 |
| Painting along the Wallkill River |
Some time ago, when I was looking for new places to teach workshops, I came across the Wallkill River School in Montgomery, New York. What I liked about it was their mission:
Wallkill River School has been called Orange County’s first homegrown arts movement; mainly because we are the first arts organization with an agricultural component. We identified early on that our fate is intimately tied to our local farms, historic sites, and open spaces. Like our forebears; the Hudson River School, we seek to use our art as a way to raise awareness of and to benefit these important regional treasures. Arts generate tourism, and Wallkill River School generates agricultural tourism, heritage tourism, and brings in new arts audiences.
This very much parallels my idea that landscape painters are stewards of the land. So I was very excited when Shawn Dell Joyce, founder and executive director, invited me to teach a two-day workshop there.
 |
| My pastel of the Benedict Farm, 9x12 |
Though cool, the weather couldn't have been any better. We painted one day at the Benedict Farm Park along the banks of the Wallkill River; the second day, at the Hill-Hold Museum, with its beautiful buildings and landscape. Each morning, though, we started out at the School's wonderful Patchett House gallery and office, with art talk and critiques. Shawn provided beverages and snacks each day as well as a bountiful lunch.
(Above photos by Shawn)
I so much enjoyed the workshop here that I have scheduled another one for this fall, September 26 & 27, 2017. Speaking of workshops, I want to remind you of my upcoming five-day plein air painting workshop in Rockland, Maine, for Coastal Maine Art Workshops. Rockland has a beautiful waterfront, offering much for the painter. If that doesn't work for you, please keep in mind my four-day workshops in Lubec, Maine. If you bring your passport, I'll be happy to show you my studio on Campobello Island, right across the bridge!
