I've traveled to many beautiful places in the U.S. and the world. I've seen some great architecture, eye arresting cities, natural places, and wilderness created by the LORD on June 4th, 2012; I traveled to Iguazu Falls which is in Argentina, Brazil and a bit of Paraguay. I returned on June 18th, 2012 very impressed with this sight! It ranks top most with various other places that I've been to - Rating 10+. View the full-size gallery of these paintings. Iguazu Falls was discovered by Alvar Nunez Cabeza deVaca, Spanish conquistador in 1540, give some credit to his scouts. His life is a most fantastic story. You must Google him and learn of his exploits. He was in North America for 10 years before he went back to Spain and then to Argentina. He was to reestablish Buenos Aires. His accounts are staggering. Iguazu Falls has 275 catacts (Cataratas en Espanol). I didn't see them all it was impossible. The largest fall is "Garganta De Diablo", the Devil's Throat. Argentina has a narrow gauge train that reaches the Garganta. It was my first sight and it was overwhelming! Seeing the Falls takes a lot of time. I hiked about 2-5 miles a day. When I started to paint I had my back pack with painting gear and a valise with my watercolor paper. One hand was free to hold onto the handrails. One of the problems I encountered was finding a place to "set up" on both sides of the Falls (Argentina and Brazil). There's a metal walkway because of the undergrowth and wet soil from the constant water. There are observation points and many visitors. I did discover the trail going down to San Martin boat launch and the best places to set up. You have to negotiate many steps to the trail and warning signs saying "People with High Blood Pressure or Heart Conditions are advised not to go on this Trail" (Hey that's Me!). It's the equivalent of climbing a 13 story building. Praise to the Lord I did it three times and it was tiring, I had to stop a number of times to rest. Remember I'm also loaded down with a backpack and painting supplies. One of the challenges I expected before I took this trip was "how do you paint a rainbow"? I've never ever painted a rainbow! (Arco Iris en Espanol) I did some experimental color studies in my studio before the trip and they were not successful. I however did figure out what I had to do and am pleased with the results. Iguacu Falls is known for its constant rainbows and sitting down to paint them is an interesting experience. Over a three hour period, I saw rainbows move from different positions. Moving water is best interpreted by watercolor. Working with very high humidity, it took a long time for watercolor to dry. Doing Plein Air is for "Real Artist" not for wimps. It's the ultimate experience in landscape painting. One other challenge in painting at many locations was movement of mist. At times a light rain would occur but I found a great place under a rock ledge (Trail to San Martin Boat Launch). Other views did not have any protection from rain.
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