The North Cascades

Earnest Ward review

So the journey begins and we are privileged to have a view of the artist aligned with nature. Ward's tale engages one from the very first page with delightful illustrations as he travels off the grid. The artist's journal includes interactive aspects as one turns the pages of images and text. The text is a personal glimpse of the artist's way as inspired by the magnificent environment that began as an invitation to be the spring Artist in Residence in Stehekin. This invitation to work and create art for six weeks in isolation would give Ward the opportunity to witness spring and winter while living at the mountain at the North Cascades National Park. His choice to work in isolation is the reader's gain. His vision is the true treasure, a gift to the reader.

From delicate works of intimate views of nature to historical artifacts to the monumental perspectives of the grand mountain side, Ward captures exquisite views that should inspire one to engage more actively with nature, to search the minuscule treasures at one's feet, as well as to dwell in wonder. Ward's works are inclusive of the culture and history of those choosing to live in beauty and in isolation. The artworks are detailed and offer multiple perspectives of a world that escapes most people. Works are a historical collection of artifacts as well as art created in the moment. The personal revelations are insightful to the artist's journey and the process of creating. Both a narrative and a documentary record of creating, this book is one that will invite readers to examine the natural world closer within an art historical context, perhaps sending one on their own inspiring journey.

Earnest Ward is a naturalist and an artist who loves to observe and record the wonders he encounters in his daily life.

This particular book focuses on his trip to Stehekin......a very remote area of the North Cascades National Park, located in Washington.

As the reader, you accompany Earnest on his daily adventures as the ice and snow begins to melt and the world around awakens with the warming of Spring weather.  You get to experience these wonders via his wonderful illustrations, photos, video clips and descriptive commentary of his encounters; which includes wildlife, flora, means of transportation, people, buildings, and the surrounding landscape.

What I really enjoyed was the variety of mediums used in his illustrations.  Something to tickle the fancy of all artists regardless of their personal preference in medium (graphite, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, and oil.)

The other aspect of this book I really enjoyed was his choice in going with the ibook format.  I love the interactive nature of these enhanced ebooks which is a far cry from a standard page by page flip ebook.  From scrolling sidebars of photos and descriptions/observations, to the enhanced illustrations and photos one can view full screen, to the wonderful videos that leave you feeling like you are standing right there experiencing the moment in sight and sound.

This adventure was truly entertaining, informative, and visually pleasing.  A fantastic example of what one can do keeping an artist’s journal and sharing the world and experiences with others.

Based on the sample and familiarity with Mr. Ward’s blog and work online, I know this is going to be a book that any nature lover, adventurer, or artist will enjoy. As the sample shows so well, he is a skilled artist and excellent chronicler. The interactive features make the content even more special. Mr. Ward’s book does a great job of transporting us to one of America's most beautiful national parks through his experience as artist in residence there. Can’t wait until the whole book is released!