![]() (I honestly don’t know why, but this is not the first time people have opened up to me while I’m painting). She shared that her hobby was writing country music songs, but depression had caused her to put lyric writing on hold. Some were in various states of intoxication, but all were positive and friendly.Ī woman who described herself as one of the mothers of the bride chatted with me for awhile. Then the reception began, and throughout the afternoon, wedding guests would stop by and comment on my painting. All were in a happy mood.Īs the “english” wedding ceremony came to a close, a great cheer echoed across the lake. One of the bridesmaids displayed an impressive tattoo on her arm and shoulder. He stopped by to comment on my painting several times. The ring bearer, a smart-looking chap of 5 or 6, wore suspenders and a bow tie. So at the “english” wedding, the bridesmaids arrived in colorful burgundy dresses. Non-Amish are referred to as “English” by the Amish Folk. This particular group seemed more progressive than expected. Also, it seemed odd that there was not a horse and buggy to be seen anywhere around the park. Admittedly, I am not an expert on Amish culture, however, I thought that most Amish weddings took place in a church or in the home of the bride. One young man was in a small boat.Ī state park appeared to be a very non-traditional location for an Amish wedding. They seemed to be disinterested in the festivities. Several boys and young men were relaxing by the boat dock. They wore blue dresses like the bride, but with black coats. Of the wedding guests that I could see, there were 5 women standing together, watching the ceremony with great interest. The wedding party was out of my direct view, but the bride wore a blue dress, and the groom wore a simple black suit. It was interesting for a variety of reasons. Or I could face north and paint an Amish wedding, which took place by the lake in front of the boathouse. ![]() From my vantage point, I had a choice: I could face south, and paint the wedding by the beach house. Somehow, I managed to set up my canvas smack-dab in the middle, between both weddings. The ceremonies were a contrast in differences. What was surprising-these weddings occurred simultaneously, roughly 100 yards apart. That in itself is not surprising-it’s a beautiful place. On September 25, 2021, there were not one but two weddings at Backbone. What I ended up capturing was unexpected… and far more meaningful. I started painting late in the afternoon. I really liked this composition-with the sunlight, the long shadows and the curve of the beach, echoed by the sidewalk and the parking lot above. I set up my easel on a picnic table near the beach house. This year, I found a visually appealing location along the lake. But the time absolutely flies by when I paint. Devoting 3+ hours to a single canvas can feel self-indulgent on a busy fall weekend. ![]() I really enjoy painting outside, but I rarely make the time to do it. Every fall, I like to paint plein air at Backbone, Iowa’s first state park, near Manchester.
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