Big turnout at Ferry Village

Ferry Village was the original site of a ferry landing and a well known dance hall from the early 20th century. Now it is the edge of Beaver Island State Park, a residential area and a great little restaurant for summer treats. Each year this spot is scheduled more painters show up, it has water, boats, trees, a power plant across the river, assorted buildings, picnic area and docks. Lots more painters skipped lunch to finish working. 

Jean MacDonald

Joan Shaw

Best of all, it has great food and a lovely spot for lunch.

More Cherry Blossom views

The Japanese Gardens at the History Museum in Buffalo are ablaze in pink in Springtime. Our painters have three painting excursions planned there this year. Bright Sunlight, beautiful colors, flowers blooming, and blinding sunshine all made this day beautiful

Linda Ludwig and her wet painting prepare to leave

Kathy Schifano is surrounded by pink

Jean McDonald made good use of the barrier stones

Diane Goupil cools on another boulder

Whirlpool Park

Find Shade. Shade is important to plein air artists as the sun gives your colors unusual brightness and paintings look muddy when brought indoors. Sun also makes us hotter when the temperature is trying to break records. I didn't plan to paint and went to Whirlpool for a few minutes and to take pictures. Whirlpool is a long narrow park along the ridge of the Niagara Gorge and painters were nowhere to be found, until I stepped under the massive trees on the parkway side of the park. Nestled in a solid area of deep dark cool shadows, three painters were relaxing, escaped from the searing heat and feasting on the light and shadows of DeVeaux woods.

Joan Shaw, looking towards the old Devil's Hole path.

Sherrill Primo, who plans to return another morning to complete this painting.

colors beginning in the park

Donna Hale, using pastel