Wonderland
The Wonderland Hotel was built in 1912 in the former logging area around Elkmont between Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.
Originally accessible only by foot, horseback and logging train, it became a popular weekend and summer resort destination in the
1920’s when a roadway was built into the area. Also in the 20’s the land around the Wonderland was sold to make way for the Great
Smoky MountainsNational Park. After 80 years of operation, it was closed in 1992. The artist stayed there as a child and frequently
visited this structure that continues to haunt him to this day. It is depicted here as it appeared just following its abandonment. Limited edition (300) prints are available for $60 plain or $100 framed in barnwood.
New Painting!
"Old Hillsboro Pike General Store"
Original Painting
This is an original acrylic painting of an abandoned storefront on Old Hillsboro Pike in Williamson County, Tennessee near the Leiper's Fork Community. It is a large (18"X24") painting on panel and depicts a close-up view of a window on one side of the store. "Old Hillsboro General Store" is sold.
New Painting!
"Appalachian Club Winter"
This original acrylic painting depicts an existing cottage built by one of the many members of the Appalachain Club in the Elkmont area of the Smoky Mountains during the early 1900's. Originally built as a cantilever barn in the 1920's, it was renovated into a two-story cabin in the middle part of the century. This structure is not one of the 16 summer cottages that will be preseved by the National Park Service following the long-contemplated decision to preserve some of the historic structures in the area of the Wonderland and Appalachian Clubs for interpretative and day use purposes. The Appalachian Club House structure is also being preserved and will soon be open for events and limited public use. This scene was happened upon by the artist and his wife on one of their annual Christmastime hiking trips to the Smokies. "Appalachian Club Winter" is not presently for sale.
Newly Available!!
"Up To Wonderland"
Original Watercolor
This original watercolor painting depicts the Wonderland Hotel in 1992 right at its closing and before its eventual demise from the National Park Service's policy of "demolition by neglect." This view shows the imposing front steps to the main entrance of the Wonderland from the Elkmont Campground Road. You can see from this image the stones picked from the tops of the base newel columns that more people than I mourned the loss of the Wonderland. (This is also shown in my original Wonderland watercolor in the stones picked from the Wonderland's fountain). While I agree whole-heartedly with the NPS's mission statement, I feel they lost a great opportunity to "preserve history" in letting this part of people's lives decay into oblivion. Eventually the decision was made to preserve some of the other structures in the area for historic interpretation and day use purposes. This watercolor is 11" X 14" and is matted and framed in a cherry-tinted barnwood frame. ($800).
Newly Available!
"LeConte Winter"
Original Painting
This original acrylic painting is a winter image of the soutwest face of Mount LeConte. It is 5"X7" and framed in gold. It is the image included in Brian's 2011 Holiday Card and is displayed in an ornate gold frame. ($80).
New Painting!
"Clingman's Vista 3"
Original Acrylic Painting
This is an original 5X7 acrylic painting of another view of a sunrise near Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is framed in an ornate gold frame. ($80)
New Painting
"Theresa's Barn II"
This original acrylic painting is the second in a series of red barns. It depicts a winter view of a barn on Old Troy Road in Troy, Tennessee. "Theresa's Barn II" is not for sale.
