Beautiful Autumn The Season of Change
Beautiful Autumn the Season of Change a 16"/20" acrylic on canvas board painting I did many years ago while laying stone at a friend's house. He built a lovely overlook building high atop a bluff on his property overlooking Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville Alabama.
The home itself was a pleasure to work on being a history buff and native of Huntsville I was pleased to find out this house was one of the original homes built by the Wernher Von Braun team. As you may know this team was from Germany. A group of 1600 brilliant Scientists, Aerospace Engineers and Technicians.
The team secretly moved to Huntsville after the war as members of Operation Paperclip a top secret program that developed the Saturn 5 rocket that propelled man to the moon.
While waiting for my mortar to dry so I could clean the joints in the newly laid Stonework I would sneak back to this awesome overlook get-a-way to continue my work on this lovely painting. The owner would join me back there sometimes sharing stories of the house community and history of the area.
Monte Sano Mountain has always held a special place in my heart. My Great grandmother lived on the mountain during my childhood I adored visiting her there and attending the small church for which she was a member. I have fond memories of hiking and visiting Monte Sano State park being raised in the city this felt like nature's Paradise each visit. I was blessed to rent a home high atop the mountain in my 20s I hiked, explored, and mountain biked frequently.
The Park area itself has a rich history I recall climbing the stone walls of the lodge most of my life it had been destroyed by fire but the hardy stone walls and fireplaces had remained. The Park was a thriving vacation spot back in the day the mountain air and healing waters drew many to refresh and restore. The name itself Monte Sano is derived from Spanish meaning "Mountain of Health"
I have no doubt about the healing energy of this magical mountain. I was blessed to become pregnant while living high above the city. I carried my beautiful daughter in my belly as I wandered thru these magical healing woods. On my way to the hospital to have her I remember being amazed by the beautiful Autumn colors surrounded me on the drive. This inspired her name Autumn Bliss.
If you want to learn more about this amazing Mountain I have included some links as well as access to a favorite book of mine Space by James Michener it's written in a unique perspective highlighting the Von Braun team and includes stories of this mountain.
Thank you so much for reading this story behind the art I hope it stands as a reminder of the great depth and meaning of so much beautiful art in this world
