This quick little painting was created in Yosemite National Park, near the housekeeping camp, capturing the Merced River.

While painting on the bridge the day before, I was approached by an Australian girl who is also an artist. We struck up a conversation, and I genuinely enjoyed our interaction. So, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and invited her to paint together the following day. Although I had intended to leave town, I decided to extend my trip to connect with this new friend.
We discovered that we had a lot in common, and meeting someone like her became a highlight of my journey. It turned out to be a wonderfully relaxing day. I didn’t charge my phone and took only a handful of photos, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience. We had enriching conversations about art, and both of us were navigating similar phases in life.
I found myself letting the act of painting take a backseat; my piece evolved more through intuition than intense focus, and I actually appreciate its underworked quality.
Yosemite brings out a friendly side in people. I had many positive interactions and conversations with individuals from all over the world. I even shared meals with strangers, learning about each of them and gaining an appreciation for their stories. Such magic seems to exist only in special places like this.

- Making art with a new friend while pointing out the visuals that inspired us. We both had an appreciation for water and reflections. Her paintings of that subject were especially good!
- A gorgeous setting along the Merced in Yosemite NP
- At the end of the day, we decided to trade quick 30-minute paintings, which allowed me to bring home a beautiful piece of art as the best souvenir from a transformative trip.
- Only that the sun moved over us while we were painting, and it got pretty hot.
- Extending my trip past my departure date meant I had to figure out where to sleep that evening. Not the easiest task in Yosemite Valley, but I managed.