The Story Behind the Art: Black Pool
Layers of colors show in an arch as they descend to the depths of Black Pool at West Thumb Geyser Basin. It was originally named Black Pool when dark microbes lined the hot spring’s crater.
Why is it called Black Pool when it’s blue?
In 1991, a previously hidden hot spring began to break through along a crack on the edge of Black Pool. It had a very small hydrothermal explosion, breaking off a large chunk of the side and pouring hot water into Black Pool. The heat quickly killed the microbes, allowing the water’s blue color to shine. Read more about this in my article here.
Digital Photo Watercolors
I captured the original photo for this image when the boardwalk went along the lower edge of Black Pool. However, I had difficulties processing it, so the vibrancy of the actual colors would show. I loved the capture so much that I kept returning to it. Eventually, I found a software (before AI existed) that allowed me to get it more to a watercolor look. But it still wasn’t complete. Finally, after much experimentation, a combination of 3 different software programs, a pen, and time gave me the look and vibrancy that I loved.
Since then, I have created many Digital Photo Watercolors and need to get back to creating more. Being able to present my images in this way makes sense. I was dragged to art galleries as a child until I learned to love them. I was always drawn to watercolors. When taking photos, I often see images as great watercolor subjects.
Read more about Janet’s photography.
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Article by Janet Jones
Owner of Cody Journal and SnowMoon Photography
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.