Painting at Elkmont in the Smokies

Just across the road from the Elkmont campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you can explore what is often called the "ghost town" of the Smokies--cabin remnants of a vacation community that was built in the early 1900's.

What drew wealthy Knoxvillians to this area for a summer retreat is the very same thing that motivated me and two friends to gather our paint supplies and head for the mountains for a day of painting.  

In the fresh autumn air surrounded by so much visual stimulation, I felt no tension, no pressure, nothing more than the excitement of being there.  That feeling was refreshing, one I would like to recapture whenever and where ever I paint!

Above you see an image of the scene that captured my interest.  I was especially drawn to the play of light and shadows.  Below, is my unfinished sketch.

To see all of our sketches and a glimpse of the historic and natural scenes around us visit:  Elkmont En Plein Air at Vickie's Sketchbook

Mountain Sunset and Icicles--Vickie Henderson

A birding trip to the Great Smoky Mountains to find Ruffed Grouse and Saw-whet owls on territory, netted a spectacular sunset and bone-chilling winds at Clingman's Dome, in the higher elevations.

I expected the temps to be colder in the mountains than down in the valley, but I wasn't expecting 30 plus mph winds, nor a twenty degree drop.  We found snow on the trees, thick masses of icicles dripping down the rock boulders, and a hard blowing wind that threatened to lift you off your feet.

Ah, but the Ruffed Grouse we encountered on our way up the mountain were spectacular, showing us great looks of their beautiful plumage.  Though the wind made certain we would hear no owls, the clear night sky was jam-packed with brilliant stars.  Every bit worth all the shivering!