This month, I was able to make a return trip to the Green Island Nature Preserve in Florenceville-Bristol. The previous visit had been in August of last year for the Grand Opening. During that event, I greatly enjoyed the experience of visiting the island with a large group and getting caught up in the search for the elusive cobblestone tiger beetle! It was a lot of fun, but I didn't really take time to explore what I might want to paint.
Since that first trip, I have driven by the island many times while visiting schools in Florenceville-Bristol and Bath during my position as a Fine Arts Lead. Each time I would drive by, I'd imagine kayaking over to the island. However, I hadn't yet figured out a system for tying the kayaks to the roof rack of the car. Finally, with the help of a friend, I figured out a system that would work. On July 7th, it was time to test it out!
Since that first trip, I have driven by the island many times while visiting schools in Florenceville-Bristol and Bath during my position as a Fine Arts Lead. Each time I would drive by, I'd imagine kayaking over to the island. However, I hadn't yet figured out a system for tying the kayaks to the roof rack of the car. Finally, with the help of a friend, I figured out a system that would work. On July 7th, it was time to test it out!
We actually have two kayaks. Mine is a red fiberglass design that is light as a feather but a bit uncomfortable. Bridgette has a green Old Towne kayak that is very sturdy and comfortable but weighs a great deal more. I chose to take Bridgette's kayak for this trip just to try it out some more (and test how hard it might be to get it on and off the car).
It was a gorgeous afternoon by the time I set out. The kayak handled well and I set out just a short distance up river from Green Island itself. Upon reaching the island, I was quickly reminded of how shallow the water could get as the bed of cobblestones stretches quite far from the visible shoreline. Also the water level can fluctuate quite a bit depending on rainfall. I paddled around the side of the island facing Bristol itself, taking my time and enjoying every minute.
It was a gorgeous afternoon by the time I set out. The kayak handled well and I set out just a short distance up river from Green Island itself. Upon reaching the island, I was quickly reminded of how shallow the water could get as the bed of cobblestones stretches quite far from the visible shoreline. Also the water level can fluctuate quite a bit depending on rainfall. I paddled around the side of the island facing Bristol itself, taking my time and enjoying every minute.
Once I reached the opposite end of the island, I thought I would try to paddle around the other side. This is when I learned that the current on that side is not to be underestimated! The energy needed to paddle against the current was more than I was willing to spend. So I made my way back on the side I came. The current was fairly strong on this side as well, except for the shallow areas (and these were difficult to paddle). Needless to say, I was a little longer getting back!
Overall it was a great excursion and a great chance to visit this one solo and really take it in. I was definitely inspired to paint after this visit and managed to gather lots of source material to work with.
On top of that, I was given the opportunity to work on the Green Island painting at Bath Meeting House, which is only a few kilometers around the next river bend from the island itself. A few days after my excursion, I was all set up to paint in the BMH's beautiful church interior. The diffused light and serene atmosphere offered the perfect place to paint! The images below show some of the progress on this painting:
On top of that, I was given the opportunity to work on the Green Island painting at Bath Meeting House, which is only a few kilometers around the next river bend from the island itself. A few days after my excursion, I was all set up to paint in the BMH's beautiful church interior. The diffused light and serene atmosphere offered the perfect place to paint! The images below show some of the progress on this painting: