Rainbow Falls
Kayleen, family, friends and I hiked up Mt. LeConte last week for the second time in two years. But, this time we hiked the Rainbow Falls route. I didnt pack my tripod so I used a tree to steady this shot with a 1/2 second exposure. We spend a lot of time in the Great Smoky Mountains since my parents live nearby. Although the weather was still a little too chilly for fly fishing we got some great hikes in. LeConte is always my favorite. It always amazes me how very few people ever leave the comfort of their cars. As for me I am happiest on a trail and away from the masses. We hiked up to the Lodge and “Cliff Top” last wednesday which was only one of the two sunny days last week. I wasnt so sure our view would be that good when we started up the trail at 8 AM, but the clouds burned off and the views at the top were great. We spent a little over two hours at the top which was enough to get sunburned. I didnt mind considering I’ve spent the last 4 months frozen in Michigan. Anyway, we’re already thinking about what route we’ll take to LeConte next year. We would have taken the Trillium Gap trail but it was closed due to storm damage.
Easter Feathers
Titmouse
White Breasted Nuthatch
Red Breasted Nuthatch
Black Capped Chickadee
Happy Easter! I spent yesterday morning in a lawn chair near the feeders in my backyard. I sat motionless with Nikon D50 in hand hoping not to scare the birds away. All but the Cardinals were brave enough to come to the feeder to let me take their picture. I plan on doing more of this in the future. It beats having to buy an expensive super zoom lens for close up photography. I’ll definitely use these photos for artwork, whether it be paintings or printmaking.
Nantahalas
Cheoah Bald, Watercolor, NFS
It’s almost time to head to the Smokies to visit my parents. We plan to hike to Rocky Top again to get a view of the land of noon day sun.
Illustration (Sunfish), Watercolor, 1992
Illustration (Crappie), Watercolor, 1992
Illustration (trout), Watercolor, 1992
Padernal
This photo was taken at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM last fall. It’s Padernal Mountain…one of Georgia O’Keefe’s favorite subjects. She was quoted as saying that if she painted it enough, God would give it to her. Last Fall Kayleen and I visited New Mexico to hike and experience Santa Fe and surrounding areas. Ghost Ranch was my favorite. The views of red and gold against the pale blue desert sky are amazing. Today, I was missing the desert so I took some time to go through our photos from the trip. I’ve been sketching out linocut ideas for a O’Keefe landscape print in an arts and crafts style. I hope to get these started soon.
Calling
I dont know what it is about this picture but I like it. This cactus is located in the Arid Room of the Hidden Lake Gardens conservatory. I cant help but feel sorry for these guys when I stop in during the winter….they just seem so out of their element. But, it’s a necessary stop to see them. The air reminds me of Texas…or maybe it’s just the smell of the dirt. Whatever it is I like it. I never lived in Texas but I have relatives who live there who I visit every now and then. My grandfather used to tell me stories of life in south Texas when he was a kid….hunting for rattlesnakes. So much for the issues we have now with lead paint on toys. My family was out playing with rattlesnakes when they were kids..ha! Anyway, that’s what I think about mostly when I stop by the Arid room….thoughts of Texas. My life is filled with snow and cold. The tomatoes that brought my grandfather here are being picked elsewhere……ironically in Mexico. Left behind are the Mexicans who have raised their families here and planted roots. But, why should I stay here? Is this cactus calling my soul back to Texas?…back to Mexico? I’ve never lived in either place but sometimes I feel it calling. I hear you Mr. Cactus.
HLG colors
This is a test post using flickr. My wife and I went to Hidden Lake Gardens Sunday morning for a little hike through the snow. I like to go in the conservatory before we leave to check on the flowers. It’s a great place to hang out after skiing or hiking. I like to go into the temperate room to smell the flowers. The smell gets me excited about spring. We also stopped by the visitor center to check out the LCVA art exhibit. I was pleased with the work that we have on display. The reception for this exhibit is March 15, 1-3pm. This is also a free admittance day and the first day of the Spring Bulb Sale.
The Heron 