Leslie Landers

I always stop at the Olmsted Point viewing area. In this view we are seeing the North side of Half Dome which is one of many granite domes in the distance.

GPS: 37.811088, -119.486248

The hike from the Tioga Road trailhead to Lutkins Lake is pretty short. You’re likely to see lots of wildflowers and chance you’ll spot a brown bear.

GPS: 37.858093, -119.614260

There is a rewarding view and unsteady feeling waiting those who climb up the Mist Trail beyond Vernal Falls to the top of Nevada Falls.

GPS: 37.724816, -119.533038

I always enjoy the hike along Tenaya Creek to Mirror Lake. There are amazing colors in the shallows here as the light bounces off of the sandy bottom and submerged rocks.

GPS: 37.746894, -119.550930

This is the oldest structure in Yosemite. It’s a sweet spot with incredible surroundings. As I painted this, I turned the chapel a bit to get just the orientation I was after.

GPS: 37.741252, -119.591807

In this view, we are enjoying summer near Sentinel Beach with Yosemite Falls in the background.

GPS: 37.735766, -119.608023

On warm summer days areas adjacent to Tioga Road can get a bit crowded yet you can enjoy a sense of solitude on the other side of the lake. A gentle trail surrounds Tenaya lake. A steep trail sets you off to the John Muir Trail.

GPS: 37.819550, -119.468839

I painted this from a footbridge at the base of Bridalveil falls. While I was in the spot things started to get busy so I decided to finish it up later at another spot in Yosemite Valley. Having blocked in the pattern of the lights and darks, I was able to incorporate the colors and feelings of the rushing water even though I wasn’t in the exact same spot.

GPS: 37.718041, -119.649640

Yosemite dogwoods announce the beginning of spring. Here, we are enjoying them with Tenaya Creek in the background.

GPS: 37.745016, -119.551332

There is a lovely level hike across the O’Shaughnessy Dam to the Wapama and Tueeulala Falls. One of the things I enjoy about this walk are the wildflowers. In this piece I am celebrating the lupine.

GPS: 37.949987, -119.789587