Cascade of Light, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

“I loved the challenge of creating something so large and powerful. Just taking the photographs to use while painting was quite an adventure! I made three trips to photograph the area in record-breaking heat last July. I decided that I wanted to paint early morning light on the falls — and I am not a morning person. I got up at five a.m. to catch the light and it was worth it. In order to get the shot, I held my camera strap between my teeth and climbed out over the boulders of Eagle Falls. I held the camera at arm's length and hoped for the best. Just getting to paint this scene was a journey, but the pleasure it brings to everyone (including myself) makes it more than worth it.”