Sheet Size: 16" x 23"; Image Size: 13" x 20 1/2"

Few things in nature are so difficult for the watercolorist to paint as rocks. Here in this beautiful print of the palisades, Paul Sawyier succeeded wonderfully in depicting these ancient limestone formations. There are significant reasons why the viewer is so fascinated by these rocks. Perhaps the one most often remembered is the practical use they played in the construction of many homes and businesses.

In earlier years, when builders attempted to use brick for foundations, it was discovered they were often subject to freezing and therefore unsuitable. As a result, huge limestone blocks were quarried from the palisades for use in forming a safe, sturdy and beautiful foundation in many structures in Central Kentucky.

Such stones, called “Kentucky Marble,” were used in building the Old Capitol—whether they were dug from the palisades near Shakertown or from Benson Creek at Frankfort before the dam was constructed is anyone’s guess. The actual source is unimportant. It is important, however, to note that Sawyier’s practiced eye their natural beauty and that he spent hours painting and preserving this stone formation in his unique fashion.

The fortunate owner of this beautiful new print will own and cherish a part of Kentucky history.