Stairway to the Clouds is the first in Don Yaun’s captivating ongoing plein air acrylic series inspired by Cherokee Bluffs Park in Flowery Branch, Hall County, Georgia. This impressionistic painting captures a dramatic uphill trail that ascends like a literal “stairway to the clouds,” with the path and sky blending in similar soft values, creating an ethereal, almost spiritual ascent. The dense canopy of trees forms a deep, shadowy understory below the bluffs, providing striking contrast against the purplish-toned rocks along the way. Subtle specular orange highlights add sparkle and focal interest, drawing the eye upward through the scene.
Painted on location during Don’s first visit to this hidden gem (discovered in 2025, just 5 minutes from home), this piece reflects the park’s endless inspiration—trails, streams, water features, well-maintained paths, and a sense of sacred ground appreciated for thousands of years. The work began en plein air and was refined in the studio for enhanced depth and luminosity.
Cherokee Bluffs Park, a 168-acre natural treasure in Hall County, features rolling meadows, streams, natural shoals, native wildlife, historic sites, and miles of multi-use bike/pedestrian trails. With amenities like an amphitheater, pavilion, playground, dog park, and stunning overlooks, it’s a favorite for hikers, artists, and nature lovers exploring Georgia’s scenic beauty.
Back walnut frame custom made by the artist specifically for this painting.
