Update

OK, we'll try Founders' Park. Although it's sunny now, the forecast calls for increasing clouds through the morning. The other site that Betsey had in mind was Fort Saybrook Monument Park at Saybrook Point. It's about 2 miles from Founders' Park.  I'll bring a map in case we decide that would be better.

/j

Call to Paint -- 9 July 2013 -- 8 AM -- Founders' Park, Old Saybrook

Well, the obstacle this week will be heat, rather than rain. Founders' Park is high and dry and lacking trees, so I don't know about the 80 degree temps and sunshine. But I'm planning to start as early as I can make myself get there -- hopefully no later than 8. Maybe this is a week for a quick splash with some color and an early out.

I know Jay is going to get after me for scheduling this site in mid-July. Wishful thinking just is not enough to make a partly cloudy morning forecast. But Tuesday still is two days away --  we might get some clouds and a breeze.

Directions below.

I hope to see you there.

FOUNDERS  MEMORIAL PARK, Coulter Street, Old Saybrook

 

From I-95, take Exit 67. Merge onto CT 154, heading south/west. After about 0.5 mi., bear left (south) onto Main Street. Go about 0.2 mi., and turn left (east) onto Coulter Street. Drive east and then northeast on Coulter Street to the end of the road, which leads to the driveway into the park. Go to the top of the hill, where you will find plentiful parking and splendid views of the river and marshes. We will meet here.  The drive from Guilford takes about 30 minutes.

CT. RIVER DEP -- Combined MAS & CTSA -- 3 July 2013

Seven CTSA painters joined the MAS paint-out on this hot and steamy pre-holiday Wednesday -- Kay, Kaleigh, Terry, Judy, Bob VanM, Jay (who convenes the group for MAS) and me. It got pretty hot for those of us who set up in the open when there had been cloud cover earlier, but a nice breeze kept things cool for those who painted in shade of trees or the gazebo.

This is a beautiful site, with a long boardwalk that runs from the DEP park site out over the edge of the river, under the bridge, along the marsh to an elevated platform. A few weeks ago, Sally, who is a birder, had mentioned to me that she heard a marsh wren when she was leaving my house on Leete's Island. She said "You always hear them but never see them." Although I did not know the marsh wren's song, I knew yesterday when I heard this chant of birds that it must be. From the platform, I was able to see down into the dense fragmites, where one little wren atop an obscured DEP sign was directing the chorus.

Unfortunately, Judy escaped before I realized, and I did not get a photo of her painting. I know I missed some others, as well. And I was running off myself, so I didn't get a group shot this time.

We will be on the other side of the river next Tuesday and hoping for more of that sea breeze or some cloud cover. Wouldn't it be nice if Founders' Park had a gazebo!

 

Posting Comments

Did you know that you don't have to log in to leave a comment on the blog? At the bottom of each post, you will see a row of symbols and a line that probably says No Comments in blue text. If you move your mouse pointer over that text and left click, a text box opens. You can write a comment or message. You can use the preview button to preview your comments and then the publish button to publish. I've just left a comment on the last post as an example and to walk myself through the process so I could describe it accurately. If you find a comment already there, you can click on "Add a Comment" to open the text box. It's really just like reply all in email. Very simple.

/j

Alternative Paint-Out

Along with a poke about my having cancelled our paint-out for this beautiful morning, Jay suggests anyone who wants to get in at least one paint-out this week might join the MAS plein air group tomorrow at  DEP headquarters in Old Lyme. The place is large and accommodating.

 

As you enter you will see a beautiful small pocket beach and a large shaded area along the river with a gazebo and picnic tables. At the far end is a board walk that leads out to views of the marsh and a double decker pavilion. There's lots of varied subjects here and of course, the bridge which almost all painting buyers are always demanding. There's porta-johns there. We'll meet at the gazebo or a picnic table for lunch.

Directions:  From Madison

I-95 to Old Lyme. Cross the CT River and take your first exit (70) on to Rt 156.

Go right on Rt 156 and take your 2nd right on Ferry Rd. You'll see a CT State DEP sign there. Go to the end into the complex. 

Another new venue -- a little beyond our normal range, but easily accessible, good company, and a forecast that just might give us some blue sky and shadows.

 

Thanks, Jay.

 

/j

Rain-Out

All of this watching the weather and watching the showers roll through has made me think about using tomorrow for some studio work. So I'm calling a rain-out. Anyone who still wants to go out, please leave a comment on this post, suggesting a time and place, and hopefully you will find some company.

We'll hope this weather pattern moves out before next Tuesday, July 9, when we're scheduled for Founders' Park in Old Saybrook. I'll post that, with directions, probably by next Sunday.

I hope to see you there.

/j

Waiting

The forecast does not look good, but we'll keep an eye on it. This is going to be one of those weeks when we have to call it at the last minute. Our go-to venue for summer days when rain is likely is Bauer Farm in Madison. But if we have both rain and wind, as the forecast shows for Tuesday, even that might not make sense. Check the blog before you go.

/j