This book, set two thousand years ago and based on nine hundred Jews holding out on Masada mountain against the Roman armies, was written by Alice Hoffman. What a fascinating read!
I finally got a chance to watch the miniseries and, in trying to use up the last few pages in my sketchbook, sat and did a few sketches while watching it.
Eleazar
Women at the market in Masada
In August, I had an opportunity to visit some friends in the Catskills. Lucky to have planned it in between rain showers!
Our first day together, we stopped at Kaaterskill Falls, which were running higher than normal due to more than average rainfall recently. In the afternoon, we went to the historic site of the Catskill Mountain House, which had lovely views of the Hudson River Valley. I tried my first rubbing (is that the correct term?) and you can see I need some practice with technique!
Catskill Mountain House – rubbing www.thomascole.org/trail
We then went to work on a few sketches…
Catskill Mountain House view of the Hudson Valley
Catskill Mountain House view
For day two, we did a short hike in the Northern Catskill Park to Artist’s Rock, then Sunset Rock. This area was America’s first great tourist destination and was visited by presidents, artists and the rich.
View of the North and South lakes from Sunset Rock – Catskill Park
View from Sunset Rock – Catskill Park
It was a lovely few days for my first Catskill visit! For my return trip, rain was forecast, even so, I decided to take the scenic route home past the Pepacton Reservoir. I spotted something out in the middle…
On the Pepacton Reservoir
So I zoomed in with my camera and saw these true fishermen who didn’t let a little rain stop them!
Fishing on the Pepacton Reservoir
Machias Seal Island – as I mentioned, we were lucky just to get on the island, but I felt even luckier that we saw SO many puffins! They are one of the cutest birds. The Atlantic puffins are mainly found on islands along the coast of Maine. They have been described as a clown with wings! And being so much fun to sketch, they are getting their very own post!
Sketched in my new larger (8×10) Stillman & Bern alpha series sketchbook
Their wings beat up to 400 times a minute, making them look like clumsy fliers!
Close up
Two together on a neighboring blind
They were simply adorable!