The Great Wall Jinshanling to Simatai China

by Jani Bryson

Title

The Great Wall Jinshanling to Simatai China

Artist

Jani Bryson

Medium

Painting - Giclee

Description

I photographed this scene during a journey with my family to China in 2010. On the morning of our third day in Beijing, we were driven about 140km to the Jinshanling entrance to the Great Wall. Unprepared for what lie ahead, we each had one small water bottle, and I carried my 50 lb camera bag on my back. We then embarked upon a 12km hike from the east section of the Jinshanling Great Wall to the west section of the Simatai Great Wall. It took us close to 5 hours, in temperatures close to 100 degrees F. I believe you can feel the extreme temperatures when you view this piece of wall art.
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It’s hard to imagine, but this section of The Great Wall is quite treacherous. There are extremely steep inclines as the wall follows the rugged contour of the mountains and the ancient hand carved stone stairs are in extreme disrepair and actually missing in many places. Quite literally, there were times we questioned whether or not we would survive the trek, because once you are halfway, there is no point in turning back. The temperatures, the exhaustion and the lack of water made for a perilous journey. However, that being said, it was one of the most positive, memorable experiences any of us will ever have. There are dozens of watchtowers along the way, and the scenery from that height is breathtaking. Once we made it to Simatai, we stayed the night at a local guesthouse under the Simatai Great Wall, where the food was plentiful and the hospitality was superb.
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Later, as part of my mindful meditation practice, I created a modern art painting from the photo, lightly layering and massaging abstract color over color until the piece was complete. I signed with love in the lower left corner. :) Now I offer this art for sale to so others can take a virtual journey, away from the stress of everyday life.
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Beijing, China is rapidly developing so it’s best to try and visit soon before the flavor of an older China gives way to modernization and progress. While in Beijing, you may want to try to see Tian’an Men Square, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the traditional hutongs, old open air markets such as Guanyuan and Panjiayuan, the Ming Tombs, and of course The Great Wall.
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For more fine art pieces of China and Hong Kong by artist and photographer, Jani Bryson, please view the full gallery here:
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jani-bryson.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=286416

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April 19th, 2013

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