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. 

Cabin in the Woods

 

I LOVE sketching in the early morning light to the music of birdsong!  This cabin has been such a fun place to stay with Tyler's family for spring break.  It would have been even better if Tiffany's family stayed close enough to gather at night.  The road between us was treacherous and no-one wanted to try that after dark again!  Painting number   5129 in 5129 days. 

Along Rainbow Falls Trail

Yesterday, Michael and I hiked this trail to the falls, where I quickly sketched in my travel journal. We jogged down as much of the trail as possible in order to get back to the cabin to leave for a family fun day at Dollywood.  At least 10 spots along the way BEGGED to be painted, and I simply did not have the luxury of time.  So, when Tyler and Hannah mentioned a sunrise hike for this morning - I joined them with my paint gear!  What an absolute joy it is to spend the early morning hours along the Rainbow Falls trail!  Tiffany and Alan stopped by on their way up and I was able to finish two paintings before Tyler and Hannah returned.  It FEELS SO GOOD to paint waterfalls in this Smoky Mountain National Park in oils!  A trip is not complete if I don't paint the landscape in oils.  Painting number 5128 in 5128 days. 

Path to the Cabin

 

I just couldn't resist sketching the winding path to our cabin in pen and ink!  I love the wilderness of it all! As I worked, I heard the strangest animal sound coming from the end of that path.  After our son saw a bobcat on his way out this morning, I looked up their sounds.  Sure enough - that's what I heard as I sketched!  I love the rugged beauty and the immersion in a brand new place!  I wonder what I'll hear or see next?! Painting number 5127 in 5127 days.