Our second painting out with the Connecticut Plein air painters society was at the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, CT.

We met up on Saturday September 26- it started off rainy and drizzly on my way up to the museum but by the time we unpacked our gear and found a place to paint the sun came out and it was just a perfect day to paint - together.  

I've just stepped into the role of President for CPAPS and there's a lot to learn and organize. I'm hoping we'll have a board soon so that jobs can be delegated and the work load is a little lighter. But I enjoy gather with my fellow artists, finding new places in Connecticut to paint and seeking new ways to showcase our artwork.

This is our 25th year but we plan to celebrate next year because of all the restriction due to Covid.  I'm looking forward to meeting new painters and checking out all the beautiful spots in our small but picturesque state!

It was great to be back at the New Britain Museum of American Art. 12 years ago I in the educational department with a great group of ladies. Maura, Morgan, Linda M and Heather. We had such fun and worked hard to promote the education programs and events at the Museum.

​ If you live in Connecticut and have never visited NBMAA I would recommend that you do -It's a hidden gem of our wonderful state and offers an amazing collection of American Masterpieces. A few of my favorite collections are the Illustration Collection, The Ash Can Artists Collection and of course, the American Impressionists collection. 

The Inspiration behind this painting began with the sounds of the water gently bubbling over the fountain sculptures. The one large fountain that is not shown in this painting was to my right and directly in front of my easel was a green patio umbrella and two Adirondack chairs.  (see photos below)

I would have loved to include all these elements in my painting but the canvas just wasn't big enough! So, I focused my attention towards the back corner of the Fountain Garden. The large round sphere sculpture and the three stacked planting pots took center stage. I included the mixed metal  pinwheel sculpture and the sign. Although the sign would not have been necessary, the space was so well designed that one could easily tell its main purpose: a place of rest and relaxation. But,  the cream color sign with green lettering  was welcoming touch that graciously invited any visitor to this visual oasis.

The sound of the bubbling water from the fountain was the initial pull but I was also captivated by the color harmony, the various plant textures and the contrast of the light and darks between the base of the Japenese Maple tree.

Although I am not a gardener, and have very little knowledge and experience of successfully growing a garden. I can still appreciate and marvel at the work of the experienced gardener's hands. Master gardeners like the folks at Acer Gardens have the ability to visualize a space similar to the way and artist visualizes a painting. Using the same principles of shape, color texture, composition and focal points. I love seeing how others use their imagination and create beautiful spaces for all of us to enjoy.

A small group of us from the Madison Art Society gathered that day, a little overcast but still worth going out to see my fellow artists friends, explore the beautiful scenery and painting together.. 

Plus, we were invited back - always a great sign!
Look forward to painting a winter scene - perhaps with snow and wreathes and Christmas trees! 
'Thank you Acer Gardens!

Link to Acer Gardens Website: https://www.acergardens.com

Painting Details:

• Painted in acrylic paints, with a protective coat of varnish
• Size: 11 x 14" on canvas panel
• frame: shown in a gold and dark toned frame - other framing options are available
• Certificate of Authenticity will be provided to the buyer
• Free shipping in the US or free delivery in the state of Connecticut
• free gift wrapping is available
• Includes a sturdy box and packaging
• CT sales tax included

for purchasing online go to the online shop here - or contact me directly by email or by phone 203-444-5705
​

Oct 21 -  Nov. 4, 2020 Capturing New Canaan - Sale and Exhibition at The Carriage Barn Art Center in New Canaan, CT. I have three pieces in this show. Here's the link for more information carriagebarn.org

Shoreline Art Trail 20 -Open Studios is ON!! For the month of November and December the Shoreline Art Trail artists will be opening their studios, for one on one scheduled visits.

If you live in the area of Connecticut, New York , Mass or Rhode Island,- come and visit my home studio. Appointments are made through an easy to follow online app and you can choose the day and time that works best for you. Days and times are Friday- Sunday 10-3pm.  
I will have my latest work available for sale, some framed and some unframed. With special pricing on older works. 

Open Studio Appointments will be available for scheduling on November 1, 2020. - 
or sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear about latest works and news. Sign up here -


Like always, thank you for being apart of this journey!
​Linda

I knew the moment I stepped onto this property and took a quick look around, this was no ordinary garden shop. And you could tell by the way each section is carefully designed and maintained. For a painter I could quickly spot 5-6 different locations that would make a great painting. The only trick was to find a place that could offer shade and be out of the way of customers. 

I opted for this spot, tucked into a little nook and off the path. The sun made it's way out from behind the clouds half way through our painting session. I was with 6 other painters from the Madison Art Society. This was our first time painting at Acer Gardens in Deep River, CT. 

I spotted the gardens on my way back from the Goodspeed Opera House in May and popped in to take a quick peek.  It was busy with plenty of folks pulling around carts filled with an array of colorful flowers and shrubs. 

Along with  beautiful surrounds, we found the staff to be just a wonderful group of friendly and helpful folks. They were busy moving plants here and pots there but never too busy to stop and take a peek at our paintings and engage in an enjoyable conversation.

We exchange instagram info and shared posts and tags - They seemed very happy to have us there. And the best part... they invited us back!


Thanks for being apart of the journey!
Linda

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Love this painting but want a larger size or custom print?
​Contact me here - for more information.