When I am not in the studio, I like to be outside. During the last year especially, it has become clear that getting out, even for a short walk, is crucial for my physical, mental, and creative health. In the three weeks that I have been back in the Canadian Maritimes, I’ve visited and revisited some great spots in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. In this post, I outline the hiking trails and beaches I’ve visited so far and connect these trips to my painting practice.
My first stop was Trenton Park in Trenton, Nova Scotia. In the area visiting family, I went on a short hike through this new-to-me park. I was trailing behind my family, camera in hand, recording trees, plants, and this beautiful toad, which stayed poised on the tree trunk letting me take its picture.
The Homestead Trail in Prince Edward Island National Park, P.E.I, was our second hike this trip. I was awestruck by the fields of tall and abundant Queen Anne’s Lace blowing in the wind. I remember learning the name of this plant from my grandfather, a nature enthusiast (and painter). Being unable to visit the area last summer, I was especially missing the red sand, typical of the island, and the sweet summer smells of wildflowers in bloom. During this hike, I took some reference photographs of birch trees for the painting I am currently working on.
Sometimes unplanned trips are the best kind. An impromptu trip to Northern New Brunswick to visit an old, forever friend gave me the chance to revisit the area where my grandmother grew up – where I have spent some time as a child – and visit some relatives while there.
The Acadian coast of New Brunswick – the largely French speaking part of the province – boasts some great spots including Shediac (Parlee Beach) and Bouctouche. If you continue north along the coast, you will eventually see the beautiful view of the Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec.
A special part of this trip was visiting the beach at Jacquet River (Belledune) – the village where my Granny grew up. At the request of my grandmother, I painted Turvey’s Rock on the Jacquet River beach last summer. This summer, I visited the location after not having been back for over ten years. It was a little strange to see this place after having painted it from a reference photograph and very minimal personal memory. Typically, I first visit a location, take many reference photographs and/or make small sketches and the work comes after.
My most recent short trip was last week to Fundy National Park. Like many of the other places visited, this park holds a lot of personal memories for me. Growing up, I had an oddly acute and specific dislike of Alma, the little town at the foot of the park. I think it had something to do with it being a small town and my dreaming of bigger places.
After returning from Paris in 2010, however, and after working in tourism during my university summers, I developed a strong, proud, and unwavering love for my home province and all the amazing things this place – including Alma! – has to offer.
The expansiveness, the nature, and the quiet, are elements that I love about the Maritimes. Hiking the trails of Fundy National Park, we were often mostly alone, meeting other walkers only occasionally. The quiet of these walks means it is possible to hear the sounds of the animals: birds, chipmunks, and squirrels; to pay attention to the smells and the details of the sights.
Again, I took many photographs for my current project, furthering my interest in the paper birch. I noticed the delicate peachy-pink of the bark, and diversity of low-to-the ground foliage.
These days, with a few weeks left in Canada, I am back in my (temporary) studio. In the upcoming weeks, I’ll continue to paint and make a couple more little trips in New Brunswick to soak up this Maritime summer. I can’t wait to see more beaches, rocky cliffs, and explore new trails!
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VERY BEAUTIFUL ! ONLY NATURE IS THE VERY BEST !