The entire village of Elsah is nestled in a wooded ravine that is accessed by traveling north on the scenic Great River Road from Alton, IL. Entry to the town is between to two tall limestone bluffs named Mount Radience & Mount Pisgua that overlook the Mississippi River. Picturesque and quaint perfectly describe the architecture and the layout of the historic village. At the end of Valley Drive sits a carpenter gothic style church built in 1874. According to the village web site a “Mrs. Ames donated the small Sunday School Room at the rear of the building.” The sketch-worthy play of light and strong shadows across its facade at mid day caught my eye.
Church, Elsah, IL, 01/15/2012; Michael Anderson, watercolor on Canson 140lb cold press, 7″ x 9″.
