Plein Air Painting at Quail Hollow - March 2011

by Sue
(Felton, Ca.)

Quail Hollow - 8.30am March 31, 2011

March is my 5th consecutive month of the 12 month challenge to paint Quail Hollow Pond. I almost didn't make it this morning due to the usual plethora of excuses. However, I put all of them aside and drove down to my favorite spot to paint.

Spring has certainly arrived! And the pair of Coots I saw last month are still here - happily swimming and cruising the now very full pond waters. They must have a nest somewhere close by. We have had floods of rain since a month ago - good thing I wore my L.L. Bean waterproof boots - as I had to wade through mud and standing water to get to my "spot". It was worth it however!

All the trees are now sporting lime green and chartreuse colored fresh leaves and the grass is so green it is neon.
In addition to the Coots, I saw a pair of Mallard Ducks and a noisy family of woodpeckers.

The pond waters have a muddy brown tinge due to all the runoff.

I also saw 2 human mothers with their babies in strollers - they bravely made their way along the muddy path - they will have to hose everything off when they get home.

I decided to use an 8" x 10" panel and use a vertical format for a change. I love this place! See you again next month - Spring will be well advanced by then - maybe I'll see some baby Coots next time as well.