In June, I painted "en plein air" at Ambleside. It is hard for me to paint outside with people watching; I get to talking. This led to one of the most beautiful moments of my summer when an elderly woman, a true beauty in her 90's, approached. We talked for at least a half hour with her memories of her experiences with elephants resurfacing again and again. She was so passionate about elephants and the need to treat them with kindness and throw away the bull hooks, that I felt very drawn to her. After a while, she looked longingly at one of my paintings (Elephant Dream) and we made a good deal for all of us. I carried her new painting to her apartment and placed it on a hook opposite her bed. She was so touched by it and I was so touched by her caring. That money she gave me has now gone to support the March for Elephants and Rhinos to be held October 3. Thank you, Jacqueline!
I will continue to paint at Ambleside by the sea in September on the days when the sun shines and most probably on the weekends.