Oct 8 – Bala-Hy Motel Beach, Long Lake
Sparkling blue lake water, coloured leaves and cooler morning temperatures prompted our eager group of artists to wear a coat and find a spot of sunshine. Bala-Hy has such a variety of views to paint with its little island accessible by bridge off the beach. A few artists tried different mediums or experimented with colour. This was the last scheduled weekly sessions and all bid a bittersweet farewell to the season. It has been both fun and spectacular weather on Wednesdays and now we turn to sharing our art at upcoming Art Exhibitions.
October 1 – Johnston’s Cranberry Farm
Another bright lovely day for plein air in Muskoka, although decidedly cooler at the start of our morning. Thank-you to Johnston’s for allowing us to plant our easels and splash some red on our canvas at the same time the cranberry harvest is on. With cooler nights the berries on these hundred year old plants turn from white to red and float to the top of the flooded marshes. It was quiet this day somewhat limited by low water levels in the nearby lake that is used to flood the bogs. Only 2 weeks from the Bala Cranberry Festival to share our art.
September 24 – Sunset Park, Torrance
This was one of those fall mornings that we were glad we ignored the dubious weather reports and showed up anyway. After all it is Wednesday in Muskoka and this is what we do: paint, paint, draw, laugh, paint, chat, paint, chat more, share, swap art supplies, smile for a photo and go for lunch. Grey muted skies, a calm Lake Muskoka, damp warm air created smiles by all who were there at Sunset Park.
September 17 – Floating Bog Islands, Bala
A colour conundrum. This location challenged our colour mixing skills as we discovered an incredible vibrancy at this scenic natural landscape. The floating bog islands were a beautiful site to behold. Fourteen artists arrived and were greeted by a swimming beaver and migrating birds, but missed the visiting sand hill crane. A sun umbrella came in handy to protect artists from acorn bombardment from the active squirrels in trees above. Many thanks to artist member Janet for allowing us to paint on her private wetland property.
September 10 – Bala-Hy Motel, Long Lake
Fifteen artists enjoyed the above seasonal temperature in September and so many views for Plein Air on Long Lake. The Bala-Hy Motel beach area is connected by a wooden bridge to a small island offering 360 views for artists. A successful painting rescue was needed as a watercolour painting fell off the bridge as we were getting ready for the group photo. Luckily it fell face up and landed on some tall grass above the water. Thank-you to Bala-Hy for allowing us to take over the point.
All smiles and fun arty conversations when the homemade oatmeal cookies and sandwiches came out. Yum! Thank-you!
September 3 – YMCA Camp Pine Crest
“Happy Campers” is the best way to describe our gloriously sunny morning painting at YMCA Camp Pine Crest on the shore of Clear Lake in Torrance. Reminders of younger days all around us – giant wood animal carvings in the Kekindewin Dining hall, teal blue and red canoes at the ready on the endless dock, a dinner bell, a campfire rock circle and named cabins along various pathways. Too many options – we simply must come back here next year!
Camp Pinecrest is open year round teaching outdoor skills to the young and old. The 115 year old camp sits on 650 acres of wilderness nestled between 3 lakes. Clear Lake lived up to its name on this day. Canoes launched while we were there and all that was missing were the camp songs with a long repeating chorus.
August 27 – Bala Falls
So nice to kick off the start of our Wednesday morning plein air with demo by Samantha Reimer next to the rushing water from Lake Muskoka, roaring train. “Think of waterfalls as having an anatomy, wear earplugs, tell people where you are going and practice” some of the many tips shared with our group.
A sunny slightly cooler August day on the viewing platform beside the water at Bala Falls. A great turnout, new and regular plein air artists enjoying a morning together. We had a nice visit by Councillor Glen Zavitz checking out our plein air progress. Great to have the Muskoka Lakes Township support to our group.
August 20 – Hardy Lake Provincial Park, Torrance
Undeterred by rain overnight we had a large group of artists with plein air painting breaking out all along the trails and shore of Hardy Lake. Two group photos.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park, located near Torrance Ontario between Gravenhurst and Bala, is known for its scenic lake views, and 8.8 km of hiking trail loop. Rocky outcrops along the trail, dense hardwood forests of maple, oak and pine, and “paintable” shorelines with fragrant “tea bush” discovered on this outing. Luckily there were minimal bugs this time of year, unless you painted beside the marsh, Annie!
