The story behind the artwork

One of the most stunning places I have ever experienced is not too far from where I live. Havasu Falls is a contributor to the mighty Colorado River. Collected rain fall pours through a crack in the red earth and drops 150 feet into a travertine-coated pool. It continues seven miles until it joins the Colorado River as it runs through the Grand Canyon, AZ. The scenery here is dramatic, beautiful and matches anything you might see in the Hawaiian Islands. With a backdrop of deep red earthy canyon walls, the contrast of these aquamarine blue pools seem to glow before you. A sacred and magical place, it is located on the property of the Havasupai Nation. Translated as "people of the blue-green waters," the Havasupai allow a limited number of tourists to visit their homeland by reservation.

This is typically the first view you will have of Havasu Falls as you approach it from the top. After a ten mile hike through a dry red-rock canyon with mule trains kicking up dust all the way, you will be quenched by the sight of this delightful waterfall. This vantage point was the main reference for my painting. A true desert oasis!

Here are some more images of this spectacular area. On the left is a view from the bottom of Havasu Falls. It used to be a double fall, but recently a large piece broke off in a flood, so now it is one large gusher! My fiance, Ron is standing beside Mooney Falls in the middle photo, and the last is of Beaver Falls.

One day we hiked the additional seven miles to the Colorado River and back. At a certain point you cross the border into the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you can see where the waters meet and the height of the canyon walls. In the last photo, I am standing beside the Colorado River inside the Grand Canyon National Park.

oasis
acrylic on canvas
48x36"

Additional Links:

All about the Havasupai Tribe on their official website.

Amazingly beautiful and tranquil video journal by Tony Farley.