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Standing
in
Monticello
’s Entrance Hall transported me into Stephen Ambrose’s book, Undaunted
Courage. Artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition – Indian
headdresses and weapons to fossils and animal mounts – surrounded us.
Jefferson
was an amazing visionary, which is evident in his belief in the people
of the
United States
.
Jefferson
’s Monticello
features the west front of the house from across a fish pond. The
reference photo was shot from a kneeling, almost prone position giving
the impression that the pond is much bigger than it really is. Many of
the monuments in my work are painted from this low vantage point making
them appear larger than life. I “lighted” some oil lamps to create
the scene as it might have looked 200 hears ago.
Jefferson
arose early in the morning and would write for hours before mounting his
horse to inspect his gardens and farms.
- Rod Chase
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