August 13 – Moon River, Bala
It was a beautiful day teasing the plein air artists’ with every kind of weather one could experience in a 3 hour morning. As we sketched the ominous grey clouds, the white fluffy ones appeared. From calm reflective water to a wrinkly Moon River as quick as we set out a new paint colour. Such variety with bursts of rain and surprise wind gusts. We had it all on this fine day. One fine water colour blew away and is floating down the Moon River. Hope the fish like art! Thank-you to group member, Heather for her hospitality in Bala!
August 6 – Rosseau, Township of Seguin
With groups of kids enjoying summer fun on the water all around us we parked our easels near the sandy beach at the town of Rosseau’s Waterfront park , on the pier and up the hill across from the Antique store. As this was a Wednesday morning, we missed the busy Rosseau Farmer’s Market held on Fridays where artisans and local farmers gather.
July 31 – Sunset & Steamships
A perfect, amazing, spectacular, magical SUNSET bedazzled a group of seven Bala Plein Air artists as it set (as predicted at 8:44 PM) at the Gravenhurst Wharf with Muskoka Steamships at the dock in the foreground. “A painting is worth a thousand words” is how the saying should go. The many bugs prevented a longer stay for a nocturne painting this evening but everyone went away with smiles and a sense of accomplishment. Beautiful art work!!
July 30 – Huckleberry Rock Lookout Point
Look up, look up, way up and across. We hiked to the top of Huckleberry Rock with a little help from the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department. Temperatures have been soaring lately, but the grand view of Lake Muskoka, friendly dog walkers and cool bird sounds made it worth it. A memorable morning of painting on a billion year old granite terrain where many artists for 100’s of years have painted before.
The Bala Plein Air group very much appreciated the community support in the form of the 8 wheel UTV driven by the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department. They escorted our group for the morning, carrying our easels, art gear, canvasses up and down (elevation is 351 ft) safely and made the 1.25 km hike much lighter for the artists. Although a few artists packed light and carried their own gear. Elevation is 351 ft- a moderate climb. Another artist from our group painted the water scene on level ground at the picnic area at Milford Bay Park on Hwy #118..
July 23 – Shoreline Forest on Lake Medora
This six acre property off Cranberry Road in Bala delivered a morning of lake views after a short walk on pine needle covered boardwalks. Giant flat granite rocks anchored the mixed-deciduous forest of ancient white pines and green mosses. We very much appreciate this opportunity from the host, a talented writer and artist herself. Thank-you Maja.
The very animated pair of loons on the lake calling out were a bonus!!
July 16 – Warren’s Marsh, Bala
On one of the hottest mid-summer days up and over 30C, the trees provided needed shade for plein air artists. It was too hot for the mosquitoes so art work was uninterrupted in this calm colour rich wetland marsh. The marsh here is fed by Lake Muskoka. Very grateful to Warren and housemates for their hospitality.
July 9 – Port Carling, Museum of Muskoka Lakes
A very pleasant day for plein air in Port Carling in the James Bartlemann Island Park Thank-you to the Muskoka Lakes Museum for hosting our group today. Artists came from close by and beyond Muskoka Lakes, representing Huntsville, Bracebridge, Orillia, Washago, and Tonawanda NY.
The pastellists tackled the flower garden, as the artists using water colour, oil and acrylic zeroed in on reflective water scene and majestic pines on Lake Rosseau.
July 2 – Bush’s Watersports Park
Big thanks to Erin and Ryan for inviting our group again to Bush’s Watersports Park this year. We parked ourselves on the shore of Lake Barrett and were entertained by water skiers making big waves as we twirled our brushes and paint. Music and kids playing nearby, and nice weather. Nice to see some returning artists and some visiting from afar. Occasional gust of wind kept temperature nice but a little hard on keeping paintings free of pine needles or blowing off the easel. That’s plein air!
Can you find all the artists in and around the event tower?
June 25 – St Albans Anglican Church, Bala
A stunningly beautiful day to start our fifth plein air season. On Bala Falls Road, artists fanned out from the church gardens with pastel, water colour, pencil, and acrylic. Rushing water, chirping birds, chipmunks and the occasional train passing by made up the soundtrack for plein air in Bala on this day.
