I had the honour to be selected for the second annual CPAWS-OV DRAW retreat this year. I experienced first-hand a portion of the watershed around les Grandes Chutes on the Dumoine River in Québec and painted en plein air. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the beauty and power of the landscape with other inspired artists and people who care deeply about the environment and its protection.

I did this first painting there entirely onsite. Just below the bridge that crosses the Dumoine, I was looking down the Grand Chutes and remember the roar of the water clearly. It was hard to hear someone speak there!

The original painting is being exhibited Thanksgiving weekend in the Pontiac at Coronation Hall in Bristol, along with work by other artists on the retreat. You can make advance purchases, but the pieces will all go to an auction at the Ottawa Art Gallery on November 14. Music by James Raffan. Doors open at 7:00. Proceeds from the sales go to support CPAWS Ottawa Valley.

About CPAWS-OV

CPAWS-OV works towards the protection of this beautiful area surrounding the Dumoine River. I support CPAWS-OV’s position the protected area be strong enough to ensure there are no industrial activities, such as logging, mining or hydro-electric development, but flexible enough to allow for continued recreational access. Naturally, Indigenous access should also be unfettered.

DRAW Retreat

Along with about 20 other artists, I spent five days camping along the shore of Robinson Lake and painting. The first site I tackled was breathtaking. I was high above the Grand Chutes, perched on a rock overlooking the Dumoine. Here’s my set-up there.

The fabulous CPAWS OV organizers asked us all to create an image on a card to send to a supporter of the retreat and the organization’s work. Below is a photograph the talented photographer, Scott Haig took of me working on the card near Robinson Lake, which was a lovely clump of Bunchberry or Cornus Canadensis, as an informed participant told me.

 

I really like this view of the bridge over the Dumoine. Sitting facing the powerful water as it surges towards you was quite moving. I worked in the studio on this as after I got home.

 

 

 

Robinson Lake is quite a contrast from the excitement at the Chutes. It was usually very calm, peaceful, and often shrouded in fog. So, I enjoyed working there a couple times during the retreat. This image by the prolific and inspired painter, Phil Chadwick, shows me working there.

 

 

 

I needed to finish this painting up in the studio too, as the floating water lilies and reeds needed to come on top.

The DRAW Retreat experience was memorable, informative, and it’s provided me with lots of great reference material for future work. A shout-out to all my fellow participants because they’re a big part of making our week in August so great!