The Gan River

One Wednesday morning our Outdoor Painting group met at the Gananoque Inn in Gananoque. The Inn was very accommodating and gave us use of their beautiful landscaped grounds which are right on the Gan. River. It certainly was very hot and humid, but we found a spot down on the shore of the river, where there was a breeze off Lake Ontario. We settled in for a nice morning in this shady location and this oil painting seemed to paint itself. I loved the reflections off the water and the boats sparkling. While painting we kept our eyes open for any person of authority walking our way, since we had walked past one, maybe two,no  trespassing signs on our way to the shoreline. No one questioned us, and if they had, we were going with the story that it is always better to ask forgiveness than permission. Do you agree?

                  For sale $175

If you are interested in purchasing any paintings on my blog, you can contact me at hazelspleinair@gmail.com

In Wilton

Our last morning to paint outside and it started by raining, heavily. We set off at 8:15 and by the time the Wilton road came along the rain had gone . There was still heavy clouds and a good breeze but when we found this shed, we knew we would have a good morning. Three of us settled in, and only once did the clouds open up, and we had a short shower. I enjoyed using the oils on the 16x20 canvas.

                         

For sale $250

If you would like to purchase this painting or any other painting on my blog please contact me at hazelspleinair@gmail.com

A lovely spot to sit

When we were in Sydenham painting this summer, I found this rustic pergola beside a stream. It was definitely in someone's large backyard and for the best view I had to trespass. I decided to see if the owners were home, but before I could knock on the door, painters showed themselves. They had been contracted to paint the exterior of the house while the occupants were away on holidays. After a frustrating conversation where they thought we wanted to paint the pergola, and what were we going to use, latex or acrylic, and they didn't have any ladders to reach the top, because they were using them all.........I got my point across; I wanted to paint a picture of the pergola......because I was an artist. We all had a good laugh and they said go ahead. I found a lovely spot in the overgrown garden and "went ahead". Even though I was in full shade there was very little breeze in Sydenham and it was hot work. I finished much of the painting at home in the a/c. 

                                           

This was painted with oils on an 11x14 board and sells for $175

If you want to buy this or any other painting on my blog, I can be reached at hazelspleinair@gmail.com

The Napanee River

Wednesday was hot again but our group of dedicated outdoor artists were at the small hamlet of Newburg to paint the Napanee River; and paint we did. Because of the drought that we have had all summer, the river was shallow and easy to wade in to get the best vantage point. We all enjoyed our morning, but by 11:00 I was searching for the shade from the brilliant light of the sun bouncing off the river. Most of my oil painting was done from my photo reference at home the next day.

When lunchtime came, some walked into Newburg to try the bakery for lunch. The sandwiches looked delicious. We didn't hang around very long after lunch because the sun was beating down and the shady spots were getting smaller. Newburg is one little village that I will have to revisit. 

Here is my attempt on an 11x14 board with oil paint. Hope you enjoy it.

                  

This painting and all the paintings on my blog are for sale. This one is $175.

If you are interested in this painting or any others on my blog you can contact me at hazelspleinair@gmail.com

Hollyhock corner in Portsmouth village

Wednesday, we painted in Portsmouth village in Kingston. It was one of the hottest days of the very hot days we've had this summer. I painted for about two hours and then had had enough of the heat. The humidity made it feel even hotter and I left at about 11:30. This is the first time in ten years I have left because of the weather conditions. I worked at home in the a/c on the remainder of the painting. Here is the result on an 11x14 board.

                                      

For sale $175

If you are interested in purchasing this or any other painting on my blog, please contact me at 

hazelspleinair@gmail.com

Parrott Bay Conservation Area

 On Wednesday this week we painted at the conservation area close by, on Taylor Kidd. The high way was busy and the noise of passing traffic seemed a little too loud, but, as we entered the conservation area with its dense cedar forest the noise of traffic disappeared. We followed the path deeper into the trees and the silence was wonderful. We heard the birds and the breeze blowing through the branches.  

We were surrounded by the forest, the world slipped away. I  had forgotten how quiet it was. I found a spot on the path and started to paint. In a few hours I was finished. The painting seemed to paint itself.

I looked up and there was the owl, again. He had been watching from the same branch as I set up and then he had flown away. He made eye contact with me both times and I guess he wanted to see the final result. I wondered, as I packed up, if he approved.

I have included a photo of the Barred Owl, looking at me, just in case you didn't believe me.

  Here is the view from my easel and here is the owl. The painting only, is for sale for $175

 As usual the oil painting, on an 11x14 canvas, is for sale, and if you are interested you can reach me at 

          hazelspleinair@gmail.com

Grass Creek Park

Last Wednesday we were at Grass Creek Park beside the MacLachan Woodworking Museum. A few of us found a wonderful quiet bay where the local day camp run by the city, was playing games, doing crafts and generally having fun. We set our easels beside the marsh, and had a  wonderful morning painting. This was done on an 11x14 board with my oils. What a great day.

                         

For sale $175

If you would like to purchase this or any other painting on my blog, please contact me at 

       hazelspleinair@gmail.com