I had to take a break from post writing for much longer than I had anticipated. Need of a change of air took me to Yellowstone for a few days, and then to the Eastern Sierra mountains. Back at home, I have been painting and binding books with new inspirations from recent travels, as well as making tiny arts in my old bullet journal. I also have another art supply experiment to share today. So here we go.
A few photos from Yellowstone
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
Yellowstone was profoundly overwhelming. I was hoping for late spring snow, and mother nature listened. It snowed there every day during our stay. The landscape transformed with mist and smoke from every part of the ground when the sun came out after the snowstorms.
The storms also gave me this beautiful contrasting dark sky. During an early evening walk we heard a loud noise and saw an ever-increasing plume behind us. Not sure which geyser went off, as there are many in that area.
Off to Tioga Pass
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
Then we went off to my favorite Sierra mountains. The trails were still closed due to snow. We took it slow with walking around a few new and old areas, and simply reading while listening to the rain.
Even though it was warm in the valley, it got cold in the mountains with oncoming nightfall. I was glad to have packed my winter jacket as we waited for the mountains to take on the colors of Alpenglow. I really missed these mountains. Now I am back home until the weather cools off again, and I can breathe freely outside with pollen-free air.
Outside the Lines – Gesso and Watercolor ground
Outside the Lines is a series where I share my experience with new art supplies. This time it’s watercolor on Liquitex gesso and watercolor on QOR watercolor-ground.
I converted my last year’s bullet journal into an art journal. That’s when I thought of using gesso and watercolor-ground to cover up the writings. To see how they each perform, I covered two discarded paintings with gesso and wc-ground each.
Gesso on the left, Wc-ground on the right, both after 3 coats
I needed to apply multiple thin coats in order for the paper to not warp.
Gesso covered and sealed off the darker under-painting and writing much better. Wc-ground didn’t perform very well with the coverage even after three coats. When used to cover up writing, it picked up the ink color and got tinted by it. It’s a bit more wet than gesso, so the paper warps more too.
At the end, I ended up applying gesso first, then wc-ground over that.
Watercolor on wc-ground lifted off completely, even after a full night of drying, showing the white surface underneath. That’s fine with mistakes, but it made it very hard for me to layer colors. The colors simply lifted off or moved around, which made them very muddy. When not layering though, it worked well enough. I couldn’t get any definition on small things like the girl or the cat.
I sanded down the gesso paper just a little to get a smooth surface. Watercolor on gesso lifted off too, but much less with some drying time in between each layer. Watercolors tend to slide on gesso, but I could layer on colors with caution. In the large areas, I could keep the subtle colors with ease. The girl was a little better here, but I had to use pencil for the cat.
Overall I liked gesso better for my journal, even with its limitations. Wc-ground would be great for fixing small mistakes in a painting. The colors stick on gesso more with proper drying time. The covering and sealing up is much better too. Both of these qualities were lacking on wc-ground. Additionally, since I have to use gesso to cover the writing/work first anyway, I might as well stick to that for my converted bullet journal.
If you are using a clean surface and do not paint watercolor in layers, you might like the wc-ground better. Always remember to a couple of small test paintings first.
Here is the same painting on paper only.
Art Journal
Ever since school, I have always used a planner. Last year I hand made this book for my planning. Instead of discarding it, I converted this bullet journal to an art journal. I am mostly using Tombow dual brush pens for colors and various pens for drawings. I am covering up the previous dates and writings with darker marker, bits and pieces of discarded paintings, darker washi tape, printing and drawing paper, and now occasionally with gesso.
I only work on it for 15-20 minutes before bedtime. Sometimes I draw one day and color it the next day. I am filling the pages with random small drawings, paintings, writings of my own, and occasional quotes. It has been really wonderful for calming my mind before sleep.
Little watercolor cards
As part of my art study, I started painting these little watercolor cards more regularly. A lot of times it takes a while to get what is in my head down on paper.
Tiny Alpine Gentian flowers grow in the meadows at the Sierra mountains – a reminder of cool weather and the gorgeous outdoors.
A Hot spring – somewhere in the mountains that is in my head.
My friends came up with a couple of beautiful names. Fluttering by Kim and All Aflutter by Dixie. The Butterfly Effect is what I came up with afterwards, after reading more about it.
I really love the art of sword and archery disciplines. This little painting of a scabbard took close to two days to draw and paint. According to me, scabbards are blessed by dragons and imbued with special powers. The butterflies light the dark path and the oak leaves warn the carrier of this scabbard of nearby dangers.
The Girl and Her Cat – she wants him to get under the umbrella. He needs to go into the hedge to find the thing they came here for. “Also, cats don’t get sick from a little rain” was his answer.
