape. Most of Art’s paintings take 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

“Not every painting is a success. On my best day, I might succeed only 50% of the time. Yet, painting outdoors—successful or not—is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time.”