ECOAA Galilee Retreat

​ Yes! I muttered to myself when I discovered that it was only a 30 minutes drive from home to the Galilee Retreat location in Arnprior. I have been a long-time member of the East Central Ontario Art Association, ECOAA: signed up 40 years ago when Poul Thrane, Donald Fraser (National Gallery of Canada, Ontario Gallery of Art)) and some others were giving plein air painting lessons in Algonquin Park. The drive there was more like two and a half hours.


The opportunity to paint with other artists and to be inspired by professional instructors at the 3-day workshop in Almonte was enticing, so I signed up. When the time came around, I drove there and from Wednesday until we left on Friday, we painted the Ottawa River, majestic trees and quaint building around the Galilee lands. We exchanged experiences over a glass of wine and dinner each evening, followed by demos and discussion – all of the things that I have missed since the start of Covid and until now. And, I was pleased to learn that the ECOAA organizers had already booked three days in October for next year. I plan to be there.


On the second evening, artists were invited to show their painting results from the first two days. I showed them two 11x14 paintings, explaining that I never finish a canvas outside as I need time in my studio to assess the work under studio lighting. Sometimes a plein air gets worked up, some are rejected and, on occasion, I find a canvas that shows potential for a larger studio canvas. I further explained that progressing to a larger format does not mean copying. Instead, I use the plein air work to generate feelings that could be more fully expressed using a larger canvas. A studio easel and canvas, proper lighting, paints and brushes at hand and the plein air for reference are all I need to engage my artistic instincts.


The Galilee Retreat 16x20 plein air canvas morphing to the 36x36 studio painting is a good example.


Charlie
October 2024  

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