The Cliffs of George Lake

This is another view of George Lake from lucky Camp Site 77 looking more westerly towards the cliffs of George Lake. The granite was still wet and very slippery. The ravens were having quite a conversation and keeping us entertained. The deformation zone cirrus indicated that a synoptic scale storm was approaching - slowly.
Kids were jumping off the cliffs and swimming in the somewhat chilly water. 

George Lake

I have painted from this precise location before. Campsite 77 at Killarney Provincial Park offers the best view of George Lake from atop a huge granite cliff. The clear night had allowed the granite to cool and it was now “sweating” in the warmer and more moist air mass the accompanied the southerly breezes. The slippery rock surface made it quite treacherous to get too close to the edge. A curious and sure-footed red fox checked us out as we painted. I expect that others might have fed the handsome fellow.
There is so much in this vista that one has to pick and choose just what to include. Every time one attempts to “plein air” this scene should produce a different result. I think this is my fourth attempt to do the scene justice.
I have gotten to know the “Friends of ‘Killarney” over the years. They continue to keep the area as one of the brightest jewels of Ontario. I have donated paintings to their worthy cause.

Walking Sticks... Who knew?

Walking Sticks... I didn’t know much about them so I had to do some research. Stick insects are part of the Phasmida order (3000 different species), the name of which is derived from a Greek word meaning “apparition.” Their average life span in the wild is up to 3 years. They have apparently become a favourite pet. Imagine taking your “walking stick” out for a walk...
The stick insect resembles the twigs among which it lives making it super camouflaged until they stray on to another surface. Females are normally larger than males. Many stick insects feign death to thwart predators, and some will shed the occasional limb to escape an enemy’s grasp. Others swipe at predators with their spine-covered legs, while one North American species emits a putrid-smelling fluid.
This is the common Northern Walkingstick. They feed on the leaves of many deciduous trees as well as clover (my lawn). Adult walkingsticks mate in the fall. Females drop eggs, one at a time, from the treetops. Eggs overwinter in leaf litter, and nymphs hatch the following spring. Walkingstick nymphs look like tiny adults and are only a few millimeters long when they are born. The nymphs wait until nightfall, then crawl up onto small plants. They continue to eat and grow, staying amongst leaves and twigs where they are well hidden. As they get bigger, they climb higher, until they are in the tops of tall trees.
Who knew?

Twisted

This group of trees was very near Red Rock Point. Another artist from our group was inspired by them so I thought that I would give them a try as well. The sun was still warming my back. It was a beautiful October day to be painting in Killarney. There was so much inspiration and colour in the scene that I had to be prudent on just how much was included in the plein air work. The painting wasn't yet finished when I snapped this photo but you get the idea. Do you like my Kitty Litter paint supply carrier?

Red Rock Point

This view toward the northeast is simply on the north side across the road leading to Killarney Light. That is why the artist and the chicken crossed the road. Painting conditions were still ideal and the warm sun felt great on my back. Turtles basking on the logs of Lighthouse Lake kept me company. If there had been a hammock nearby I would have joined them. Killarney Pond was to my right.

Baby Eastern Rat Snake

We have tried for five years to provide two nesting sites for the Black Rat Snake as it was known then. I see lots of baby rat snakes but they are doing well not because of my nesting boxes - at least not yet. The adult snakes I see are using their own nesting sites and that is apparently working well for them. The Eastern Rat Snake as it is now known, is safe on our property at Singleton Lake. I often see them weaving their way along the edge of the buildings. I showed this one to the grand kids. The snakes calm down after they realize I mean them no harm... plus they are quite harmless. 

Red Rocks and Pooled Water

This was the fourth demo of the 2013 Killarney Adventure and the first of Day Two. We headed to Red Rock Bay and the Killarney Light for inspiration. One does not have to go too far. The vistas are classic for the northern shore of Georgian Bay. Rocks, water and wind flagged trees characterize the landscape.

This view is looking southerly toward Killarney Channel. I liked the darker reflections of the pools of water trapped on the red granite. The hang back rain had exited well to the east leaving sunny skies for the rest of the week. The rugged terrain protected us from most of the chilly northerly winds.

Killarney Channel

The “hang back”, comma head precipitation arrived. The timing was perfect as we were just finishing up our morning session at 11:58 am. The light changes at noon and it meant that we had time to enjoy a terrific lunch at the Killarney Mountain Lodge.
 In anticipation I had arranged with the Lodge to paint from the Carousel Room. Imagine a large circular room encased in glass with a friendly fire crackling away from the fireplace in the middle of the carousel. The winds had shifted to the northwest behind the “hang back”. Rain showers occasionally pelted the glass. We painted looking outside but basking in the warmth of the fire.
Here is what I came up with looking to the northeast shore of Killarney Channel. I liked the colours and contours of the granite interplayed with the few leaves clinging on and trying not to fall in the stiff and wet northwest wind. It was fun but does it qualify for plein air? You be the judge.

Cloudy Killarney Sunrise

The Southampton Art School’s Class “Killarney - the Annual Adventure” happens every October just as the autumn colours are peaking. It is an inspirational place. Plein air vistas are everywhere. We just need to slow down and really see and appreciate the colours and forms.
I do a quick demo at the start of each session. The goal is to illustrate laying the foundation, design and composition for the final work without taking up too much of the participant’s painting time. I then cruise the easels offering assistance, advice and encouragement without messing with their own “voice” or style.
This was the first demo of the 2013 Killarney Adventure. As you can see I am virtually standing in the water at 9 am on Monday morning. I decided on a skyscape looking southeasterly. The participants wanted to see a meteorologist paint real clouds. In this case there was not enough sun to blind your eyes. The cold front had passed through the previous evening. Chilly westerly winds were not cold enough for me to have on more than my signature white painting shirt. I love painting skies…
We needed to paint quickly before the “hang back”, comma head precipitation arrived around midday. I keep mentioning that you really should take a meteorologist with you on all of your vacations...