2024
Oct 9 – Bala Falls Road
Our season ender was met with cooler temperatures but warm conversation over tea and coffee as we waited out the rain for the first hour at the nearby Hook & Ladder restaurant. The Bala Bay, the Kee to Bala, the Bala Falls and the Bala Stone Church were subjects in our paintings. That’s a wrap until we meet again in 2025. “Be Art, Love Art”
Oct 2 – Bala-Hy Beach, Long Lake in Bala
The lily pads and water views at this week’s location at the Bala-Hy Motel on Long Lake would have made French impressionist Claude Monet smile. A very pleasant morning with a group of 10 artists. A very dynamic sky with clouds and wavering light on the water encouraged our spontaneity. Many thanks to the Bala-Hy for allowing access to our group …by car or canoe.
Sept 26, 2024 – Johnston’s Cranberry Farm & Winery
Painterly ways and warm enough for T-shirts on this Thursday as our plein air group spread out around the marshes and ponds at the Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Farm & Winery. The annual cranberry harvest is underway. As you might describe a good cranberry wine, you can also describe a good painting. A nice progression of bold strokes and intensity across the palette. Most of the cranberries harvested here end up in wine. Nice to have a few young emerging artists too!
Sept 18, 2024 – Torrance Barrens
Fourteen artists turned out for plein air as the weather dished up a perfect sunny low humidity day. Oil, pastel, water colour and acrylic were used to capture what the ecological preserve presented to us and imagination filled in the rest.
Sept 11, 2024 – Muskoka Wetland Marsh
Although we didn’t hear the singing coyotes who live here, we had a ring side seat to a majestic magical marsh. Nine Bala Plein Air artists witnessed the morning sun moving across the view, and altering the colours. The yellows popped and the reds deepened. Many stayed longer as the light gave us more options, more paintings. Thank-you to Warren for making this happen.
Sept 4, 2024 – Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Birds were chirping, the air was sweet, and lake water like glass. We hiked 500 metres along the trail to the edge of Hardy Lake to paint the rocky reflective shoreline in oil, watercolour and acrylic. A classic plein air day to kick off September. A busy trail for hikers.
Sept 3, 2024 – Nocturne Bala
And now for something completely different…. an evening plein air in Bala across street from the Ice Dream shop and Bala Takeaway Pizza. Nocturne plein air proved to be fun and a really a good exercise by slowly eliminating light from the scene. As it got dark our headlamps came in handy to see our paint, but they did prompt some funny looks by cars driving by.
August 29, 2024 – Huckleberry Point
We made the climb on Thursday morning as a fall back for Wednesday and treated to a magnificent blue sky, pink granite a billion years old beneath our feet and many hikers with a great variety of dogs stopping by at Huckleberry Point. Yes it was a steep climb but worth it when we found the top. A few of us got lost! Thanks also to those who made the best of things and went for coffee and conversation at York & Mason in Port Carling while it poured outside on Wednesday.
August 21, 2024 – Muskoka Beer Spa, Torrance
Thank-you Muskoka Beer Spa for having us paint in and around the fountains, flowers and relaxing setting. El Gringos Cantina a great spot for hand-made tacos followed for some after mixing with paint.
August 14, 2024 – Sunset Demo Bala Falls
To the delight of Bala Plein Air artists a special evening presentation took place before the sun set on the most photographed view in Muskoka, the Moon River in Bala. Astra, a celebrated and Award winning plein air artist brought 10 examples of her work and work of other artists demonstrating how light and colour can be used to great effect in painting. Following her talk, artists perched on the Bala Falls rocks and got to work to catch the sunset for 8:25 PM. Thank-you Astra and all who attended, took pictures and thank-you to the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
August 14, 2024 – Port Sandfield (AM)
Plein air between the lakes, Rosseau and Lake Joseph in and around the man-made canal. Many donuts were consumed at this session.
August 7, 2024 – Windermere Village
Windermere Village didn’t disappoint with the myriad choice of views, perfect summer weather and a big group of plein air artists. Many thanks to Muskoka Chautauqua Arts Festival for inviting our group to be part of the week long festival.
July 31, 2024 – Lake Medora
Many thanks to artist Maja who opened up the pathways in her beautiful pristine forest on Lake Medora to be painted by artists today. Torrential rain overnight led to high humidity affecting the water colour artists, although welcomed by acrylic painters. But fortunately no rain and the calm and serenity here was awesome.
