#2817 "Dumoine Bonanza Shed"

#2817 "Dumoine Bonanza Shed"
11x14 oils on stretched canvas

The CPAWS DRAW attendees were gradually packing up and leaving. There would be far less traffic on the Tuesday after the Holiday Monday.

Very heavy rain...

I decided to paint the Bonanza garage which was overgrown by trees and vines. This location would allow me to say goodbye to people as they left. I could also get another painting done while surrounded by inspiration. It started to rain harder so I quickly made sure that I had covered the canvas with linseed oil. The linseed would allow the oil paint to stick to the canvas instead of sliding around on a layer of water. 

There was a large stump to the right of the shed and I suspect it was used for splitting wood. I never even peeked inside to see what the shed might hold or what it was used for. I had to remain focussed on the task at hand as it started to rain harder and harder. 

This hotel was originally built (in the early '40s) in the Swisha by Joe Madore called "Joe Madore's Inn" It was sold to John Daly in the 50's. He named it "Bonanza". It was frequented by snowmobilers, and at one point had a rope tow for skiers. It was also owned by Father Harrington & Ken Gonneau. 

CPAWS-Ottawa Valley has hosted DRAW Retreat for Artists since 2017. DRAW is a clever acronym for Dumoine River Art for Wilderness. I have attended every year except during COVID. There is no better cause. The goals are admirable and ones that I deeply share. The goal is ultimately to make a lasting difference like A.Y. Jackson and the Ontario Society of Artists did in the case of Killarney Provincial Park. The impacts of climate change are already being felt. There is no time for dithering. 

Done like dinner...

This is number twenty-five of twenty-eight paintings I completed en plein air at CPAWS DRAW 2023. It was a wonderful experience with a terrific group of people. https://cpaws-ov-vo.org/draw-retreat-artists/ A portion of sales from this endeavour will go to support CPWAS and keep the wild in the wilderness. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels. To go to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Collection on Fine Art America, click here. 

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick