Gimme shelter

Finger Lakes marshes in autumn, , 14X18, oil on canvasboard

Finger Lakes marshes in autumn, 14X18, oil on canvasboard, by Carol L. Douglas

A few weeks ago, Victoria Brzustowicz, co-chair of the newly-formed Greater Rochester Plein Air Painters, asked me if I’d be interested in teaching a weekend workshop featuring the sere and lovely landscape of late autumn.

“I’d be delighted!” I exclaimed. This is my favorite season of the year.

We all know how lovely the bright colors of mid-fall are, but few people realize how gorgeous late fall color can be. It can be muted or it can be suddenly brilliant. The sky can be a dark violet or a brilliant blue. It can be sunny and warm, or there can be snow—you never know.

The drawing changes as well. It’s more linear and more austere.

Mendon Ponds Park (photo courtesy of Victoria Brzustowicz)

Mendon Ponds Park (photo courtesy of Victoria Brzustowicz)

The workshop will focus on the palette of the late autumn landscape, vistas of the scenic pond at Mendon Park, and the varied woodland on its shore.

Don’t let the November weather scare you—I will share techniques and tips to help you go from a fair-weather to a year-round plein air painter.

Mendon Ponds Park has 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and glacially created landforms. It is listed in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks because of its geologic history and presence of significant kames, eskers, and kettles.

All skill levels and media are welcome. Oils are easiest for cold-weather painting, but watercolors and pastels are also welcome. Depending on how cold it is, acrylic may or may not be suitable.

Mendon Ponds Park (photo courtesy of Victoria Brzustowicz)

Mendon Ponds Park (photo courtesy of Victoria Brzustowicz)

The workshop will run from 9 am to noon, and 1 to 4pm both days. The fee is $200 for the two-day workshop. And space is limited to 12 participants, so register now.

Monday 3

Note:
A materials checklist will be provided the week before the workshop.
All snacks, meals, and beverages are the responsibility of the individual participants.
Mendon Ponds Park is approximately 10 miles southeast of Rochester in the towns of Pittsford and Mendon. There are several restaurants within a 15-minute drive of the park.  Lodging is available if you are coming from out of the area. Please ask the workshop coordinator if you need suggestions.

To request a registration form, or if you have questions, contact Victoria Brzustowicz at 585 305-7350 or email victoriab@rochester.rr.com.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.