Plein Air Opportunities in August!
Anyone over the age of 17 can submit artwork for the Fall Celebration Art Show, and if you are looking for some inspiration, we have an inviting upcoming schedule of Plein Air artist events, led by our Board member Sharon Nakazato. Both experienced and aspiring artists are welcome, and all mediums including photography are eligible to be considered for the juried Show. Works should reflect the beauty and diversity of the Great Swamp watershed. The schedule for August is as follows (more events in September are planned):
- August 21, Monday — Doreen O’Connor’s in Wingdale NY. A first time venue, come enjoy the late afternoon light! 3:30 p.m. onward. RSVP needed.
- August 23, Wednesday — Ray Lake, Pawling NY 9:00-12:00 a.m. RSVP needed.
- August 29, Tuesday — Connecticut Audubon, Deer Pond Farm, CT 9:00-12:00 a.m.
Please RSVP! If you plan to attend, or have any questions, please email or message Sharon Nakazato at [email protected] or 845-612-1046. Some of the locations are private so we need to know who is coming and provide access details.
Patterson Environmental Park features a long entranceway through forest to the Great Swamp River with a newly installed boardwalk that offers space to paint/photograph the Swamp in close proximity.
Ray Lake is a private estate with, yes, its own lake and little island, surrounded by forest and hiking trails, open vistas and a variety of forest environments. One time will not be enough!
Brewster Diverting Reservoir offers both riverside views and forest as well as the panorama of the mountains in the background. The bridge at the ball field is a perfect place to set up and see both upriver and downriver. It is closed to motor traffic.
Great Hollow Nature Preserve, just over the border of NY into CT, has miles of hiking trails, all kinds of views both close up and distant, and changes with the light throughout the day. Last year the Plein Air event scheduled for late afternoon into evening provided some absolutely spectacular sunset viewing time.
Connecticut Audubon at Deer Pond Farm, over the border from Pawling NY, is another gem with almost endless variety, from pond to bog to wetland paths to pine forest to…. Some amazing trees and a gorgeous butterfly garden. Formerly a private estate devoted to environmental conservation for wildlife, especially birds, this is another place to visit again and again as the seasons go through their changes.
More details of the 2023 Fall Show and how to submit artwork can be found here.
