From the misty, foggy forests that give the smokies their name to the rhododendron tunnels that follow clear, bubbling streams, Great Smokey Mountains National Park has a unique and diverse beauty.
I was captured by the smokies many years ago and have spent time backpacking through the dense forest, trout fishing on remote streams, and hiking the trails. Each time I visit the park — regardless of the season — the beauty and stillness of the park hits me.
Getting deep into the smokies reminds me that the powerful God who spoke everything into being is also close. He’s present. And he draws near to those who seek him.
Sitting on a mossy rock beside a mountain stream reminds me that God speaks to us and that following him has its twists and turns. Through many different season of life, these mountains have been a consistent place for me to retreat and meet with God.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16
The sketches in this collection follow the different seasons, places, and plants in the park. Some explore the layers of hills and mountains seen when you reach a high clearing or bald. Some highlight the details of a specific tree or plant. And others capture snowy trails along a ridge or stream. Just as the sketches and places inside the park vary, there is a humbling reality that regardless of the season or place we’re in, God can be found. He is present and waiting.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 1 View of the mountains at sunset from Clingman's Dome, spring. 8×5 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 2 Light sketch of the hills and peaks from Clingman's Dome, spring. 7×9 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 3 Rough sketch of the view from Clingman's Dome, spring. 7×9 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 4 Deep Creek in winter. 8×11 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 5 Snowy, rhododendron-lined section of Deep Creek trail. 6.5×6.5 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 6 Snowy trail along Sunkota Ridge. 5.5×8 inches, pencil on toned tan paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 7 Winter rhododendron bud. 4.5×4.5 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 8 Mossy tree trunk. 3×10 inches, pencil on white paper, 2025
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, No. 9 Mossy tree trunk. 2×7 inches, pencil on toned tan paper, 2025
