We really enjoy staying in our many state parks across the United States. Our first stop was at nearby Greenbrier State Park. “Path through the woods”Good to be painting outside again. Our campsite is nice and shady thank goodness. There is a lovely lake nearby and nice walks through the woods.

Next we went to a beautiful old park located in on the Eastern Shore of Maryland called Tuckahoe State Park . Very lush and shady which really helped with the hot humid weather. I was pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful art show by Judith Peck at the Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park. Many beautiful mature trees and well maintained open fields and trails. My only complaint is that the bathroom/showers sorely need updating and remodeling.

Tuckahoe Tree (9×12) oil on linen. I loved this tree scars and all.

Painting by Judith Peck displayed at the Adkins Arboretum,

Our last stop was at Assateaque State Park. One of our favorite places to camp. You do take a chance with the mosquitos and flies but they never bother us that much as long as there is a breeze and there usually is camping on the ocean side. There is so much to paint I never tire of this place. Hurrican Debbie was just starting and we felt the beginnings of the hurricane with the heavy winds. At one time I literally got kncocked out of my camp chair paints and canvas and me went flying into the air. Not a pretty site. The sweet ponies were everywhere and so were the people. It was pretty crowded in August. September is a great mont to go there.

I decided to paint from the truck to get out of the wind. This is a view I have painted many times. “Old Ferry Landing in August” (11×14) oil on linen panel

There were so many ponies out. Love seeing the mares with their baby foals. I think there are 80ish ponies on the island. Be careful though they will attack your picnic table. Never leave food out in the open. Bad for the ponies and bad for your wallet. There is a huge fine.

PHIL KOCH SOLO SHOW: ACADEMY ART MUSEUM , EASTON MARYLAND

I was determined to stop off at the Academy Art Museum in Easton to see my dear professor Phil Koch’s show. As fate would have it I ran into Phil by chance. How nice to see him after so many years. He was a great influence on my work and a wonderful teacher.