My first visit to Hyla Park Preserve was on August 20th, 2013. I had just met with Jessica Bradford (Communications Coordinator for NB Nature Trust) the previous day to explain my idea of a series of paintings based on NB Nature Trust preserve sites. She recommended Hyla Park as a good place to start. There also happened to be a summer Frog Walk taking place the next day, and it was going to be the last one of the summer.
I made it to Hyla Park to start the Frog Walk at 7PM. It had rained much of the day, but the skies opened up to allow some warm evening light. I only had my summer clothes (t-shirt/shorts) and my camera and quickly discovered that the
mosquitoes were merciless! Needless to say I didn't pause for long on my walk, and only took some quick pictures to think about areas I wanted to revisit. It was fun to see the children enjoying themselves...they were having a wonderful adventure! Lots of frogs were to be seen and I was able to witness the NB Nature Trust staff doing some great site interpretation.
I made it to Hyla Park to start the Frog Walk at 7PM. It had rained much of the day, but the skies opened up to allow some warm evening light. I only had my summer clothes (t-shirt/shorts) and my camera and quickly discovered that the
mosquitoes were merciless! Needless to say I didn't pause for long on my walk, and only took some quick pictures to think about areas I wanted to revisit. It was fun to see the children enjoying themselves...they were having a wonderful adventure! Lots of frogs were to be seen and I was able to witness the NB Nature Trust staff doing some great site interpretation.
About a week later, I returned on my own at the same time in the evening with similar light conditions. I had much more time to take everything in. Only my face and hands were exposed this time, but the mosquitoes were still relentless! But this time, I was able to focus on doing some colour sketches and took more care with what I was photographing.
My strongest impression of Hyla is of lush green with lots of wet pond areas. For my first painting here, I want the point of view to be more downward facing. I also want to show the surrounding elements in the pond reflections as much as everywhere else. Besides, it is in these pools that the frogs live...and they are an important part of Hyla Park!
My strongest impression of Hyla is of lush green with lots of wet pond areas. For my first painting here, I want the point of view to be more downward facing. I also want to show the surrounding elements in the pond reflections as much as everywhere else. Besides, it is in these pools that the frogs live...and they are an important part of Hyla Park!
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