Painting red-heads for the exhibit had been the focus of my painting recently. But it was time for winter camp! Winter camp is a plein air painting event that's part of the Grand Marais Winter Festival. Artists gathered at a wilderness camp, not accessible by road, and painted, outside, for up to a week. We hauled our camping and painting gear across frozen West Bearskin Lake to beautiful Camp Menogyn. Once our stuff was stowed in our cabin, out to paint we went! Happy for us, there was plenty of snow for our paintings. And so much beauty and quiet. Camp has been one of the highlights of my winters for three years now.
Outside? All day? Painting? Yes, until, of course, the bell rang announcing a meal was prepared for us and ready to be served. It always amazes me how much time can be spent outside, no matter the weather, and how enjoyable it can be. I even painted outside one evening. This year the temperatures were very mild, with overcast skies. I didn't even have to wear gloves while holding the pastel sticks.
At the end of each day it is such a pleasure to see the finished paintings of the other artists. We line the paintings along a wall and spend time admiring each other's work. On the last day we frame our favorites, take them into Grand Marais, and participate in an exhibit. The opening reception to the event was well attended. One of my paintings was purchased, and I bought a painting!
