Kickstarter

Over the course of 2011, I plan to visit all 50 of the United States and paint a portrait of America. The act of painting helps me to look more closely and honestly at all that is around. I want to explore contemporary America, while also learning about the history of the land and people in our country. I want to meet individuals from all walks of life and listen to their stories. My goal will be to preserve and share the experience of paying close attention to all that I see and learn by capturing it in paint. A car will serve as my main mode of transportation, but I'll also be traveling by plane, bus, rail, boat, and foot. I want to begin the project with loose guidelines: one year, 50 states, oil paint, an open and curious mind, and the desire to learn, listen, explore, and look closely. Hopefully, if I hold true to those guidelines, the project will develop organically, leading me to many great discoveries!

In order to do this right, I'm asking for your help in obtaining several things.
Here's the list off the top of my head:
-Reliable car with a sizable trunk
-Sufficient funds for food, lodging (although hopefully I'll be staying with friends along the way), tolls, gas, etc.
-Bus, train, and plane tickets
-Materials - enough boards, paint, gesso, brushes, etc. to make at least 5 small pieces and one large piece of each state
-Digital camera
-Video camera
-Those are the biggies, but I'm sure there will be more

I will be visiting galleries and promoting my work along the way. I'd like to complete between 250 and 500 oils, as well as fill several sketchbooks with drawings and watercolors, with hopes that sales from those paintings will fuel future undertakings. The project will conclude with a large show of the paintings from my travels. Venue is TBD, but all will be invited to the party!

Please help me to achieve this dream by donating as little as $1, or more if you can. (See the list of exciting rewards promised for your pledges). While I am grateful to have many wonderful friends in my own network, please send this to everyone in yours as well - I appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks to everyone in advance for your continued support and for making this possible. And of course, please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have regarding my plans for the project.

See more of my work online at:
www.gretavancampen.com
and
www.gretavancampen.blogspot.com