July 24, 2024 – RMS Segwun Steamship
Despite tricky weather, artists jumped on board this historic vessel, the RMS Segwun at the Wharf in Gravenhurst. Instead of delivering the Royal Mail, we delivered great art in oil, pastel, water colour, acrylic, and gouache protected from the brief downpour on her upper decks. Built in 1888, this Muskoka Steamship is undergoing restoration and refurbishment so that she can sail the Muskoka Lakes again soon. Thank-you to Captain Dave (pictured in middle above), First-Mate Bertrand, Fire Man Gabriel and Shipwright Peter.
July 17, 2024 – Bush’s Watersports Park
Splish, splash, paint. As water skiers zipped by and kids bounced in Lake Barrett, a dozen plein air artists dazzled in oil, pastel, water colour and acyrlic at this location in Bala. Perfect July weather. Thank-you Bush’s for the Muskoka chairs and hosting our group!
July 11, 2024 – Port Carling, Museum of Muskoka Lakes
A happy bunch of plein air artists met the sunshine with smiles on a Thursday morning after the rain cancelled our regular Wednesday outing. Perfect temperature and gentle summer breeze were on tap on the James Bartleman Island Park where the Museum of Muskoka Lakes is situated. Thank-you Curator Sarah and her team for having us there. The Museum is celebrating 60 years at this location and is worth a peak inside.
July 3, 2024 – Bala Town Docks
A great kick off to our fourth summer of Plein Air in Muskoka. Nice to see eleven artists out on this day. A few familiar faces and new ones too. The rain held off until the afternoon, so we were treated to some great blue sky, shape changing clouds and docking boats of all shapes and sizes as cottagers made their morning bakery run. Many thanks to the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Community Engagement grant for supporting us again this year in our promotional efforts.
2023 Season
Oct 4 – Bala Generating Station & Falls
Record setting 27C sunshine for plein air in October helped everyone up their game at the season ender. Moon River rocks and trees painted from the platform at the Bala Generating Station, Margaret Burgess Park, and Portage landing while others wandered over to Purk’s Place to fill their canvasses with fall colour.
September 27 – Cranberry Marsh
What a gorgeous day at Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Farm & Winery! All 10 of us spread out across 27 acres to capture fall colours adorning the edges 73 year old cranberry bog. After taking our group photo, artists from our group were given a lovely wagon ride piloted by Murray Johnston himself. We learned even more about where we painted. With only 27 days of harvesting, they anticipate 400,000 lbs of cranberries this year from the good weather. Q. Which animal or bird species eat cranberries? A. None, they are too tart for them, so more for us!
September 20 – Huckleberry Rock
Bright and sunny on the last day of summer as we hiked up to Huckleberry Rock Lookout point. The climb was much easier with the help of the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department who transported our gear in their side by side UTVs. Master pastellist Margaret Ferraro was our guest artist this day and energized our day with a talk at the top on retracing the Group of Seven, tips on composition and what to pack for en plein air. Her tip about taking only the essentials out to plein air to get to the art process quicker hit home with the hike on this day.
September 13 – Torrance Barrens
Torrance Barrens did not disappoint with its undisturbed bedrock interspersed with wetlands, treed uplands and a huge variety of birds and wildlife. The clouds danced around with the sun and every once in a while douced us with a mini rain shower. The group of 9 carried on before heading to El Gringo’s Cantina at the Beer Spa nearby for lunch. A great way to punctuate our Wednesday morning plein air session in the fall with tacos and salsa!
September 6 – Windermere House
A very hot day 31C with a very warm welcome by the staff and guests staying at the Windermere House on Lake Rosseau. A great turnout of artists and brushes dipped in water colour, acrylic and oil paint were flying before we enjoyed a very tasty lunch at the Windermere Pub & Patio.
August 30 – Bala Buildings
Despite the temperature dropping as we painted we found a few hours rain-free to paint the iconic buildings in Bala – The Balacade, Kee to Bala the Bala Pub. Slow drying paint and layering up were order of the day.
Aug 23 – Lake Medora Cranberry Rd, Bala
Artists on full oxygen overload flew into Maja’s forest like a flock of birds. Never mind “forest bathing” try painting en plein air in forest of moss, brightly coloured mushrooms, pink granite and ancient trees that were skipped over by the forest fire that ripped through Muskoka in 1834 . Thank- you Maja! The smiles say it all.
