For the second week of the Adult NatureSketch program, the students spent the day exploring the Hillside Gardens that overlook High Park’s Grenadier Pond.

Back in the early 1960's, Robert Bateman lived in the neighbourhood and would paint on location in the park.  On page 48 of the Art of Robert Bateman, you can find an abstract painting from this period; “Early Spring, Grenadier Pond, High Park, 1962.”

This area of the park has some lovely old cedar rail fencing which happens to be a recurring element in Bob Batman’s paintings.  I thought this was important to discuss and also a nice way to connect our surroundings with Bob’s art.  The class ended with the artists sketching a section of the fence using the techniques they’ve learned thus far.

Next week is all about Birds!

- Alan