Relaxing Riverside

Relaxing Riverside

We carved out time during a trip to Western MA for plein air painting.  Lots of streams and rivers crisscross the Connecticut River Valley.   We stumbled upon this beautiful spot along Millers River in Erving, MA.   I shouldn't say that its discovery was completely by chance, because my husband speculated that there would be access spots below the several bridges that traverse the waterways.   Similar to how people hang out and relax at the ocean shoreline, a few people sat in the shade of the bridge buttress enjoying the water.   This sweet pooch was full of energy and would greet all who came down the path.   He also put on a show for us.  He would float with the river current, then scramble to the edge and bound back to his owner, who barely moved a muscle.

Leaning Pond Trees

Leaning Pond Trees

Another pond paint-out this week.   I was standing in the same spot as last week but turned about 30 degrees to the south.   These two trees lean toward the pond, and away from the small pond-side cabin - thankfully.   Some dead branches dip down toward the water and out toward the water and the sunshine.   I included the white lilies and lily pads this time.   The goal was to convey a sense of dappled sunshine that makes my time there so pleasant.  Perhaps it still needs more sunshine...
 
What do you think?