The sun sets on 2015

 The setting sun and receding tide inspired this pastel.

photo Leslie Snider

 A 2014 trip 

to the Gaspe peninsula region

of eastern Canada 

was a great opportunity 

to study sunsets 

over the St. Lawrence river 

and Atlantic. 

photo Leslie Snider

Summer Skies

A Change in the Weather

 

 Skies are of particular interest

 this time of year 

as the days are short .....

 

so I'm up before the dawn 

watching the sunrise

 and later catching the sunset in late afternoon.

However, these pastels

were inspired 

by a some summer walk across open fields. 

You can see from  the original sketch 

I tried to capture the wide expanse of fluffy clouds 

darkening and becoming more ominous 

in the distance.

 

A Quiet Bay in Bonnechere Provincial Park

Autumn Trip - pastel sketches

The Old Bridge -Leslie Snider

 

The subject here is a favourite location 

from my autumn photo trip 

to Bonnechere Prov. Park

 

Most of my concentration during this trip 

was on the effects of light on water

and the change in season,

but  on a walk deeper in the woods 

this scene caught my imagination....

the remnants of a majestic old tree

surrounded by new growth.

 

Autumn Photography Trip 2015

Day one of our September camping/photo trip 

began with dull skies and heavy rain.

Although there were some interesting photo opportunities. 

Day two began much more promisingly. 

Plus some lively visitors...

In following days pristine, calm  waters 

and brilliant, sunny skies....

provided great opportunities 

for some unusual photo ops.

 

In this shot (above)

 the ducks break the glassy surface

creating a disorienting effect  

where sky and water

 appear to be flipped.

 

 

 

 This canoeist just couldn't resist checking his phone.

 

 

 

 

More typically peace and quiet 

reigned supreme

as these campsites sites have no power.

This photo could have come from a 1950's Calendar but didn't.

It was the amazing view from our campsite.

Autumn brings Change

Two pastel sketches from September

This first is from Bonnechere Provincial Park.

Warm still waters and crystal clear reflections

created a great sense of calm 

... just a hint of autumn in the red bush.

Quiet Reflection  Leslie Snider

This second sketch...

from a favourite morning walk.

Frosty touches on the trees

and the almost dry stream bed

will soften and melt as the sun rises 

and warms the ground.

 

 

Fall Frost -  Leslie Snider

 

It is an exciting time of the year 

to be out sketching and taking photos.

Everything is in a state of flux

as nature hunkers down

 in preparation for winter.

 

More Summer Textures

These wild flowers  

 Queen Anne's lace and day lilies 

seemed a perfect opportunity 

to explore colour contrast 

and airy textures.

 

Crayon on Artagain black paper 

Below some of my source material.