Japanese Gardens and the Cherry Blossoms

Two Saturdays were spent at Buffalo History Museum's annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival to capture the pink of trees behind the museum. On the first day, a dozen painters went to the shores of Mirror Lake, aptly named, and created a variety of scenes of sculpture, islands, elegant trees and reflections.

On our second painting day the flowering trees attracted the most attention. But the next biggest event was Jeanette's umbrella as it decided to be a sail and tipped her pastels and easel onto the path. Neatly arranged hues and values probably still decorate their landing spot behind the museum. Not quite a chalk fest, this was a true pastel mess.

Linda and oils

Jeannette and pastels

Bernie with acrylics

Sharon and pastel

Linda's painting in progress

The biggest mishap

Kath's rocks in oil

Bernie's pastel trees

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Diane and watercolors

Before the crowds, the park was still busy with guests

H H Richardson

A famous architect, a notorious location and painters. Where are we? The huge former Buffalo Psych Center, now being updated and renovated for other uses. One of the largest buildings by Henry H. Richardson, it becomes his largest when you realize it is attached to all the other buildings on the site, with overhead walks and underground tunnels. This famous landmark is on Elmwood Avenue and Forest, right next to Buffalo State College.

Bernie, Anne, Kath and Sharon

Carol, Paulette, Joan and Donna

Anne and Carol adding dressing to a fresh made lunch to share.

Peggy Walker's beautiful watercolor of the facade