On Being an Artist in the Park

I’ve just returned from Georgian Bay Island National Park where I was chosen to be the resident Artist In the Park for 5 days. Words cannot express the beauty of the landscape and the ever-changing water views that I experienced during my time there.

Sunset over Georgian Bay from Christian Beach

Georgian Bay Island National Park is situated in lower Georgian Bay on Beausoleil Island. It is a rugged island, covered for the most part with forest. The windward side (where I stayed at Christian Beach) has rounded water-eroded granite rocks & boulders; the opposite side boasts shallow sand beaches. The northern shores are scraped to bare granite by past glacier action.

Wildlife was plentiful. My cabin neighbour saw a small black bear – they both ran off in opposite directions – I was close & personal with a rattlesnake, saw a weasel, eagle & osprey & diving ducks & tried to discourage a porcupine from going under my cabin. On a hike, I was frightened by a roving flock of ruffed grouse who appeared beside me quite suddenly without warning.

As Artist in the Park, I was able to demonstrate my cold wax & oil techniques at the Visitor Centre on Saturday & Sunday. I had many people stop and ask questions – even had a few children join right in and help me make marks on my painting boards!

Demonstrating my painting techniques to Park visitors

In my spare hours, I spent my time sketching or trying some new printing techniques, taking tons of reference photos, hiking on several of the wonderful Park trails, biking (yes – me, biking!) and sharing a campfire & s’mores with my fellow campers: Pierric & Catherine from France, Nic & Amanda from Montreal and Nick & Janen from Simcoe & Toronto. A nice surprise was a visit from my daughter, glassblower Kate Civiero, who stayed with me for a couple of days.

A big THANK YOU to Kate Dudman and the staff at Georgian Bay Island National Park, including Steve who ferried my gear, brought me fresh water and opened my cabin when I got locked out.

This was a wonderful experience and I hope the Park will continue to encourage artists with this program. I have returned home with renewed energy and many new ideas for paintings!