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Another 3 Sisters perfect day.

The Third Island at Niagara Falls State Park.

 Every time we go, every painting we make, everything is different. Three Sisters Islands is a treasury of beautiful views. We don't mind the many tourists who are usually very kind but all of us have anxiety when they don’t heed signs and climb the rails to get closer to the water. Those of us who live near the Mighty Niagara River give it a lot of respect. 

So, we love painting here but get to see non-readers risk their lives on slippery rocks next to a raging current. Quite the distraction! 

Niawanda Park

 Reminding us that we are a tribe and when one of the regulars is missing we all notice. Mississippi Mudds has great lines, what with a whale on the roof. 

Beaver island

The sledding hill at Beaver Island State Park is next to the lagoon as well as near Niagara River and overlooks several trees areas.  Plus there is parking for our Plein air painters. Working there is always on our schedule, this bright day was a bit breezy so we stayed close to the cars.

Jean Mc Donald

Against the wind, Joan Shaw

Kath Schifano's lagoon

Martha Rogalla comfortably seated

Joan Shaw's view of the river 

Painting from a Kayak? Crazy artists.

Some days are perfect. This is one of the perfect days and five painters took art supplies by kayak to paddle to Motor Island in the Niagara River, where herons and cormorants nest, creating a cacophony of bird song. Several more painters remained in Ferry Village to capture the charms there. 

Always ready for that challenge, Julie caught some scenes on plates!

Lunch is at https://www.caseyscabana.com, a student run spot in an historical Grand Island location, was a chance to share varied experiences and laugh a lot. Great food and a seating deck over the Niagara River. The boaters had a less artwork to share than the landlubbers! 

Reinstein Woods in Cheektowaga

 

The lineup. It’s not everyone, because this whole park is beautiful and amazing. Nature abounds with pink water lilies winning the prize for memorable views.

On the Lake in Olcott

When the sun isn’t out colors are easier to paint, the light and shadows don’t change and painting is slightly easier. But when you are in the cutest little village on Lake Ontario, painting is even easier. Welcome to Olcott. 

 

Goat Island, where Spring shines

Three Sisters Islands jut into the Niagara River providing multiple views of the upper rapids of the Niagara River as well as the Horseshoe Falls and mist. Its trees and quiet paths allow wildlife to thrive and we painted while mini goslings tried out their legs for the first time. Here are some photos capturing a beautiful park day, the wildlife and some of our appreciative observers. 

 

Baehr Swamp in Spring

Screeching geese and their splash landings remind us that we are in the Billy Wilson Park of Baehr Swamp, otherwise, it’s just quiet time with our easels and the occasional walker on the raised boardwalk. It’s the perfect place to discover spring with bright water plants, blue skies and leaves emerging. Later in the afternoon the big resident turtle emerged from hibernation, shaking off mud and grasses to eat food thrown down from the overlook. Making memories! 

Celebrating Donna Hale

Good friend and extraordinary pastel artist, Donna Hale passed this week. She was the hardest worker of all of us, rolling her cart into a spot and starting her painting before some of us arrived. Then she’d keep working, usually right through lunch while the rest of us chatted.  Donna’s pastels captured the light and feeling of any place she put her easel. She helped with our shows, registration, labels for exhibits, whatever needed doing was done well. And you were always guaranteed a beautiful smile. 

A regular at the winter salon, here she is asking for a critique at our winter salon.

The weather is no problem, just wear more clothes! 

At the Buckhorn State Park fishing dock, a favorite spot for views in all directions. 

Rain? We have Artist umbrellas for sun which double up for rain. 

 Donna emceed our workshop for Plein air painters. 

We will miss you, dear friend, your advice, smiles and company were a gift. 

Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival.

A lot of people showed up for the History Museum's Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival and some of them were artists! Saturday was mild while it rained Sunday but the Plein Air painters persevered.  Here’s Sharon Fundalinski.

Paulette Rozwood caught the flowers close up, following is a photo of her blossom painting on a wood panel.