August 16 – Pine Ridge Road Point, Bala
Another spectacular day near the water (Moon River) in Muskoka with a plethora of views and subjects to choose. Plein air tip learned today: get the shadows and light quickly sketched in before they disappear when the sun moves over head to counter one of the challenges painting in the morning to noon. Thank-you Heather for hosting us!
August 9 – 100 Year old Barn Moon River
Aug 2, 2023 – Muskoka Steamships in Gravenhurst
With smoke and steam billowing out of the Segwun and Wenonah II, artists from our group wasted no time painting the two historic Muskoka ships in watercolour, pastel, ink and acrylic to the encouragement of many people walking by before they set sail. The Wenonah II left the wharf at noon followed by the Segwun a bit later for its afternoon test run with Captain Dave at the helm. Before leaving, Captain Dave stopped by to take a look at the plein air paintings and shared some history of the 100 year old ship with everyone.
July 26, 2023 Warren’s Marsh
The best place to be on a hot simmering day over 32C is beside the Marsh in Muskoka. Yes the deer came out to see what we were up to at the beginning but decided she did not want to be on anyone’s canvas after all. Many thanks to Warren and friends for inviting the Bala Plein Air group to his property!
July 19, 2023 Bala Stone Church
Built in 1926 using Muskoka granite, the Burgess Presbyterian Church as it used to be known was painted from all sides by artists on this day. Watercolour, acrylic and oil were mediums used at this plein air session. The sun shadows changed quite a bit from our start at 9:00 till we finished at noon. Really great to see some new artists joining from nearby in Muskoka as well as Barrie and Hamilton. Many thanks to Tiffany and Ken Bol for access to the Bala Stone Church property.
2022 Season
October 5, 2022 Torrance Barrens
Mother nature gave us a beautiful send off for our last plein air of the 2022 season. The day was reminiscent of summer weather with the added fall explosion of colours. A real treat driving here with leaves at 100% colour glory on route.
September 28, 2022 Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Farm & Winery
September 21, 2022 – Purk’s Place, Bala
September 14, 2022 – Sherwood Inn
A cool morning, with fall in the air. Painting around the Resort was followed by a nice lunch together at the Sherwood Inn. Fun to chat about art and check out the art on the walls by local artists and meet the chef at the Inn. Small world – we discovered one of our group’s artists was a former Sherwood Inn Chef.
September 7, 2022- Muskoka Steamships, Gravenhurst Wharf
The Muskoka Steamships first launched in 1866. They carried the Royal mail, and many passengers to Muskoka resorts. Today they provided inspiration at the dock for artists from the Bala Plein Air Group. Nice work everyone!!
Aug 24, 2022 – Wahta Mohawk Territory
Aug 17, 2022 – Moon River Point Ridge Road
Temperature was just right. No wind, no bugs, and a dozen artists together coming in from Orillia – Severn Falls – Huntsville and nearby to paint en plein air. With a point of land there are so many directions to look. Moon River near Jaspen Park in Bala was our destination at a private cottage of one of our group members. Thank-you Heather!
August 10 –Bush’s Watersports Park, Bala
August 3, 2022 – Three Birds Flower Farm
Sister duo Jackie and Leslie invited the Bala Plein Air group to their farm. The sky opened up and rained heavily at times, but we managed to find cover under porches, umbrellas and a shed roof for the sake of our art. Three Birds Flower Farm on Falkenburg Road between Port Carling and Bracebridge grows large volume of flowers for events in Muskoka.
July 27, 2022 – Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – Home of Johnston Cranberries
July 20, 2022 – Roselawn Inn, Bala
July 13, 2022 – Torrance Bay – Sunset Beach
July 6, 2022 – Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling
Watercolour and acrylic the mediums of choice among the six artists that assembled on this Wednesday near the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling. It was a bit cool with the breeze, but many choices to paint. Thank-you to ML Museum for allowing the artists to have a tour of the extensive collection of artifacts in the museum afterwards. Very cool.
June 30 – Bala Falls Bridge
Rushing water, speeding trains, and quick drying paint = a quick plein air for a few of us ahead of the scheduled bridge repairs (July 2022 to Dec 2022).
For more artworks completed by participating artists at past BPAG events check out our Instagram Account or visit us at the Art Exhibition at the Bala Cranberry Festival.