Two today! I’d painted along this road a few times before but couldn’t remember exactly how to find it. Toad Lake Road, SW of Ellsworth, runs East-West sometimes, then North-South sometimes. Mostly it’s a “seasonal road”, often with fallen branches, mud patches, deep ruts and/or rocks. Fancy sports cars beware! This first painting is of a field of Joe-Pye weed (that pinky-colored flower). Which tells me that field is rather swampy. Queen Anne’s lace, virgin’s bower and goldenrod are also in blooming like gang-busters now. It was overcast but I used my magical powers and made it “slightly sunny”.
Yes, that’s an old french easel, probably at least 50 years old. I bought it used back in 1988 or so. I have 4 or 5 others, far more modern, but this is my “war horse”. Sturdy as hell. No need to worry about sand getting in the legs. No touchy, wobbly tripod. Here’s my setup:
A little farther down the road I found another favorite scene: some farmer’s trail jutting north, crossing over Toad Creek to a cornfield beyond the woods. Last year I painted this view on a sunny afternoon, with long shadows falling across the road. Shadows absent today — it was overcast. I look forward to painting the rich golds, rusts and yellows this fall.
The perspective of this road fascinates me as it disappears into the woods. We’ve had a pretty dry summer and the fields are showing hints of fall colors. Queen Anne’s lace and bachelor buttons are blooming like crazy. Definitely a place to re-visit!
And here’s my setup:
Margie Guyot Art 