Legendary Artist James Niehues Sets Out to Illustrate America’s Most Iconic National Park Landscapes

May 4, 2021

The American Landscape Project Set to Debut with Limited Edition Signed Prints

DENVER (May 4, 2021) — James Niehues, the celebrated artist behind the evocative hand-drawn depictions of more than 200 ski resorts across the globe, announced today the start of a journey more than 30 years in the making.

After 35 years as one of the most established mountain guides in winter sports history, Niehues is now setting his exacting eye and inimitable talent on celebrating America’s most beloved National Parks and breathtaking landscapes. As he closes the door to new ski clients he starts a new chapter targeting 50 brand new illustrations, starting with four Western US favorites: Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion and Grand Teton National Parks. A journey contemplated for many years, Niehues is looking forward to applying his unmatched skill and unsparing attention to detail to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world.

“I have always been inspired by Ansel Adams’ sense of drama, composition and lighting, which to me have always been most profoundly depicted in his National Parks work,” said Niehues. “This project is a new chapter for me, and I am thrilled to share my interpretation of the greatest National Parks and landscapes in America.”

To celebrate the start of the project, Niehues will release 25 limited-edition Art Prints for each of his new Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion and Grand Teton National Park sketches. Each print will be signed and individually numbered by the artist. Unsigned prints will also be available.

As a show of commitment to making the National Parks and public lands enjoyable for generations to come, James Niehues and his publisher, Open Road Ski Company, will donate 10% of the sale from each signed print to the National Parks Conservation Alliance to help support their mission to protect and enhance America’s National Park system.

“The initial release of sketches for this ambitious project are incredible. We are honored to share them with Jim’s ever expanding fan base while also giving back to the National Parks,” said Todd Bennett, co-founder of Open Road Ski Company.

To follow Niehues’ journey on documenting the beauty of America’s public lands and to help in selecting which areas he captures next, visit jamesniehues.com, and follow his adventures on Instagram and Twitter @jamesniehues, and on Facebook @jamesniehuesorsc.

About James Niehues

For over 30 years, James Niehues’ maps have been integral to the enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders at resorts and mountains across the globe. His most recent book, The Man Behind the Maps – a compilation of the more than 200 individual trail maps he has hand-drawn – became the number one Art-Illustration Kickstarter campaign of all time and is loved by skiers and snowboarders around the world. His book was the top selling ski book of 2020 and has over 500 five-star reviews.

About Open Road Ski Company

Open Road Ski Company is an independent outdoor media and publishing company launched in 2019 by two passionate skiers, Ben Farrow and Todd Bennett. Their first Kickstarter project, James Niehues: The Man Behind the Maps, became Kickstarter’s top grossing Art Illustration project of all-time.

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