After dropping a friend off along the road into the Oxtongue Rapids Park, I just kept driving. This is one of the prettiest parks in the Lake of Bays, and not as well known as perhaps it might be.
With the autumn colours coming to their peak, there are pictures around every turn in the road. The sparkle of sun on the rapids, the vivid reds, bright yellows -- everything called out for a good camera, or (better yet) an easel and paints.
Sure enough, when I arrived at the picnic site, there were several folks engaged in exactly that.
Aidan has been bringing a group up to paint Algonquin and the area for the past 40 years. He remembered meeting my grandmother, way back when -- which just illustrates that it truly is a small world. He was kind enough to let me photograph his current work-in-progress, as was Hugh, one of his fellow artists.
Their group is called the AAEF -- Algonquin Art Expeditionary Force. Judging from the quality of work under construction, they are a force to be reckoned with indeed. The group of about 17 artists spends the day painting, then reconvenes to display the day's efforts and enjoy good food and good fellowship.
I've run into several artists over the years -- there is something about the Muskoka landscape, the rocks and water and trees that draws the artist out in everyone.
Years back, while riding out with one of my horses, I bumped into Robert Bateman.
Whomever you encounter, if they've got a paintbrush in hand, it's moe than worthwhile to stop for a chat and a peek!
How delightful!
ReplyDeleteWe just arrived home from a
S. Ontario tour, read Muskoka Magazine and spotted an excellent article by that driving dynamo, Nancy Tapley!!!
Good on ya!