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On Being an Artist in the Park

  • At August 12, 2013
  • By wendybac
  • In Uncategorized
  • 1

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

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

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!

 

On a hike in the woods at Georgian Bay Island Nationa Park

On a hike in the woods at Georgian Bay Island National Park

Sketching on the shore of Georgian Bay

Always time for sketching on the shore of Georgian Bay!

Near the lighthouse

Glacier action formed these smooth shores

Steve & I say goodbye as I leave the Island

Steve & I say goodbye as I leave the Island

Rattler

Yes, I did see this rattlesnake! He “suggested” that I did not come any closer, so I willingly obliged him

 

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