Last week I spent three days painting with members of Plein Air Washington Artists at Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. I camped at Fairholme Campground and only got rained on the last morning.
One of my favorite places to paint was Salmon Cascades, a series of waterfalls on the Sol Duc River. I lugged my gear below the falls and set up on a rocky shelf with a good view of the falls. By the time I was finished, my legs and back were aching because of the uneven rocks. A number of people came by to see my painting, including a couple of local Indian teenagers, who told me it’s almost time for the Coho salmon to start running. It would be fun to see them leaping up the falls.
It rained intermittently while I painted. I put up my umbrella when I felt raindrops, but inevitably some drops hit the paper anyway.
Later that day, when the sun came out, I painted Lake Crescent Lodge. This historic structure on the shores of Lake Crescent, with its huge stone fireplace, dark beams and pleasant sun porch, is beloved by many visitors, including Katy and me. I found a place to paint behind the lodge, with the afternoon sun striking the side of the building.
On the previous day, I painted the beach in front of the lodge where many people linger on summer afternoons. There are logs to sit on, Adirondack chairs, and couples strolling the shore. Brightly colored kayaks line the beach, and families with kids splash in the water. I even saw a bride and groom getting their wedding photos taken on the dock, all dressed up.
I made several other watercolors, but they didn’t make the grade. All in all, it was a very pleasant and productive outing.
These are so cool. Thanks for sharing.