Tuesday

Fawn's Leap Watercolor Sketch

As if the hike up to Codfish point the day before wasn't thrilling enough for one weekend, the following morning, we finally made it to Fawn's Leap. This is one of the most painted and sketched waterfalls of the Hudson River School artists. It lies deep in a ravine along Kaaterskill Creek. The steep slopes on either side make access challenging. Then just for good measure, you have to pick your way across rocks in the rushing water to get to a point where you can see the whole waterfall. Fortunately for me, there was a downed tree trunk there, supported by a rock. That's where I sat, mid-stream, to do this little watercolor sketch. Even though the water levels are pretty low this spring, while I was painting with my legs dangling down from the suspended tree trunk, one of my boots got soaked when I wasn't paying attention. I was sure I was going to lose a few brushes in the process, but seemed to arrive back home with all my gear (and myself) intact!

Here's the full two-page spread (7.5x15") in my custom Arches sketchbook:

This location is to die for, and I am definitely going to have to figure out a way to go back with a large panel and acrylics or oils, though I have no idea how I'd set it all up there. Where there's a will......

6 comments:

  1. That's right next to the road (23A), is it not? But yes, not easy to access!

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  2. Yes, it is next to the road, though not visible from the road. I suspect access became even more difficult due to the erosion of the slopes from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The view of the waterfall has also been partially obstructed by a fallen tree, so you have to get very close and climb over the tree trunk before you can get a great view.

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  3. that's one beautiful watercolor sketch!

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  4. Gretchen, thank you! I'd love to go back there with you. It's just a couple of miles from me, and with a little scrambling and feet-wetting, not too hard to access. Maybe Friday?

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  5. What a way to start a new sketchbook...take it hiking and do paintings like these last two. Bravo!!! How big of a sketchbook is it?

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  6. Thank you so much, Joan. The pages are 7.5" square.

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