Where: An overlook just of the Pacific Coast Highway 

Date: May 25, 2011

Pictured: The scenic Pacific Ocean Coastline with mountains receding and wildflowers

Circumstance: Big Sur was one of the places I was looking forward to visiting/shooting. After leaving Yosemite, the PCH around Monterey was our first destination. Driving along the 101 along the ocean was everything I could have expected it to be. Driving along this stretch of highway: windows down, crisp and salty ocean air blowing blasting the stereo to your favorite tunes is something everyone needs to do once.

Why I picked this shot to be included in the Gallery:  I remember the sense of awe and allure that the Pacific and California held as a child. Finally being able to photograph this area is something that I have aspired to do for more than a few years. There was never any question that the Big Sur coastline would be included in any future Gallery.

Where: Just outside Downtown Flagstaff, Arizona

Date: May 10, 2011

Pictured: Clouds passing over San Francisco Peaks down a rural road

Circumstance: After being in Tempe at my brothers for a little over two weeks we decided to visit some of Arizona’s naturally scenic cities. Flagstaff was the second stop on our day trip (The others being Sedona, Jerome, and Prescott). We visit this spot every trip to Flag. The fields on both sides of the road have yellow wildflowers blooming among the roaming horses. The dramatic weather towards the peaks create a very interesting and looming effect in black and white.

Why I picked this shot to be included in the Gallery:  The whole day we covered over 500 miles and were able to witness the diverse landscapes the Arizona has to offer. Visiting this spot is something I look forward to trip. The scenery always evokes the same feelings of natural wonder each and every time.

Where: Northern  Joshua Tree National Park

Date: May 23, 2011

Pictured: A sun rise and the unique Joshua Tree in the desolate desert

Circumstance: After spending some time in Arizona my brother and I decided that a few days of camping in California was in order. Joshua Tree was our first destination. The weather was warm during the day and freezing at night. The prospect of a warm car ride was all the motivation I needed to get up early enough to drive the Park as the sun crept up into the sky. The three of us (we were able to convince another friend to come along) had such an amazing experience camping here. The huge rock formations are perfect for day mountaineering, even for fairly inexperienced hikers.

Why I picked this shot to be included in the Gallery: The desert provides the perfect setting for dramatic sun risings and sunsets. To me the Joshua Tree is such an iconic symbol of the American West and I wanted to ensure that I was able to portray their natural beauty.

Where: Along the Riverwalk in Wilmington, North Carolina

Date: April 19, 2011

Pictured: Beach style cruiser parked in front of a small cafe.

Circumstance: En route from Hillsborough, North Carolina to Sunset Beach, North Carolina. I stopped in Wilmington and a few beach towns on my way south.

Why I picked this shot to be included in the Gallery: The colors in this shot were probably the biggest appeal. I also liked the how the colors were very common to the area and help give a sense of authenticity to the feel of the picture. The texture of the brick buildings and sidewalk against the flat blue sky really tied every element I was trying to capture together.

Everything is Art‘s Juried Art show results were announced last month. I’m happy to say that I received an Honorable Mention for a photograph I entered. If anyone is interested in viewing the magazine and my published picture check out page 34 on the link below.

Everything is Art Magazine – Issue R 

Where: Interstate 10 in Lordsburg, New Mexico

Date: April 27, 2011

Pictured: A desert plain speckled with grazing cattle facing south at the Chihuahua Mountains into Mexico.

Circumstance: En route from Austin, Texas to Tempe, AZ I noticed the great colors immediately after sunset. I actually stopped on the side of the highway for a few minutes to capture this shot (A practice I normally shy away from as I recommend everyone else does). The wind was blowing quite strong, giving the grass in the plains more texture.

Why I picked this shot to be included in the Gallery: I’ve always been drawn towards the landscape of the American Southwest. My favorite aspect of this shot is the way the cattle lined up nearly perfectly down the plains, it really draws the eye into the picture. The pastel shade in the sky sets the lazy tone for the rest of the scene. I was more than happy to include the shot of this cattle ranch in this Travel based gallery because of the impact the cattle industry has had throughout the West and the emotion that it conveys.

