Gallatin Canyon Hidden Spring

I used Soft Pastel on Uart sanded paper working from a few reference photos. I tried capturing the perspective from almost directly beneath the fall line of the water cascading over the lip of the cliff. To have attempted a plein air painting in this way would have been very cold and wet indeed as just taking photos I was enveloped in the fine spray of falling water. Very refreshing! This is a humble little waterfall that greets the climber on a rough trail through a series of granitic gneiss cliff bands. Its tucked away in a semi secret nook offering peace and solitude and much welcome respite from the bustling highway a couple thousand feet below. Aside from the occasional intrepid climber, mountain goat, likely are the most frequent visitors to this special place.