JRParkSmithyBarnDSC_3627, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

What a busy busy time! This weekend our Plein Air group painted at the John R. Park Homestead for the Explore the Shore annual event. This was our first year, but not the first year that the event was held. The John R. Park Homestead is a historical site managed by the Essex Regional Conservation Authority, or ERCA. They have always been very accommodating to our club. The grounds are a Plein Air Painters dream come true.

Even though it was incredibly hot this weekend we had a good breeze coming off the lake to keep us cool. Well, as cool as possible in the extreme heat and humidity that we’ve been experiencing this summer.

Saturday’s painting is ready for the paper making machine. I was not at all pleased with it. Although, I may try to salvage it as part of it turned out acceptable.

Sunday’s painting however turned out quite nice. We had a great spot under the chestnut trees in front of the blacksmith barn. I used my Arches Watercolour block that I bought in San Diego. I’m happy with the results.

Now… to sleep, perchance to dream… zzzz

John R Park Homestead, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

Painting of the House and pump.

lakeshoreDSC_3411, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

It was a beautiful day to paint in this lovely park. Teachers from different grades brought their students for a picnic. Rambunctious boys ran in and out of the gazebo. Seniors strolled with their dogs, a pole walking class exercised with their instructor, and seven Plein Air Artists from the Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society enjoyed many different views. Days like this don’t get any better.

lakeshoreDSC_3411, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

It was a beautiful day to paint in this lovely park. Teachers from different grades brought their students for a picnic. Rambunctious boys ran in and out of the gazebo. Seniors strolled with their dogs, a pole walking class exercised with their instructor, and seven Plein Air Artists from the Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society enjoyed many different views. Days like this don’t get any better.

The Kiss, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

The Leamington Marina was our original destination on Monday, June 6th, 2011. The Marina is a very pretty location, but sometimes pretty locations are not suitable for a painting. After about 1/2 hour searching for suitable subject matter, we decided to move on to Point Pelee, which is a few miles further down the road. It turned out to be a very good decision. We had the opposite dilemma at the point. There were so many great compositions that is was difficult to decide which one to paint.

I decided on the canoe’s. This turned out to be a great composition, but the canoe’s had a mind of their own. The staff have their orders and there is to be no fraternizing between canoes. One of them noticed that the green one had cut loose of its bindings, and was making out with the red one. So, she set about to lash it up to the other dock. “WAIT!” I exclaimed. She stopped dead and through my pleas she tied it up with the red canoe. The rest of the day they did the bump and grind to the slow ebb and flow of the marsh.

Now these lovely boats are for rent, but who knew someone would actually want to break up this lovely couple? Don’t ask me how, but within the blink of an eye I looked up and the red one was GONE! I swear I didn’t even see anyone near it, it just vanished! Fortunately, the staff were wonderful, and they put a new red one in the water for me. That fickle green guy didn’t even notice the difference! There were others who tried to break up the duo, but I kept a vigilant watch on the pair. I plead their case every time someone tried to break them up. While a few people looked at me a bit strange, I managed to keep them together the remainder of the day. I think we may see a few new brown canoe’s next summer. *wink!*

Via Flickr:
Watercolour Plein Air at Point Pelee National Park Marsh Boardwalk

The Kiss, work in progress, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

The Kiss, in progress, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.