Plein Air in the Poconos

Last week, a small group of painters from the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painter's participated in an overnight "paint out" at Graystone Preserve in the Poconos. The preserve is located near Hickory Run State Park in eastern Pennsylvania.

The incredible views were mesmerizing and so were the gorgeous colors of the changing Fall foliage. It made it difficult to pick a scene to paint plein air. However, rain quickly narrowed down a painting spot - the big porch of our rented cabin. 

Here's the painting that came out of my hands onto canvas:

The "almost" Final:

In-progress:

The Inspiration:

So many other possible scenes to paint back in my studio:

From what I learned, the property was purchased in the early 1900's by the Trojan Powder Company to test dynamite manufactured for the military. The company no longer exists, but the heirs continue to operate the property as Graystone Preserve. 

Graystone Preserve is a members-only organization. Lucky for us, a fellow painter is a member. She has amazing childhood memories of traversing the 4,000 acre property with her grandfather, an employee of the powder company.