This painting was created in Yosemite National Park, near the housekeeping camp, capturing a beautiful May morning along the Merced River.

This painting is part of a two-painting day. I hadn’t initially planned to create this piece. I started a painting of lower Yosemite Falls the day before, but when I arrived at my spot on the bridge, I realized I was much too early to get consistent lighting
I was having an off morning filled many with small mistakes like this, but I was still fortunate to be in Yosemite, and the morning was beautiful. Any frustrations were honestly easy to shake.
I decided to explore my surroundings. I felt drawn to a river access point behind a large tree and instantly recognized it as a perfect painting spot. I cherish moments like that when a place calls to you.
Everything seemed to go right from there. I believe that having limited time helped me avoid overworking the piece. It came together quickly and easily, and honestly, it has become my favorite artwork from the trip.
I would love to revisit this one and paint it again, but larger.

- On my way to this location, I found myself following a man with a nice accent singing "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson.
- The weather was perfect, with shade the entire time. I enjoyed watching people float down the river and made friends with park employees.
- I was able to sit comfortably on a large boulder while painting.
- Paid for an expensive coffee drink, which was shockingly half empty when they gave it to me. So I was only halfway fueled for the day.
- Ants definitely got in my backpack.

Yosemite River Study

Rutherford Falls