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. 

Falls Near Tuxedo Bridge

 

What an amazing plein air experience this was today!  It was a lovely mid-day paint on Glacier Creek, with Mike joining me in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  The falls are so loud, I can't hear anything behind me, and would not have set up here alone.  Off the beaten path and straddling large boulders, I studied the colors in this Colorado landscape. Mike looked past me and quickly realized we weren't alone.  I turned around and a young elk was 10 feet from me, the mother close behind, and a whole herd surrounding us, working their way to the water! There was no place to go but into the water, so we looked at them, and hoped they'd move to our right, which was an easier path to the water.  After a little rustling around, they did.  And the elk just kept coming!  They filled all of the wooded land right down to the creek. They took their time as the large male stood watch at the back side of them.  I could totally jump in the water - but I couldn't let my pochade, easel and wet painting go in!  So thankful they eventually left the area, and I could finish it up.  Day 2 of my Artist Residency and day 12 of the #stradaeasel painting challenge.  Painting number 4332 in 4332 days. 

Lower Falls at Westover

The back roads of Missouri are full of wonderful creeks and falls to paint.  Down one such road south of Steelville, the treasure of Westover Farms awaits. The cool spring water tumbles over rocks as trout swim beneath the surface.  Though the day was hot, painting near the water was refreshing as the wind came across the water. I even waded into that cold water in my rubber boots to cool off my feet!  Delightful!  I could have painted this place for days, and still only capture a fraction of it's beauty! Painting number 3084 in 3084 days. 

Cataract Falls

sold

This Indiana State Park is beautiful!  I have driven by this exit of 70 hwy for years, and have only just now been able to get it painted!  Spending time in nature is such a healing balm to my soul - and what best way than to really absorb it all while painting?  Painting number 2448 in 2448 days.

Erickson Water Garden Inked

I have a couple of pieces of paper that are in a long format, and this location was the perfect spot for this composition.  Unable to get out and paint until the hottest part of the day, I was looking for the deep shade!  I nestled in between trees behind a bench to do my drawing.  Water was misting my way from the garden behind me, like a cooling breeze, so I worked in comfort!  My favorite pen was out of ink - so I used a back up!  Really, I need to keep ink in my bag for these pens!  I never know I'm out until I am in the middle of a drawing!  I love listening to the music of the waterfalls as I sketch.  Peaceful music indeed.  Painting number 1952 in 1952 days.

ink on paper, 6x12
purchase here