The members of the First Coast Pastel Society certainly felt favored by Mother Nature this past Saturday. After a week of cool and raw weather, punctuated by daily rain and thunderstorms, we woke Saturday to glorious blue skies, crisp air, and sunlight. We could not have asked for a better plein air day if we had placed a weather order a year in advance! The paint-out was held at the Nature Preserve at UNF, a lovely gem open to the public. Our destination was the small island in the middle of the lake.
About a dozen of us showed up to paint, and there was a good walking trail leading to the island, so we started off as some of us began to gather.
The bridge itself that leads to the island was worth a painting of its own, though this sign on the bridge was a bit disconcerting. As one member said later, she hoped the gators wouldn't interfere with our painting!
The island was small, which made for a perfect plein air location, as we could all find spots to set up around the island's perimeter and yet still all be close together.
There were spots were you could concentrate on the trees and vegetation.
And spots where you could set up with great views of the lake waters.
With the perfect light and perfect weather everyone was able to find a spot that appealed to them for a painting.
After a fine morning of painting we gathered for lunch at the picnic tables in the center of the island, and shared our paintings as well.
Coming up is our very first Member Show too, with paintings to be delivered to Reddi Arts at the end of this month. Stay tuned for more info.
And for our members to the south, our June paint-out will be held at Princess Place Preserve, just over the line into Flagler Country, and very easy access from I-95. If you have never been to Princess Place before you are in for a real treat, so put it on your calendar - first Saturday in June!
