Plein Air Painting, Patapsco State Park

Yesterday, there was an interesting fine art workshop at Patapsco State Park. Ed Johnson, a local artist and retired teacher, taught this workshop at one of the large shelters near the swinging bridge. There were about a dozen artists there of varying backgrounds and experience levels. For a modest fee, all art supplies were provided, and everyone got to go home with a painting they created. Reference photos were provided, most of them of subjects in the park. It was a neat experience, and the first time I painted outdoors. It was an interesting challenge to paint without my standard art supplies, but it worked out. well, and hopefully Ed will run these events again in the future.

Acrylic painting: 16" x 20" (SOLD)

New Trees in Fall

I've been attending tree planting events at Patapsco State Park for a number of years now, and this weekend was the one for this year. Here, we see a few of the new trees in their fall colors planted in a field near the Visitor's Center, while older giants stand quietly in the background.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Patapsco Waterfall in Autumn

Patapsco state park has a small, rocky water fall not far up the hill from the Swinging Bridge. The waterfall, while small, drains into a cluttered rock pool before splashing down a cascade of rocks into a small stream that enters the main river. This scene is inspired by that waterfall, though idealized - the actual waterfall rarely runs this dramatically and the pool has been cluttered with fallen trees in recent years. Here, we see what can be - the little waterfall running strong into a deep pool of cool water under the golden leaves of autumn.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Fireflies on Lost Lake

Fireflies dance around the grass and over the shallow waters of Lost Lake, a small pond located in Patapsco Valley state park. This is an idealized version of the lake, without the various small fishing piers and other features that would detract from its simple beauty on a night full of fireflies - enjoy!

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Patapsco: Autumn Rail Valley

There's a small valley near the railroad tracks and a popular hiking trail in Patapsco state park. The tracks sit up on a hill that sweeps in from the left, forming a small valley filled with trees that turn beautiful colors in the fall.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Late Summer at the Patapsco River

Fall is in the air after a scorching summer. Beneath the sycamores, leaves lie scattered amid the dried grass, and once spring greens are now dried yellow or bronze. The days are shorter and soon the trees will be robed in full autumn glory.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Hilltop shelter in Spring

I probably took on more than I should have in this one: dense forest scene, a man-made structure, and it's all set in spring, so the greens are tricky to get right. That being said, I think it turned out reasonably well given the challenges.

Sadly, the little hilltop shelter in question was crushed flat by one of the trees on the left that snapped off in 2010 - it's a shame, since the view was nice from up there.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Patapsco River: Hint of Spring

Well, I'm getting ahead of myself here - it's still February, and spring is many weeks away, but by April the trees in Patapsco State Park will have a hint of green amid the brown and grey winter branches, and then spring will almost be here.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Patapsco sycamores by the river

Patapsco State Park is full of old sycamore trees, many of which grow down near the river bank. Here, we stand in a rocky part of the river, watching the water roll by as the sunlight filters through the rich greens of the sycamore tree leaves.

Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"

Patapsco Park: Autumn Shadows

Well, this photo is technically from late last October, but autumn is on its way, so it seems natural to paint a fall scene. This one was based on a photo taken near the railroad tracks - the incline on the left leads to the railroad bed, though you can't really see anything of the tracks themselves from this area.

Acrylic Painting: 17" x 14"