Can You Tap The Tropics On The Prairies?

Our Saskatoon Plein Air painting group met on Saturday morning at the Mendel Gallery for a couple of hours of sketching, painting and artful camaraderie.

When it’s too cold to paint outdoors, there’s always the Outdoor Indoor option.

Most of us chose to park ourselves in the Conservatory where the air was warm and humid and the foliage was green (unlike the trees and shrubs outdoors).

The potted daffodils and tulips were just bursting into bloom, offering hope that spring will soon be on its way.

I plopped myself down on a stool in a corner of the conservatory nearest the cacti – being careful not to back into any surprises.

Pots of bulbs nestled in amongst the permanent display of succulents delivered pops of color.

First to catch my eye, my pen and my brush was a cluster of yellow daffodils.

While I waited for the daffodils to dry, a sweet little barrel cactus called my name.

He and his buddies served as the focal point for sketch number two.

And finally, for something just a little bit different, I decided to create a botanical sampler with each of the six squares on the page devoted to a different type of foliage or blossom.

It was a sweet way to spend a winter morning – basking in the sun streaming through the greenhouse glass, breathing in the tropical atmosphere, and hanging out in the company of plants and fellow artists.

PS 1 – If you’re interested in joining the adventures of the Saskatoon Plein Air group, reach out to the fine folks at Hues Art Supply. They serve as headquarters for the group and support us by sending out information on upcoming gatherings. Events are generously coordinated by Jean Dudley. No special supplies are needed to join in. In fact, all you really need is a sketchbook and a pencil.

• PS 2 – A click on each of the Daffodils and Barrel Cactus sketches will take you to a larger version of these images on my fine art website. Originals and reproductions are always available for purchase.