Plein Air #2 – September Surf

One of the joys of participating in the recent Grand Marais Plein Air event was the opportunity to see and experience some of the beautiful vistas dotting the North Shore of Minnesota. For me, a highlight of the event surely was the Sunday morning I spent painting on the beach at Naniboujou Lodge. If you haven’t been there before, be sure to put it on your bucket list! Built in 1929 as a getaway for wealthy investors, it’s now a welcoming inn for all visitors – even offering to pack lunches for day-trip hikers. In addition to its spectacular dining room, it’s located on an especially picturesque section of the lakeshore, and I was thrilled when the owners granted me permission to set up my easel on the hill just off the beach.

I had a breathtaking view of the big lake, trees beginning to take on the colors of fall, and beachcombers relaxing on the many Adirondack chairs or trekking slowly up and down the shoreline. It was a beautiful day – with warm sunshine, soft breezes, and lightly rolling waves on the beach – and it was made all the more special by the many folks I met! It was especially fun to take a brief break and visit with visitors from Thunder Bay, Ontario. It seems there is a group that comes down every Sunday to partake in the wonderful breakfast buffet in the lodge dining room.

This second plein air painting is titled: September Surf, 8” x 10” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, and reflects the incredible view of Lake Superior along Naniboujou beach.