Autumn Plein Air at Cranberry Pond

Kestrel Land Trust and the Amherst Plein Air Society are offering an Autumn Plein Air Landscape Painting event—the fourth in our seasonal series this year, which focuses on landscapes along the Robert Frost Trail (RFT) in honor of the 150th birthday-anniversary of the four-time Pulitzer Prize winning American poet who taught at Amherst College. It’s also a celebration of Kestrel’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the long-distance trail that bears his name.

Painters will gather at Cranberry Pond located in Mount Toby State Forest in Sunderland, one of the many conservation areas that host a section of the RFT, to capture on canvas views of the scenic small pond, which has easy access. Paint from the beach, along the RFT trail on the west side of the pond, or from your kayak or canoe in the middle of the pond!

Whether you paint plein air regularly, want to try painting outdoors for the first time, or are simply an art appreciator who would enjoy watching artists as they create, you are welcome! The event is open to artists of all levels, as well as spectators. Attendance at other plein air events in this series is not required.

• At 10 AM, artists arrive at Cranberry Pond to paint for a few hours. Artists should bring their own supplies, including an easel, canvas or paper, and painting or drawing supplies. A member of the Amherst Plein Air Society will be available to welcome artists and advise about set up.
• Beginning at noon, the public is invited to wander the area and watch participating artists at work.
• At 1 PM, the artists and spectators will gather informally to show and critique the paintings created that day.

Registration required. Sliding-scale donation welcome.