With increased study load, I am forcing myself to take more breaks so I don’t repeat another crash. I hope these photos, art and the stories brought you much joy and respite. I will wrap up here with these four lines I wrote along with this painting –
Life is wonderful in my boots,
Exploring from roots to shoots.
Into the mountains, here I go,
Finding myself, no friend nor foe.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
45 thoughts on “Little Stories – Travels And Tales”
Jeanne July 28, 2025 at 07:24
Nice post. You caught my attention with the word Yellowstone – I love that park and your photos are great. I posted on Yellowstone as well, your photos brought back memories.
Dixie July 24, 2025 at 08:15
Outstanding photos of Yellowstone, Soma. So extraordinary there.
Love the adventurous girl and her cat. And the lovely poem too.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel July 23, 2025 at 23:03
Your watercolours are as beautiful as ever! I am glad you took a break and that you enjoyed your travels in nature. Beautiful photos!
Comedy Plus July 23, 2025 at 07:42
Such a beautiful place to be one with nature. Such beautiful shots.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs July 20, 2025 at 12:36
Popping back as I forgot to say…You are featuring on #MMBC this week! ;) x
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs July 20, 2025 at 10:22
I always look forward to seeing your art, Soma. The watercolour cards are beautiful, and I love the little girl and her cat in the rain, how adorable.
Your captures of Yellowstone are fantastic! I once watched a geyser in Timanfaya National Park, and it fascinated me.
Lovely to have you back at #MMBC. Have a fab week ahead. :) x
RachelSwirl July 19, 2025 at 12:04
Your art work is incredible, I am so envious of your talent! Thank you for sharing and for taking part in #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World July 18, 2025 at 23:16
Wow, Yellowstone is absolutely stunning! Your photos are incredible. Love the painting of the girl camping by the lake and the mountains.
Heather July 17, 2025 at 05:44
You’re so talented! Love the photos and water colors!
Debbie Harris July 17, 2025 at 03:22
Hi Soma, you are so talented with your paintings and photography. Thanks for sharing some of your techniques and creativity. So good to see!
deb for #Teamwwwhimsy
Yogi July 16, 2025 at 11:48
Amazing getting a behind the scenes glimpse of an artist at work and leisure.
Yellowstone is astounding. I’ve thought about what the first Native Americans and pioneers thought when encountering all the thermal features was like.
Min @ Write of the Middle July 15, 2025 at 21:01
Hi Soma, good to hear you had a lovely break and visited Yellowstone. How wonderful! Love all the photographs – the changing colours are gorgeous. Also enjoyed seeing your artworks – all so lovely! It was interesting to read about your experimentation with Gesso and WC Ground. I was planning on trying WC Ground on canvas because I’d like to do some work on canvas but didn’t think I could paint with watercolours on canvas. Apparently with WC Ground you can … so I’ll give it a try one day. It’s fun for me to see your art journal too. I love to see how others set them out. Yours is lovely and gives me ideas to use in the future for my own. Hoping you continue to feel like your cup is full again and you’re inspired with your creativity! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy ! xo
klara July 15, 2025 at 10:59
I’d love to visit Yellowstone one day. gorgeous landscapes. you are a very talented artist.
Sandra W Magle July 15, 2025 at 08:10
Outstanding photos, how could one not be inspired to paint, draw, and yours are lovely!
Anne Sweet July 15, 2025 at 03:22
I love your photos what amazing places to be able to visit and get inspiration. Your artwork is wonderful as usual. I really must start an art journal, the last one I made was 20 years ago and I used to work on it a little each night before bed time.
Veronica Lee July 15, 2025 at 00:52
Your Yellowstone photos are stunning!
Love your beautiful paintings as always.
Angela Webster July 14, 2025 at 11:46
Such an amazing range of photos, it sounds like you had a wonderful visit.
An art journal is such a great idea; it’s good that it relaxes your mind before bedtime.
Pat July 14, 2025 at 09:14
Yellowstone is my favorite national park! Your photos are all beautiful, as well as your lovely artwork.
Kim Carberry July 14, 2025 at 05:28
Yellowstone looks like an amazing place to get some inspiration. Stunning photos!
I love your art journal, it is so pretty. A whole piece of art in it’s self.
Teresa July 14, 2025 at 05:12
It’s wonderful to see how your travels to Yellowstone and the Eastern Sierra have inspired your art! The idea of converting an old bullet journal into an art journal is so creative and a beautiful way to unwind.
