Near Rainbow Falls

 

I wish I could paint ALL of the Smokey Mountain waterfalls!  I definitely need more painting time in this Great Smoky Mountain National Park!  Michael and I paused long enough for a quick sketch with a wash of color. Thinking this was the top, we didn't round the corner to see the majesty beyond. I returned the next day, but painted lower on the trail. I just couldn't do it without him.  I hope to hike to the top with Michael next time we're here, and paint the glorious falls then.  Painting number 5133 in 5133 days. 

Rainbow Falls Trail

The gorgeous views along this trail are numerous, especially in the bottom half.  Every side trail to the water was spectacular, especially this time of year.  The trees have only begun to leaf out, so the water  and mountain views are nearly unobstructed. I don't think I'd see the light coming over the mountain in dense foliage. I pack light gear when hiking, contained in a two water bottle camp bag that I can easily carry.  Pens, paper, mini watercolor half pans, water brush pens, a paper towel and my sketchbook are all i need.  And my water bottle clips onto the strap.  I'm so happy I'm here to paint the sunrise!  

Cataract Falls Inked

 

I love working on my pen and ink waterfall skills in my travel sketchbook! Cataract Falls is so inspiring, and a challenge in black and white.  This paper is rough and resistant to my Pitt pens .5 and larger, but the. 1 seems to glide normally.  So, I lightly sketch in the shapes, going back with my fountain pen.  I darkened the darks with that pen and added a little water to add depth.  Mike is walking towards Alan, Gus and Quinn as they look into the mesmerizing water.  What a great day to capture in my sketchbook.  Painting number 5131 in 5131 days. 

Beside Rainbow Falls

 

Why do the slippery boulders have the best views? I had to wedge my easel into crevices for this painting, carful to position the legs in such a way that they would not plunge into the cascading water below.  I could only back up one step, where a substantial root created a little foothold to catch me from sliding off.  I could carefully back away to check my progress by stepping back to the left - around that giant boulder.  So, I only checked three times, choosing safety first!  Lol, as I perch over the water to paint..... and loved every minute of it!  Painting number 5130 in 5130 days. 

Cataract Falls

 

Here with family, this is the first day of sketching waterfalls in the Smoky Mountain National Park! Cataract Falls is on the trail behind the Sugarlands Welcome Center, and i could not resist a quick sketch in my travel journal.  With only essential, pared down supplies, I very quick sketch this scene while the kids are playing, adding a little paint as they finish and start the return hike.  Michael stayed with me as i wrapped it up.  Sketching on family vacations is the absolute best training for fast painting!  Everyone is in a hurry and ice only got minutes to paint.  I'm trying to make every minute count! Painting number 5125 in 5125 days.