One of my favorite winter outings is to spend a few days at Yosemite Valley. I would rather go to the Eastern Sierra mountains, but the mountain passes are mostly closed during winter months, which makes for a much longer drive than usual. For a quick winter outdoor fix, the valley is a great place to visit during the weekend. That year, I noticed there was snow forecast right on my birthday which happened to fall on a weekend as well. The closed-in valley is awe-inspiring as is; the snow enhances those jagged rock formations all the more, making the whole area breathtakingly beautiful. So, there I was, spending my birthday playing in the snow with my camera and my sketchbook.
As we left after work, we got there late at night. I usually try to avoid driving during storms as chances of rockfall go up significantly on those mountain roads. Thankfully, by the time we got there at night, the storm had passed, leaving behind a beautiful blanket of snow glittering in the moonlight. This pristine powdered snow would last only for a couple of hours in the morning. I am a night owl, but luring me out at dawn with snow is an easy task. My husband I were out and about shortly after the sun came up behind the surrounding mountains.
El Capitan Meadow is my favorite meadow in the valley. The black oaks there look so beautiful against the golden rock face of El Capitan. I always spend a lot of time there.
Right across, there is another grove of black oaks. That day they looked gorgeous wearing fresh white snow, side-lit by the sun.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
We walked around the rest of the valley floor with not a care in the world. As the low winter sun melted the snow, the surrounding trees started pelting us with snowballs. I always find that to be a lot of fun and I giggle every time that happens. A snowball fight where the trees always win.
It was a clear, bright day with occasional low clouds here and there. El Capitan is a master of capturing those low clouds.
As day rolled into late afternoon, the usual mist appeared on the meadows. I love to spend that time split up between taking photos and working in the sketchbook while sipping on something hot as it is usually very cold outside.
This is where I drew this scene sitting in the car. Instead of going for the more iconic features, I drew what was in front of me with pencil. I wanted to leave it as-is, but my husband loves inked drawings. So, later on at home, I used an ink pen for all the lines and a white gel pen for the snow.
Here you can really see the lines that I had to remove to make a clean copy for printing. I wasn’t sure at the time, but after quite a bit of work I did manage to remove all the page lines from the drawing and make it into a book.
While playing with different book cover ideas, I fell in love with the French Fold. The cover board wraps over the edge into the inside of the book making it look stylish and elegant. This also makes the binding more stable.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
I hand made all these books in hardcover with French Fold. As the paper I use in these books are great for writing and drawing, I have been using them for my Japanese studies, as well as travel notebooks and art study sketchbooks.
Even without ever mentioning it here, the Yosemite In Winter books have been the bestseller in my shop. That’s the magic of Yosemite, I think. You can purchase the notebooks from my shop.
Season and weather change often, and Yosemite changes with them. During the winter months, a sudden snowstorm decks the trees and the granite faces with powdered snow and turns the narrow valley into an enchanting place. Then the sun peeks out behind the cloud, making for such drama as only mother nature can write. All I need to do is tap into that energy. This one is also the start of my National Park sketchbook series. I am looking forward to drawing the unassuming features of these beautiful parks.
Until next time,
-Soma
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51 thoughts on “Yosemite In Winter”
Yvonne August 23, 2025 at 16:00
Sorry I’m so late to this post. Visiting always seems to fall through the cracks, and when I do visit, commenting fals through the cracks. I did sign up for email reminders, as if that helps much with me. Words can never convey the joy I felt when reading this post. It was as if I was back in time to when my parents would take us on day trips to Yosemite. Your photos are georgous. I miss the Sierra Nevada mountain range so much. Always love your nature excursions. I know you will be ecstatic when winter arrives.
Janine Green August 8, 2025 at 01:06
That must have been a wonderful trip. Your photos are stunning and I love the notebook covers. Your design suits them perfectly :)
Steph@Crazylittlelovebirds August 7, 2025 at 21:59
Beautiful, featuring your post tomorrow at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. Thank you for sharing your post with us.
