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# When nature paints with you
- URL: https://rachelleggett.com/when-nature-paints-with-you/
- Published: 2026-08-17T12:00:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-17T12:00:28.000Z
- Description: I thought the rain had ruined my sketch, but it actually made it more special.
- Author: Rachel Leggett
- Tags: drawing

This summer, on a trip to Alaska, I spent some time sketching on-site at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. (I highly recommend visiting Katmai if you like bears! It's an incredible experience!)

I made this loose sketch of a ridge along Brooks River as seen from the Falls viewing platform. I was just finishing up the watercolor when it started to rain.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260713_033427107-1.jpg)

I was really pretty happy with it! And then I realized the rain was... causing problems.

The paint that was still wet wouldn't dry. The paint that had dried was getting reactivated and moving around. The rain was creating white blotches where I didn't want white blotches. I couldn't close my sketchbook because the paint would lift off my piece and transfer to the facing page.

I really thought, "it's ruined." I hadn't even had a chance to get a photo of my sketch while it still looked as I had intended it.

But now, when I look back at it, I remember what it was like to be in that place and have that experience. The imperfections from the rain amplify that.

There's also something special about knowing that a little piece of Alaska is in my work. Not only did I put Alaska on the page, but Alaska put itself on my page and quite literally contributed to my painting.

I don't think I'd want it any other way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152842307.jpg)

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