Algonquin Park Revisited

#2231049 Algonquin Part Revisited 20x24

This winter, four friends decided to make a painting trip to Algonquin Park this spring. All of the guys are seasoned plein air artists and it’s been many moons since they travelled there.

While talking up plans over coffee, we joked and reminisced about previous trips: when the black flies were thick, painting in the rain and sub-zero temperatures. And yet, just thinking about the trip and the anticipation of some good painting, is exciting.

There’s a touch of reverence, too, for the history of the park and the famous artists that painted there, including artists like Tom Thomson and members of the Group of Seven. Still fresh in my mind, I recalled the first time that I painted there, 40 years ago, meeting the future members of the East Central Ontario Art Association, (ECOAA), who come up every year to paint and host a fall members exhibition in the Visitor’s Centre.

We will stay in Whitney which is located on Hwy 60, a few kms east of the East Gate. Each day we will drive into the park and find sites to paint depending on spring colours and patches of snow remaining from winter.

I will never forget the sight of giant Jack pines, the granite outcrops and lakes beginning to open and the feeling that runs through my whole body: a challenge to do my best; Listen to the wind, listen to myself and paint with a passion.

Charlie