Blog

In attendance: Web Bryant, Ray Burns, Lisa Mitchell, Sarita Moffat, Bobbie Pratte

We painted at the Green Spring Gardens this May. Arlington County has a number of small well kept gardens. Some have old manner houses, or hot houses. This small gem has both. Man made ponds and well planned gardens are great for plein air. The day was cut short by early afternoon showers, along with our usually nice lunch and critique. 

This spring in Washington has brought a number of weather firsts. This is the earliest I've seen fireflies. As I’m writing this in early July I can say it’s the most fireflies I’ve ever seen in summer time. They are wonderful to see and inspire ideas about trying to paint a landscape showing therm rise at twilight. 

Another bug of summer is making early noise.  The cicadas appearance is early. It has even been  mentioned in The Washington Post. The noise was striking when you step from your car.  The big orange eyed bug would drop next to you as you painted. This was was more August then May.

The last bug to mention are the deer ticks. As a group we spend a lot of time outside. Lyme disease is no stranger to the  group and to painters in general. Bug spray and sunblock are a must now. Hopefully when this is read as part of or history the heating world will be a footnote to images of or paintings.

Ray Burns 

Sarita Moffitt

Web Bryant

Lisa Mitchell's painting

Web Bryant's sketch

Web Bryant's second sketch