High Latitudes Part 1: Onward and Upward

This is part 1 of series of posts about my High Latitudes Expedition in East Greenland.

Heading to Greenland to paint with walrus researcher Dr. Erik Born, I packed light to avoid baggage fees. Somehow I squeezed everything into the following three bags.

Getting to Greenland is a bit of a project in and of itself, and it took several days of travel to reach. From Seattle I headed to Copenhagen, where I had a layover of one night and took some time to explore and sketch.

The following day, I finally met up with the other members of the walrus project team. It was great to finally have faces for everyone’s names!

All together we flew from Copenhagen to Iceland (where we spent a night) and finally on to East Greenland.

Preparing for Departure, 5″ x 7″ field sketch

Our destination was Daneborg, which is located at about 74 degrees N within the NE Greenland National Park (world’s largest park). It’s a base for the Danish Sirius Sled Dog Patrol as well scientific research. Flying in, I had my first glimpse of Sand Island, where we were planning to camp for two weeks for the walrus research.

It’s that tiny island there.

But before we were able to head to Sand Island, we had some preparations to do in Daneborg, and I also had time to explore and paint.

Continued inHigh Latitudes Part 2: Daneborg, Base of Operations.

9Comments

Kelly September 1, 2010

This trip sounds amazing! I look very forward to the next installments of your story, and to seeing more of your artwork. The terns and walruses intrigue me!

Sandra September 1, 2010

Can’t wait to hear the next installment… It’s great to put some pictures to your descriptions.

Mila September 1, 2010

The shades of colors in your sketches are so beautiful – for a place so cold it looks very warm and inviting.

Sue September 8, 2010

Hi Maria – Your sketches and paintings are wonderful. I do have a tchnical question however – which Mountainsmith hip pack are you using? I’ve been looking for one that is big enough for a 5×7 sketchbook & watercolor palette w/o cramming, or, conversely, being too cumbersome. Thanks – I look forward to more of your posts. Sue (PS wish I could subscribe automatically to this via google reader or similar. Thanks)

Maria September 8, 2010

Hi Sue, I think I used a Mountainsmith “Tour” Lumbar pack. It worked out well for my smaller supplies. Around town, I have an Alchemy goods Haversack that’s a lot of fun, too. It’s mostly waterproof and I like the aesthetics. http://alchemygoods.com/haversack.html For subscribing, make sure you’re on my “blog” page (link at top of site) then click the “Subscribe to Feed” on the right hand side of my site under “Stay Connected” Happy painting and keep in touch! Best wishes, Maria

Warren Buck September 13, 2010

I am happy you are still painting away! …and in Greenland this time too. How wonderful. If Cate or I can get a lead on a Seattle place, I will let you know. best, Warren

Maria September 13, 2010

Thank you, Warren. We just found a place this week and are packing up the house. I hope to see you in Seattle!

Kip Rithner September 30, 2010

Hi Maria, I’m enjoying your “High Latitudes Pt 1” series, and wondering: did you get a chance to do Narwhal research as well? Is that part two? Happy housewarming, by the way!

Maria October 1, 2010

Hi Kip, No narwhal research this year… encounters with walrus and polar bears, though! Stay tuned… :)

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