Granite Cliff Studio

Created from the vision of Luke Schaftary.

Happy Easter!

As most celebrate the Resurrection this Sunday, I am here to share the resurrection of winter in Yosemite, as well as a new focus on the Granite Cliff Studio Blog. As we all know most of the internet has become full of immoral substance and just sharing art on social media can send you down a rabbit hole of political and narcissistic smut. I have made a goal to start sharing here with you and only the people that enjoy my art. I promise to keep it light and entertaining, just the fun stuff. This week snow showers hit the Sierras and I was able to get out and capture a few scenes that I thought were really representative of the beautiful trees and cliffs that cover the valley. The snow was unexpected and melted pretty quick. I hope you enjoy these images and hope that you all are spending quality time with family and friends this holiday weekend.

One of my favorite river bends on the Merced. A true barometer of the current status in the park. Here you can always get a sense of the clouds and the water level as well the foliage. This morning was bright with snow and blue skies piercing through the low clouds.
Bridal Veil Falls hides behind the beautiful trees covered in a fresh layer of heavy, wet snow.
Halfway up the granite cliffs these pines get their first sunlight with a fresh layer of snow. Heavy and wet the sun will soon melt this beautiful marshmallow layer off.
A small meadow lies in the fog. Downed trees open up the view for a layered forest with wavering treetops. This is one of my favorites as I can really envision myself here and the silence and the beauty altogether.
Yosemite returned to control burns and left a lot of trees with scorched bases. The result is a hazy black forest covered in white crystals. The contrast in color is just as dramatic as a black and white photo.
Typically, when people are in this location they look the other direction. In this moment this cliff, is covered in cascading snowmelt and low clouds. Creating a scene that is chaotic and calm at the same time.
All water must fall down. The granite cliffs are starting to fill with uncommon waterfalls. When you zoom in on the small scenes of a large canvas you can be mesmerized.
, ,
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

shaft6203

2 responses to “Happy Easter!”

  1. Gorgeous shots Luke! Truly inspired!
    Love from Maui, Catherine & Lance 🌈

    • Mahalo Catherine and Lance! Can’t wait for you to come visit so we can show you our new home and share some new memories!