Susan August 7, 2025 at 17:51
Beautiful!!!
ramblingwoods August 6, 2025 at 13:18
Wow…what a treat to see this…Michelle
Granny Annie August 5, 2025 at 06:47
Your photographs, drawings and sketches give me chills. Each is outstanding.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel August 5, 2025 at 04:56
Absolutely stunning images from Yosemite and your drawing is of course beautiful too. It looks amazing as a book cover!
Suzanne Roth August 4, 2025 at 07:22
Beautiful creations, beautiful photos, and beautiful artwork commemorating the glorious images!
Thank you for sharing at
Nikki - Notes of Life August 3, 2025 at 15:09
Wow, what a stunning place! Great artwork too :)
Jayne August 3, 2025 at 10:46
Snowy landscapes with a camera in hand, sounds like time well spent, Soma.
Your book cover is simply stunning, and the detail is just phenomenal. You are sooooooooooo talented! :) xx
RachelSwirl August 2, 2025 at 11:32
Such stunning shots, your sketches are incredible! Thanks for sharing and for taking part in #MySundaySnapshot.
Debbie August 2, 2025 at 09:31
your images are exceptionally beautiful, they give the park a whole different feel. you are talented beyond words, the sketches are amazing and really bring it all to life!!
Sarah MumofThree World August 1, 2025 at 22:30
Your photos are stunning and they inspired some really beautiful artwork.
How lovely to have snow on your birthday, especially as your birthday fell on a weekend!
Esme Slabbert August 1, 2025 at 14:34
This is spectacular, been to Yosemite, but these winter shots are something different.
Thanks for participating and sharing at ES #WW #87, see you again Wednesday
Tammie August 1, 2025 at 08:46
Lovely that it was so beautiful for your birthday and time there!
I find sketching times like this, as you have is an intimate experience getting to take your time there more deeply into your heart.
Lovely sketchbooks!
Nancy Andres August 1, 2025 at 08:24
Stunning photos and notebooks. Your artwork isa top-notch.
Lydia C. Lee July 30, 2025 at 19:02
THey are stunning photos and your drawings equally so! Lovely work! #WWHimsy
Sandra W Magle July 30, 2025 at 13:50
Oh, goodness your photos are stunning and the sketches a perfect rendition of the best parts! I’m looking forward to following your blog and your work, Sandi/oldnewgreenredo
Comedy Plus July 30, 2025 at 07:05
Beautiful shots. We live about an hour away from Yosemite. A beautiful place anytime of the year.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Suzette Benjamin July 30, 2025 at 06:15
Wonderful drawings and great photos of Yosemite Valley. The winter scenes are beautifully tranquil.
Michelle July 30, 2025 at 04:36
The frosty trees are just stunning. And your drawings of them are incredible.
Debbie Harris July 29, 2025 at 23:21
Hi Soma, you’ve really captured the essence of these views in your photos and sketches. You’re very talented! Just this morning I drove out of our driveway and saw the snow capped Main Range (Australia) in the distance with the morning sun shining brightly on it and it was so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Deb #Teaamwwwhimsy
Min @ Write of the Middle July 29, 2025 at 21:44
Hi Soma, the photographs you’ve taken in Yosemite are beautiful, particularly the snow on the trees – such an awe inspiring novelty to this Australian (who lives in tropical Queensland). I remember that when I was in high school I did a project on Yosemite National Park. Of course I can’t remember all that I learnt about it back then now! I love your ink drawing and the fact you made it into covers for your notebooks – very clever idea. Thank you for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy and hoping you’re having a wonderful week! xo
Bill July 29, 2025 at 08:25
Beautiful, would I ever love to be there in the winter, can’t say my wife would as she hates the cold but that place looks stunning
Heather July 29, 2025 at 04:32
What a winter wonderland! Your drawing is amazing too!
Kim Carberry July 28, 2025 at 04:28
Oh wow! What stunning views! The snow against the blue skies look amazing!
Carol July 28, 2025 at 02:59
Your photos are gorgeous! The snow adds to the scenes. Thanks for sharing! #MMBC
Teresa @ My Bookish World July 27, 2025 at 23:26
What a beautiful and inspiring read about Yosemite in winter! Your description of the snow-covered landscape truly brings the magic of the valley to life, especially for an artist and photographer. The idea of transforming that experience into a “National Park Series Notebook” with a French Fold is absolutely lovely and such a creative way to capture the essence of Yosemite.
