I visited Iceland in September 2016. Sice then, I have been painting my immpressions of this starkly beautiful land. You could hardly travel a mile along the coast without glimpsing an inland waterfall. I feel that the fluid medium of watercolor is perfect for capturing the wild spirit of iceland.
Ground Cover 28 1/2 X 21 1/2 Iceland does not have forests or even many trees at all. It does however have a beautiful and varied ground cover of plants and lichens.
Ice Flower 28 1/2 X 21 1/2 Jokulsarlon is a lake created by glacier melt water and filled with fantastical floating icebergs. Some are an unworldly glowing blue color due to compression.
Black Ice 28 1/2 X 21 1/2. This is another scene of "calf ice" from the Vatnajokull Glacier. These icebergs come in an amazing variety of shapes and can be tinted a vivid blue to a glowing blue/black.
Hidden Falls 28 1/2 X 21 1/2 A native Icelander told us about a wonderful little river canyon hike. We rock hopped and pulled ourselves up with knotted ropes and chains. At the top we stood at the base of this wonderful waterfall.
Hraunfossar II - SOLD 29 1/2 X 10 1/2 These falls origiate from cold springs that gush out from under the ground cover on the north bank of the Hvati' River.
Vik Beach SOLD 29 1/2 X 10 1/2 We walked to the ocean from our lodging in Vik. The light had a pearly luminescent quality that was emphasized by the black sand beach.
The Hike 28 1/2 X 21 1/2 Iceland has wonderful hiking trails. Many wind through fascinating rock and lava formations. I painted my husband in along the trail for scale.
Black Rock 28 1/2 X 21 1/2 Many beaches in Iceland have black sand from eroded lava rock. The value contrast between the black sand and the white foaming waves can take your breath away.
Thermal Fountain SOLD 21 1/2 X 28 1/2 When we were driving to see the Langjokull Glacier, we noticed quite a bit of steam off to our left. Later on we discovered the source. it was a boiling spurting hot springs. Colorful algae covered the warm moist rock walls.
Geothermal Oasis 21 1/2 X 28 1/2 I followed the drainage are of the hot springs and found this lush meadow warmed by the runoff.
Blow Hole 21 1/2 X 28 1/2 The Dyrholaey Nature Preserve is an area we stumbled upon by accident. It has dramatic seascapes and when the waves hit this eroded rock opening just right, it created big gushing fountains of seawater.
Ice Shrine 21 1/2 X 28 1/2 Because Iceland is formed by volcanic eruptions, it has black soil in many places formed from broken down lava rock. The icebergs from the glacier are often marbled with streaks of this black sediment. This results in beautiful eye-catching value contrasts.
Leaf Nest 20 X 30 I was attracted to this cozy warm colored pile of leaves and the contrasting cool bluish rocks.
After The Eruption SOLD 13 1/2 X 19 1/2 Iceland has had many volcanic eruptions. The resultant ash and small chunks of lava get washed down the rivers forming these low lying black islands.
Mud Pot 14 1/2 X 21 1/2 Near Bakkastaorir we took a hike up to a place where two streams converge, one hot and one cold. You can pick your soaking spot up or downstream to suit your desired soaking teperature. We saw this boiling mud pot just before we passed through a sleet storm.
Hraunfossar I 10 1/2 X 29 1/2 Thes falls originate from cold springs and gush out from beneath the ground cover to create the impression of a giant water sculpture.
