Plein Air Painting Clayton NY Over The Years Number 2

Here are a couple of paintings I completed in the 2nd and 3rd Plein Air Contests I organized in Clayton NY in  2010. A local businessman sponsored the award money to attract the artists because he felt artists in the streets would be good  for attracting tourism and benefit the community. The events were organized as fund raisers for the T. I. Arts Center, Clayton NY. Two events were held in the same year in an attempt to help plan for future events by determining which time frame might attract the most bidders for painters. Turns out a lot more business participation and promotion would be required to attract silent auction bidders and the events were the last to be held.

James Street Facade (private collection)

Bella's Restaurant (private collection)

James Street Facade depicts two local well know businesses, River Rat Cheese on the left and Porch and Paddle (all things for the cottage). Bella's  started out as breakfast and lunch and has expanded to dinner in the last few years. They have a deck facing the St Lawrence River.

Prints of these can be purchased at robert-p-hedden.pixels.com, as well as for the paintings below.

Zenda Farm Haying Time (private collection)

Sissy Danford Gazebo-Grindstone Island (available)

Below is a fall view of the hay fields on Zenda Farm. The Farm is part of the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) land preserves and is  historical for it's corrugated metal exterior construction used on all of the buildings. The grounds host an annual picnic for TILT members and the public as well as a cooperative summer vegetable garden. Haying is only done in the fall so that there will be nesting locations for birds which nest in grasslands rather than trees or bushes.

Sissy Danford Gazebo is at Picnic Point State Park, boat access only, on Grindstone Island. It is dedicated to Sissy for her outstanding work and leadership in the formative years of the Thousand Island Land Trust. It was the site of  one of New York States historic gazebos and was rebuilt with private funds. About 25 yards to the left of the gazebo is  a fireplace and picnic facility for "Shore Dinners", hosted for fishing groups  by the local fishing guides. Boaters register at Canoe Point State Park about 1/2 mile to the right of Picnic Point, prior to docking here for a lunch or dinner picnic. The Gazebo is also reachable by trail from Canoe Point State Park. In the painting, above the picnic table is the top portion of a sail boat mast. The small bay usually hosts a few sail boats. Far back in the bay where it is quite and secluded, one can usually spot a loon couple with their youngsters.