The way in which the vision to preserve Yosemite was shared was also important in the creation of the park. Writers like John Muir painted word portraits of Yosemite. But artists, including painters, photographers, and print makers came on their own or were invited on trips into the Sierras by early hotel keepers to promote Yosemite as a destination. Some even took up residence in the valley. Their work was important in both building public awareness of Yosemite and in persuading legislators to save the park.

Albert Bierstadt came to Yosemite in 1863. He painted in the tradition of the Hudson River School of artists. His work, like that of Thomas Hill who also painted in this style, showed a particular relationship between civilization on the one hand and wilderness on the other.

When Bierstadt made his first trip to Yosemite he was on the verge of establishing himself as one of America's foremost landscape painters. In fact, his paintings of the valley helped to make his reputation. They also helped to acquaint the members of Congress who would vote in 1864 to preserve the valley with its wonders.