Shenipsit Lake Boat Launch - 7/31/2018

Susan Bosworth enjoying the view at Shenipsit Lake

Well, our blog has become international. Our greatest international audience currently is in Ireland (here's a wave to Ireland. Hello!) but we have had views from as far away as the Philippines. Others include Germany and Peru, just to name a few. There is great interest in Plein air painting from all over the world, so I hope we can keep it up, and add to our group as time goes on.

This writer missed out on all the fun at Shenipsit Lake in Tolland, CT. A huge group made their way to the boat launch to test out their skills of one of the most pristine lakes in our state. Shenipsit Lake is a reservoir that brings water to several towns, and the views around the lake are all amazing.

Submitted by Ronnie Klukas

What a lovely morning we had at the Shenipsit Reservoir boat launch. There were 12 of us (Adrianna, Penny, Linda, Susan, Kathy, Chris, Sally, Margaret, Georgiana, Heidi, Jane and me.) A few people set up on Ellington Rd, while the rest of us stayed at the boat storage/ launch area. A few rowboats were launched for fishing. No power boats allowed as it is a reservoir. The soil in the boat launch area had been covered with wood chips. So while walking could be uneven, you didn't get muddy feet. 

There was a cool breeze and dappled sunlight. TRANQUIL would best describe it. I asked Margaret (who lives nearby,) if she ever came to the boat launch just to read. She replied that she didn't but that it was because of the bears. And as there were so many of us today chatting, the noise should keep the bears away. Must have. Not a bear in sight...……..! Driving home I felt like I had meditated all morning. My mind was restful & peaceful. Nice...…….

   Too bad about the bears though. The day before Margaret's neighbor sent her a photo of a bear in the 
   neighbor's backyard (she lives next to Margaret...!).  Pretty large black bear with a brown muzzle.

   Bear was attacking the bird feeder. 

This writer missed out on the wonderful camaraderie from the day. So what about some of Ronnie's pictures of the 

artists at work. She took lots of the group that stayed at the boat launch.         

Chris began a  preliminary painting of the lake. She said she would work on it more thoroughly at

home. When it comes to Plein air, sketching or just painting quickly with perspective and color is the

method most of us prefer, then in our studios or in our kitchen, we can complete our beginnings.    

A few others near the boat launch sketching or just enjoying the conversation. It was a humid day, so sitting by

the lake catching an occasional breeze was an excellent way to spend a tropical sticky morning.   

Earlier in the week, June went out to the lake around sunset, in preparation of the July 31 outing. Here are a

 few of the photos taken.

As always, if anyone wishes to create a sketch or painting feel free to use any from the galleries provided with each

blog entry. I also encourage members to submit their own observations from the excursions we take, as Ronnie did

this week. They could all be incorporated in the blog at any point.  Send your artwork or your written additions to

jmitastudios@gmail.com and I will make sure to get them into the blog.

UPDATE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Ronnie has done two drawings from the outing at the lake. She has used multi media techniques, as well as a 

few interesting tools. Thanks Ronnie for sharing.

On this abstract, Ronnie used several different tools. She used calligraphy ink, sharpie ink and acrylic. This is 

a rendering of the lake from the boat launch.   

On this interesting use of calligraphy ink,                         

Ronnie discovered when using Elegant Writers

(available at most craft stores) when mixed with water

they create different shades, due to the combination

of pigments used to make the black ink, similar to

the science behind our inkjet printers. The shades 

come out in pinks, in reds, in blues, in greens,

and when you apply water its a surprise every time.

Our next outing will be August 7 will be at Fish Family Farm. Here is what Ronnie wrote with her invite:

August 7, Fish Family Farm Creamery, 20 Dimock Lane, Bolton  9 a.m. to 12;30 p.m

This is a favorite painting site for our plein air group. There are lovely old trees. Interesting buildings. Chickens (think they are Rhode Island Reds). And plenty of charming Jersey cows (yes, some of them with their lovely eyes can be quite charming). There may be new calves to greet. If you get hungry, there's the creamery; ice cream (delicious & cooling on a summer day), yogurt, farmer's cheese & more... I've been informed the Fish Family Farm's chocolate milk is The Best In The World.

Now there is a long winding driveway. Take your time. We should park along the road, ON  THE  GRASS.  This leaves parking for customers and workers. Please do not block the garage doors or park along the fence between the garages and the barn. Also, don't park in front of the dairy store. It's a long driveway and there's plenty of areas for us to park.

This is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the experience of this delightful spot in Bolton. Oh, and then, there's the ice cream....

Let me know if you plan to be there and I'll send out an email sometime Monday.

Hope to see you at the farm next Tuesday.