The PLEIN AIR CONNECTION NEWSLETTER June 2nd, 2014
"Ducks at the Azalea Gardens" an oil 11 x 14 inches by Michael E. Vermette.
We started out for the Asticou Azalea Gardens from the Penobscot Plaza in Bangor by 8:30 am. The sun was already breaking through with blue patches of sky which is always a good sign. Kay Carter and I car-pooled in her truck and we met Becky Whight at the Ellsworth Dunkin Donuts by 8:30 am. Then we continued toward Northeast Harbor and easily found the Asticou Azalea Gardens. When we arrived there we first scouted out the sites to paint by walking the perfectly manicured paths. We quickly discovered that the azaleas weren't fully in bloom. But never-the-less, there were plenty of beautiful views to choose from and the garden was now completely sun-bathed in early morning light. There is something very hopeful about morning light, it is always worth the difficulty it takes to be there in time to paint it. 
The Asticou Azalea Garden was the idea of designer Charles K. Savage. It was made possible through the generosity of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1956-57. This garden is unique because you can find many different species of azaleas and other beautiful trees and shrubs that were brought over from the former Reef Point Gardens of Beatix Farrand, in Bar Harbor, Maine. There are strongly developed Japanese motifs present especially in the Sand Garden.
The Sand Garden at the Asticou Azalea Garden.
There are new varieties added to the garden each year. And I particularly found it interesting that Like the Ashcan school that Robert Henri inspired, this garden also tries to combine the ideas of the East and the West, rather than purely Japanese. Today this garden is owned and maintained by the Island foundation.
Becky Whight painting at the Asticou Azalea Garden.
Becky found a place across the pond looking back to the garden's restful reflections in it's pond. There is a brook that feeds the pond with fresh water and nine ducklings swim across the pond frequently several times a day to the delight of the visitors who are asked to stay to the well-groomed paths when possible. 
"The Asticou Azalea Garden" 11 x 14 inches by Becky Whight.
Kay was the first to find her site, a secluded section with an excellent view of stone, water reflections and garden color. In my search I discovered that they had an environmental bathroom that is kinder to the environment by using very little water. Not in a hurry, I eventually settled on the lawn behind Becky where I painted a more expansive view of the garden's reflections in the pond. I was in the shade most of the day, but as we all had to do eventually I attached my umbrella to escape from the hot sun that blinds the painter from seeing any amount of true color at all. There were two other painters who appeared to be painting in oil and watercolor just across from us. They came after we did and left before we could talk with them.
"The Asticou Azalea Garden" an oil on panel 11 x 14 inches by Kay Carter.
Later on in the day as we were all finishing up at around 3 PM in the afternoon a beautiful bride only hours before she would be married, came with her photographer to pose just where I was standing. Something as beautiful as a bride dressed in white can so completely change the landscape visually that it could take the want right out of working any longer on your original painting idea. This was the case for me. I also looked for movement in my original painting so I put the ducks crossing in the upper foreground when I got back to may studio.
On our way back Kay googled different restaurants in the area and found that Southwest Harbor was our best bet. That was when we drove into a large parking lot away from all the construction and business and found Jay Dub's Restuarant located on 19 Clark Point Road, Southwest Harbor, Maine. This place I would recommend in a heart beat. Everything they serve is made fresh, is home made and is bought local. Jay-Dub's is the nick name of the owner Jon Walker "JW" which is branded on the bun of their famous Jay Dubs Burgers. We were able to meet the owner who has been open for about 5 years . He and his wonderful staff treated us to a sample of their popular Blueberry Lemonade which was to die for. They allowed us to have our traditional critique and even came over to check out our wet paint works. When ever you are in this area, we recommend that you stop by Jay Dub's, as we plan to do the next time we're in Southwest Harbor, for the East-West Corridor Art Show.
TOMORROW'S PAINT-OUT AT GOODELL BROOK FALLS IN MONSON, MAINE
Tuesday June 3rd we will be painting at Goodell Brook Falls just north of Monson on route 15. We will be meeting at 8 am at the Grace Church parking lot on route 15, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, Maine if you would like to car-pool with us. Please bring plenty of insect repellant because the black flies are out in force. Also a snack or lunch, money for a restaurant stop over on the way back and for auto expenses for the driver. 
a Popular View of Goodell Brook Falls
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