September started off by dropping off some of my artwork for the Fall Group Show at Melt Studio and Gallery . The show is on until November 24! I am now part of the Artist Roster and two of my pieces are in this show.
"Rosehips", watercolour on Arches hot-pressed paper, 340 gsm, Framed 18 in (h) x 14 in (w) $965.00 available at Melt Studio and Gallery
Rochester, Indiana
Then a visit to Rochester, Indiana. We stayed at a very well appointed Airbnb which was above a bakery called Gualtieri's Bakery and where I ate the most delicious pain au chocolat. Nestled on the edge of the little town we found the Prairie Edge Nature Park a quaint nature oasis which had some lovely walking trails through areas planted with native wildflowers, trees, and prairie grasses.
Thessalon
We also went up North to our cottage in Thessalon . I used the time to reconnect with friends, hike, take reference photos and just enjoy nature. The weather was fantastic. I can’t remember a nicer September. I walked every day for around 90 minutes. On my walks I used an app called iNaturalist which is a social network for sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The primary goal is to connect people to nature, and the secondary goal is to generate scientifically valuable biodiversity data from these personal encounters. It was really helpful when I wanted to know more about a flower or a plant etc. I also use an app called Merlin to help me identify birds I saw or heard. These apps are useful and help me feel connected to nature and invested in my surroundings.
Mushrooms
I came across many varieties during my walks and hikes. I was consciously looking to find them. They were everywhere. Some I had never noticed, like what is commonly referred to as coral mushrooms, the reason is obvious when you look at them, they look like sea corals. Others like shelf mushrooms were everywhere on both standing and fallen trees and branches growing like shelves, hence the name. Also came across some oyster mushrooms that were in perfect condition and many others.
Coral Mushrooms
Shelf Mushrooms
Oyster Mushrooms
Wildflowers
When all the other wildflowers seem to have given up for the season these tiny, purple asters (both dark and light purple) and white flowers pop up everywhere and make the woods appear to be starting a new life just before winter. Also found jewelweed and Devil’s paintbrush both tiny and bright orange. Goldenrod of course and Queen Anne’s Lace could still be found.
Tiny Purple Asters
Jewelweed
Crabapples
The deer got to them by mid September but there were still a few crabapples on the trees. Tart and a bit mealy but they make fabulous jelly.
Hiking
We went on several hikes. We usually try to hike the Kensington Conservancy trails at least once during our stay. The Kensington Conservancy is a land trust that works to protect lands and waters by purchasing property, accepting donations of land, and by entering voluntary conservation agreements. These protection methods are all aimed at preserving our precious landscape in perpetuity.
The Kensington Conservancy believes that conservation and preservation can also be achieved through the good stewardship practices of all property owners. They work with local landowners, farmers, governments, schools and other organizations to develop programs that will promote sustainable and less intensive development, best land and water management practices, invasive species control and low impact recreational activities.
Their membership primarily includes residents of Canada and the United States who represent various interests including permanent and seasonal residents, businesses, government, and the scientific and academic communities. As one of North America’s few bi-national land trusts, The Kensington Conservancy is a registered charity in both Canada and the United States. The conservancy received Canadian charitable status in 2006, making 2024 their 18th year of operation.
Their vision is to work to inspire members of the St. Joseph Channel community to embrace positive conservation values that will promote the protection and preservation of natural ecosystems for all generations and their mission is the establishment, development, maintenance and management of nature preserves and programs in the St. Joseph Channel area for the conservation and preservation of the natural ecosystems.
Foster Parkland and Walking Trails
The Foster Parkland and Walking Trails are 3.5km worth of hiking trails that are always open for the public to enjoy. They can be snowshoed during the winter months. The trailhead can be found at The Kensington Conservation Centre, located a 69 Boyer Drive in Desbarats, Ontario.
Gravel Point Preserve
The Gravel Point Preserve has about 3km worth of trails that are always open for the public to enjoy. The trailhead is located along Highway 548 in Hilton Township on St. Joseph Island, Ontario, which is approximately 3km south of Forbes Community Park in Hilton Beach.
Stuff about Stuff with Peter Denley
My partner is a curious person and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about so many random subjects that we tease him about knowing Stuff about Stuff and joke about starting a Youtube channel. Peter used to write an outdoors column for the Sault Star, a local newspaper in Sault Ste. Marie so being out in nature on hikes with him is very interesting and entertaining. Here he is talking about Stuff about Stuff with Peter Denley - Striped Maples
Reading
I am not a voracious reader by any means but I did manage to read during my holiday. I read "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie which was quite engrossing. I did manage to solve it too which was fun.
Eating
We always eat well but I did take more time to plan our meals during my time off. Most of my days started with a poached egg on avocado toast and fruit and ended with a great dinner.
Painting
I gave myself a much needed break during my holiday and that included a break from painting but I did manage a few landscape paintings.
Chilling
It does not get much better than sitting by a campfire after hiking all day.
Back in the Studio
October has me back in the Studio working on a series of paintings for my solo show next May at the Galerie Old Chelsea and life is busier than ever. My time spent in nature seems far away now but these photos help me keep it fresh in my mind and inspired!