Valley of Ahwahnee's Winter Magic

For just a few nights in late winter, light of the setting sun shines up Yosemite Valley at the optimal angle to light up the ephemeral Horsetail Fall while the eastern wall of El Capitan remains in deep shadow, creating a visual effect similar to the historic human made historic Firefall. I have painted and photographed and simply marveled at the setting sun on Horsetail many times over thirty years. This painting represents an idealized composite of about a half dozen evenings in 2021 and 2024. Each time, I hiked several miles and scrambled up through steep chaparral and forests, rocky talus, snow and ice covered ledges to reach the perches above the valley floor. Working in a remote location with such conditions inspired heightened senses, fully present and mindful of the magical experience.