"Ten years ago, in 1860, I was the first artist to show the public the grandeur and might of the western lands. My art has helped shape the way Americans think about our great country—and about themselves.

You must study every detail—and make copious sketches! I have many files of plein air sketches from my travels. I need dozens to complete a final painting back in my studio.

Albert Bierstadt,1859, Oil on Paper
Courtesy National Museum of Wildlife Art

"Here is a sketch I made in those days. Such amazing beasts, our buffalo!

"Remember, as a landscape artist, it is your duty to inspire the public. Our frontier is what makes America great! Yet most people never make it past Pittsburgh.

"Use your brush to showcase this Garden of Eden of ours. The public will love you for it—and may even pay you well, I might add! But first you need to learn the basics.

"Permit me to teach you two things:

How to create deep landscapes using atmospheric perspective,
and
"Talk about lighting the sky in landscape paintings?"