
From Our South Branch Pond Campsite (Black & White Sumi Ink) by Polly Castor
Here is what we painted on South Branch Pond; most of it was trying out either new approaches or new materials.
(The one second from the bottom one was done by our daughter.)
I enjoyed the new sumi ink used above and will try sketching more with it.
The two claybord pieces below, I’m not sure I’ve yet found my rhythm with. As a carver, I’m still looking for a way to use claybord that floats my boat– so far I like it better in merely black and white.
The first of the two gouaches was me trying to paint a wonderful statement our daughter repeated over and over on this trip, “This brings me so much joy!” What better thing for a mother to hear? It made me so happy I wanted to capture it. The other gouache was me expressing a line from a hymn that was a refrain for me, “Trust in God and Understand,” since I love so much that both of those things are not only possible, but I’m learning to do them. It feels to me that takes a lot of attention to detail, which accounts for intricacy of that work.
The Howe’s Fall’s sketch and the Odd Light sketch were quickies to capture a moment to remember. Sketching something embeds it in my memory bank better than a photo does.
In the next place, Katahdin Stream, I got more serious about painting in plein air than these minor explorations, and exultant bursts, which nonetheless captured the spirit of our time there.

This Brings Me So Much Joy (Gouache) by Polly Castor

First Light on South Branch Pond (Pastel on Claybord) by Polly Castor

Trust in God and Understand (gouache) by Polly Castor

Resting on the Way to Howe’s Falls (Pastel on Claybord) by Polly Castor

Sketch of Our Daughter on Top of Howe’s Falls (black & white nupastel) by Polly Castor

Sinuous watercolor by our daughter

Odd Light on South Branch Pond (pastel) by Polly Castor
3 Comments
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The orange rays of sunlight on the water caught my attention as well. So lucky you and your daughter had this time together in this amazing place.
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Wow I am in awe of your talent….. both of you.
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An … Exultant Burst….That’s Our Polly Castor!
you….you…fun….thang…you!
Thx fer sharing, again!
:<))))))))))))