Plein air Paddle

A picnic lunch, a canoe for two, and a bag of art supplies -- all the ingredients for a lovely day in the state park.

As we paddled along, I stole the opportunity to sketch with my paintbrush and Winsor & Newton travel watercolor set.  The brilliant sunshine cast bold shadows on the hills & valleys.

I hope you take some art supplies along with you on a park visit.  It's a lovely way to slow down, see the landscape, and keep developing your art skills.

Happy Creating!

Canoe Painting

One of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon off is to rent a canoe from the nearby state park, and paddle up the small lake. The peace of nature, the calming influence of the water and the adventure of seeing the woods from the water put me in a happy mental space.  

Sometimes, I take my nature journal and watercolors, and paint quickly while David paddles me slowly up the lake.  Having very little time to complete a scene keeps me from getting precious with my artwork, and I like the result. 

Now that we're entering fall, I treasure this little watercolor sketch -- a taste of sunshine and warmth to return to in the coming winter.

An Autumn Canoe Trip

 Sunday's weather inspired an art exploration into Raccoon Creek State Park by canoe.  I packed my nature journal and some paints, and David and I set out to capture the Autumn colors.

As David paddled, I created quick gesture paintings, that I added pen & ink touches to later.

We ventured up the stream that fills the lake, where a beech tree leaning over the water caught my eye.  Behind it was a massive Hemlock tree, and a steep, rocky cliff, creating heavy shadows.

 

Beyond, and around a bend, past a bank beaver's lodge, we found a sand bar, where I sat and painted brilliant Spicebush leaves.

There's nothing like the feeling of being lost in the process of painting nature.  All cares disappear and you are left with just the connection to nature.

Thanks to David for the photos!