Plein Air...surprise!

Synchronicity rules and I proved it this week. Old Lyme along Connecticut's lush shores is a treasure of American Impressionist art history...the Florence Griswold Museum has colorful tales to tell about a gloriously active art community in the early 1900's and beyond. I've visited several times and wanted to again. So without a plan in mind, I headed that way after my ferry crossing from Long Island.

I checked my GPS and the Griswold website and realized I had magically been drawn to Old Lyme on the day of their Summerfest including a Plein Air painting event at the Museum. I called ahead to make sure I could paint on the grounds and got a green light to join the party!

Undeterred by weekend traffic, I nabbed a parking spot and grabbed my paints with just enough time for an acrylic plein air sketch...somehow feeling more mesmerized than rushed under the ancient shade trees behind the garden and barns of the old manse. Afterwards, I strolled along the banks of the River and pondered how often that scene and others nearby have drawn artists here to paint.

The Griswold's extraordinary history includes fostering both art colony and an art academy. I was humbled by the heritage on the grounds. The place is indescribably pastoral and one shared by the memory and artistry of Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf and others. And me. My next surprise awaits...