Tourists

As I was landscape painting in Kolob Canyon of Zions National Park, I had a strange thing happen. I was set up off the road, painting a composition that just couldn't wait until tomorrow when a car stopped and a French Tourist got out. He came forward slowly, watching me as I painted. When I turned to him he asked in rather stilted English if he could take my picture. I laughed and nodded, after all, this was not the first time I have been the subject of tourist interest. The man then waved his assistant out of the car and she brings him not just a camera, but video equipment while she carries her own camera.

I am used to people watching me paint, and it doesn't bother me at all, but I have do say I was somewhat self conscious with a large camera slowly circling me, pausing over my shoulder and then zooming into my face.

His assistant then explained that he was a french filmmaker who was doing a documentary on the national parks. I had to sign my life away for them to use the clip and the short interview they did, but for a fellow artist I had no problem with it. I got their information and they promised to keep me posted when the film is complete.

That was only a little more funny than the time I was painting at big bend in Zions when a busload of Japanese tourists got out and one by one stood behind me while the tour guide took their picture.