Heidrun July 27, 2025 at 06:50
A wonderful Post. I wished, I could visit Yosemite one Day. And I admire your drawings.
Eileen July 27, 2025 at 04:52
Hello Soma,
I loved Yosemite during my visit there years ago. I wish I could visit again.
Your photos and the scenic views are gorgeous.
I loved you sketches too, well done.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
Connie Griffin July 26, 2025 at 08:42
Oh my goodness those pictures with the snow is just gorgeous, I love the black trees with the snow, beautiful contrast.
I agree with your hubby I do love the pen work.
That image does make for a wonderful book cover!!
Amy Johnson July 26, 2025 at 04:18
Oh my goodness, what beautiful photos. I can’t even imagine what being there in person must have been like. My husband and I have learned the past few years to hike in winter. The forest in winter can be so magical, and there’s no bugs! ha ha.
Veronica Lee July 25, 2025 at 22:04
Yosemite in winter looks magical through your lens and sketches.
Love how you captured the quiet beauty and playful moments
Carol McKenna July 25, 2025 at 15:49
Wow! Magnificent winter photography and awesome art work ~ thanks,
an artist reflects
Melissa Willis July 25, 2025 at 10:08
What an absolute magical portfolio this is! So incredibly breathtaking!
Christine July 25, 2025 at 09:47
Lovely
Maria July 25, 2025 at 08:58
Such pretty photos and drawings. Yosemite is a special place!
Erika N July 25, 2025 at 04:55
I love seeing Yosemite in winter. It is very dramatic. Even more dramatic than seeing it in late spring which is when I visited many years ago. I love that last photo of the trees and the fog. And that’s a lovely drawing too. I hope life is going well for you. hugs-Erika
Gillena Cox July 25, 2025 at 03:38
Fantastic sketches and luv the photos as well
Thanks for linking to Art Fir Fun Friday
much♡love
Your True Self July 24, 2025 at 20:48
Hi, Soma – I am really impressed by your sketches done with ink quill pen, the work and heart you put into it and the creative cover! You should be proud! – Angie,
Sue July 24, 2025 at 15:42
These are so beautiful and I love the books! I will definitely be getting one for my SIL as she loves sketching outdoor scenes AND Yosemite! :)
Debra She Who Seeks July 24, 2025 at 14:28
Stunning photos and artwork!
Cat July 24, 2025 at 12:55
I don’t like to be in snow, but I like to look at snow and you captured it beautifully in both your photos and drawings.
I was in Yosemite twice, but in summer, and I loved it. How great that you can get there easily!
Cat
Mary July 24, 2025 at 12:43
As usual, Soma, you have captured the images so beautifully. It is truly a sight to behold. You have such an eye for natural beauty and can convey it so well. The books turned out so well. I’m glad you were able to windless the sketchings down while maintaining the image so well.
Linda July 24, 2025 at 11:25
Beautiful photos and drawing. I have been to Yosemite but not when it looked like your photos, it looks a wonderful time to go.
Karen July 24, 2025 at 08:48
so beautiful in the snow – snow always makes such lovely photos in the mountains.
Dixie July 24, 2025 at 08:27
Wonderful sketchbook covers. I love all the colours.
I am so pleased with my sketchbook. :)
Gorgeous photos, Soma.
Kathy July 24, 2025 at 07:52
Wow and Wow again gorgeous photography and l love your sketchestoo
thanks for sharing
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal July 24, 2025 at 05:22
Your photos are breathtaking and stunningly beautiful You really captured the “mood” of the snow on the trees and mountains. I love winter, so these scenes make me long for winter!
Joanne July 24, 2025 at 04:42
Oh wow; your photos are incredible. I fully admit to not loving winter but those snow dapples trees that sparkle in the light get me up and moving every single time too. How lovely to live so close to such a beautiful national park that you can just zip in for a quick weekend visit.
Life Images by Jill, Western Australia July 24, 2025 at 01:31
I love those snowy trees. So beautiful. We don’t have snow where I live, but it has been so cold lately. Enjoy your week and thankyou for visiting my blog this week.