The American Landscape has dozens of famous highways, roads, and drives. As the weather warms up this Spring, millions of Americans will get the same itch to pack their bags and hit the road to see the scenic masterpieces our Country has to offer. I have been lucky enough to encounter some of these epic drives on my past journeys. Here’s some of the most memorable drives I’ve been on:

Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Monterey – California
This is by far one of the most remarkable routes I’ve ever navigated. The PCH winds through lush California valleys, over mountains, and along the mighty Pacific. Big Sur offers at least a half dozen amazing overlooks along the highway. Make sure to slow down and admire the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course towards the Northern end of the journey.

A1A from Miami to the Florida Keys – Florida
Enjoy the warm Florida ocean breeze as you trace the Atlantic Coastline from South Beach to the United States southern most point. Key West, as the gateway to the Caribbean, offers a laid back, relaxed style that would give So Cal a run for its money. This route features gorgeous ocean vistas and some ingenious engineering. Most notably 7 Mile Bridge.

Blue Ridge Parkway from The Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park – Tennessee to Virginia
A Spring/Fall favorite along the Appalachian Mountains. The foliage in either season is stunning, without the Summer humidity and the higher visitor levels. Check out some of the local towns along the route for rustic cabins, great Blue Grass tunes, and backwoods BBQ.

The Continental Divide – Wyoming
This journey will bring you through some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson are all in close proximity on the Easternmost part of this route. In my opinion, this is by far the most geographically diverse and picturesque landscape one can visit. Continue West- Tracing the divide through the peaks and ridges of the Northern Rockies on a two-lane expressway zigzagging at 75 MPH at the unnerving altitude of 9-10,000 feet. The Eastern leg of this journey will lead to the beginning of the Great Plains. Another great site is Devil’s Tower National Monument just outside of South Dakota.

I-17 Phoenix to Flagstaff – Arizona
Head North out of the brutal and arid Sonoran Desert into the higher altitudes of Flagstaff (A Route 66 crossroad). Watching the brown desert and cacti recede into the rearview mirror and noticing the scrubby high desert gradually grow greener into the Conifer and Evergreen filled Coconino National Forest is always exciting. Flagstaff has a very friendly, small city feel and a great outdoor music scene in the Summer. The Red Rocks of beautiful Sedona are also must on this route.

U.S. Route 10 from Pensacola to New Orleans – Florida to Louisiana
When I drove this trip the Summer 2011 I started off from the Flora-Bama. Situated on the Florida/Alabama stateline and heralded as “The Last American Roadhouse” the food, music and beach access was pretty incredible. The highlight of this route is crossing the mighty Mississippi River heading past the oil rigs and into the city of New Orleans. I-10 allows quick access to much of the Gulf Coast throughout the trip.

Columbia River Highway up the Columbia River Gorge – Oregon
Spring is the best time to check out this historic trail. The waterfalls scattered along the journey will be at their maximum flow plus the wildflowers tend to peak from April to June. Make sure to stop and enjoy the hiking trails along the route. Mt Hood is also a must stop destination and well worth the extra mileage.

A few more noteworthy routes are:

Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles – California
The windmills in Indio are pretty epic and Joshua Tree offers up unique fauna.

Kill Devil Hills to Ocracoke – North Carolina
North Carolina’s Outerbanks Region is stunning. Drive South from Kitty Hawk to Cape Hatteras and take the FREE ferry across to the Island of Ocracoke.

Route 66
Although no longer as popular as it once was, Rt 66 has several historic stops, all of which are important parts of American Culture

I’m looking forward to experiencing a few more legendary drives this Summer.
Feel free to add your own personal favorites in the comments below.

It is a honor to announce my selection as the Somerset Hills YMCA April Artist of the Month. The entire month my art will decorate the newly renovated building. The pictures are from the 10 week Cross Country Trip I took the Spring/Summer of 2011. The natural beauty of various regions of the United States plays a huge role in the exhibit. This gallery is an exhibition of my travels.

All are welcome to attend the Reception on April 13 and view the exhibit.

20% of all sales will benefit the YMCA.

Details for the reception are as follows:
Friday April 13, 2012
Somerset Hills YMCA
40 Mount Airy Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Coffee and desert will be served