Carol July 14, 2025 at 04:05
Your Yellowstone photos are beautiful. As always, your art is amazing and so personal. I appreciate your sharing your experiences and creative work. #MMBC
Bill July 14, 2025 at 02:42
You visited places I only see in pictures and it looks stunning. I can see why it gives you inspiration for your drawings. You might want to check out my Church Explorer blog for a rood screen and some medieval wodd carving
Susan July 13, 2025 at 14:00
I really like the photos of Yellowstone and the Sierra’s. Wish I had the means to go visit them. Your artwork is beautiful too. I always like seeing the girl and her cat.
Debbie July 13, 2025 at 11:11
it is good for the soul…a change in scenery, but i have missed your beautiful art!! i started painting with watercolors a month or so ago and have been sharing my “paintings” (more like practice) on here. i do find watercolor painting to be much more abstract and a lot more forgiving. i’m glad you enjoyed yellowstone, i have never been and have always wanted to go!!
Mary July 12, 2025 at 10:49
I always love reading your procedure posts. You have such patience. Those few minutes before bedtime is so well spent and much better than screen time. Our mutual love for the Sierras is unmatched. We are currently up here. We should share a place and you could have the cold months and I’ll take the warm ones.
Connie Griffin July 12, 2025 at 09:30
So nice you got that time away, my hubby loves to visit that area. Gorgeous photo’s you got too!
I have not tried gesso with watercolor, only with acrylic paints, and not very much of that, I tend to go for markers and pencils.
Your art journal is very cool, great idea to use the planner, I am enjoying my junk journaling, that is quite relaxing for me :)
Lavender Dreams July 12, 2025 at 08:52
How wonderful to get to travel to these beautiful places. And then to be talented enough to draw and paint! WOW!
Carol McKenna July 12, 2025 at 06:51
Gorgeous photos of Yellowstone Park and always love your art work ~
Have new blog https://anartistreflects.com ~ hope you will visit ~
Amy Johnson July 12, 2025 at 04:01
Your beautiful photos of Yellowstone bring back so many memories of when I was there a year ago. Just gorgeous!
tomthebackroadstraveller July 12, 2025 at 03:39
…Soma, thanks for sharing your beautiful art and specular landscapes. Take care and be well.
Eileen July 12, 2025 at 02:16
Hello Soma,
I always enjoy seeing your art, Girl and her Cat is a favorite. I love Yellowstone, it is one of my favorite parks.
Beautiful scenery and photos. Your cards are lovely too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend. PS, I appreciate your comment.
Maria July 12, 2025 at 01:40
Your art is so pretty! Thank you for taking us on a trip to the Sierras and Yellowstone. I’ve lived in the Sierras when my daughter was born and the area is close to my heart.
Marsha July 11, 2025 at 20:14
Your water colors are stunning. Your planner looks like fun, more like scrapbooking than a planner now. :)
Christine July 11, 2025 at 17:42
lovely art and photos
Susan July 11, 2025 at 13:51
Such beautiful Yellowstone photos and paintings.Im thrilled to visit your blog.
Gillena Cox July 11, 2025 at 09:41
Wow and wonderful
Thanks for linking yo AFFF
Happy weekend
much♡love
Debra She Who Seeks July 11, 2025 at 07:04
Beautiful art and photos, as always! I like your idea of cutting out and saving little bits ‘n bobs of art etc in a special journal for that purpose. Yours is charming!
Joanne July 11, 2025 at 02:55
Wow! Your photos from Yellowstone are incredible! Your watercolors are beautiful.
Kim July 10, 2025 at 23:44
I can understand why you find so much peace at Yellowstone; the grandeur of the landscape seems to impose a calm. Beautiful photos, and lovely little glimpses into your creative mind :)
Lydia C. Lee July 10, 2025 at 19:37
What amazing shots. And then your art work equally beautiful. #TrafficJamReboot
Lydia C. Lee July 15, 2025 at 15:24
I am glad your wonderful paintings are back in my ‘circuit’ again. Lovely to see such beautiful work. #Wwhimsy
Kathy July 10, 2025 at 11:01
Loved your post Great photos of Yellowstone-I got to visit there back in 2017-I loved it.
Love seeing your art too
Karen July 10, 2025 at 06:39
I love all your sketches. And I love Yellowstone – we have been there so many times over the years. The photos you took of Yellowstone are gorgeous.
Cat July 10, 2025 at 05:12
What a lovely post (although I of course didn’t get the technical explanations as I don’t know anything about painting)!
The photos are just gorgeous!!
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal July 10, 2025 at 05:06
I love the photos you took on your trips, they are the kind of photos I like to use as my laptop wallpaper. They are dramatic and beautiful. Is your art study online or outside? I so love The Girl and Her Cat. It’s amazing how you make them both so likable and sweet just by their postures! I like The Butterfly Effect as your title, I kind of believe in the butterfly effect! :D