We had a great time at the Pastel Society of Maine Annual Plein Air Retreat. It was held last week, from Wednesday evening until Sunday morning. There were fifteen of us this year: fourteen women painters with one husband tagging along. We had three full days to paint and I was the cook for the four dinners (I’ll show photos of that tomorrow with recipe links).

The first day, we went and painted at the botanical gardens. Yesterday, I posted my photos of being in that lovely place. The second day, we painted on the coast, and the third day we painted at our lake house. I painted six paintings in all: two of flowers, two of rocks, and two of water. I will post my work from the retreat on Thursday. All the art in this post is done by others.

After dinner each night we had a critique where we discussed our experience and showed our work of the day, with the group sharing ideas and suggestions. I also took some photos of the lake and attempted some photo portraits of some of the participants. On the day we spent on the coastline, we had lunch at McLoons, most of us having lobster rolls. The day we stayed at the house, we also went over to Beth’s Farm Market for fresh local strawberries, hot cider donuts, and Father’s day treats.

This group is always wonderful, but the level of bonding seems to build over time. The more time we spend together, the better it is, which is pretty remarkable, and not to be taken for granted. Everyone present pitched in and was supportive and loving. Everyone felt like it was a safe place to be their full selves, and did what was necessary for others to feel that way too.

I’m so grateful for this community, the good weather we had, and for some time to paint in lovely locales. In the many photos below, check out us having a really good time.  On the way up, I bought a large hunk of wholesale halibut (more on that tomorrow) so this post starts with photos me doing that at Harbor Fish on the Portland docks, and visiting a Portland gallery on my way up. By the 13th photo below, the retreat is kicking off.

I hope you too get some time away with people you love.