Jan 4th 2013, Kinsmen Park on the Gorge,

Happy New Year Everyone,
Our next paint out location will be January 4th at the Kinsmen Park on the Gorge. Kinsmen Park

I hope the map is clear. There are facilities, free parking, a Japanese Garden.

Dec 28th 2012, Gyro Park again

Hi Everyone, we're going back to Gyro park.  Happy painting. Gyro Park

December 21st 2012, Gyro Park

Hi Everyone, Our next paint out location will be at Gyro Park in Cadboro bay. Here's a link: Gyro Park
 There's facilities, great views, even a nearby pub.

Friday Dec 14th The Coast Collective

Hi everybody, It's back to the Coast Collective on Friday Dec 14th.  They only open at noon. But we can paint till then on the grounds. It's a magical place with snowberries, rose hips, seaside, and big trees. Plus you get to check out the exhibits and gift shop while you're there. (It's the last day it will be open then it's closed till after the holidays).

Friday Dec 7th 2012, Coast Collective

Hello Alfrescoes,

Our next paint out location will be at the Coast Collective link. Our paint out will start at the usual time 9am. At noon we'll have our annual (Christmas) potluck. So bring something tasty to share. The Coast Collective will provide coffee and tea by donation. We can set up a little earlier maybe around 11:30.
 There is no dishwasher nor oven at the CC so be prepared to bring your dishes home to clean. Bring your own plates and cutlery as well. Let's tidy up afterwards so we'll be welcome back again.

If you like bring an art supply that you don't use to swap with others.

See you there.

Friday November 30th 2012 Frank Mitchell's Farm

Friday Nov 30th 2012 We'll be at Frank Mitchell's farm. 

(This is the correct post, I had the date wrong last time. Sorry if it caused any confusion)

Hi Everyone. 

The Alfrescoes next location will be at Frank Mitchell's Farm: 530 Witty Beach Road in Metchosin. 

On the farm visit, it may be worth mentioning, for those who have not previously been to the farm, that there is parking in the field beyond the house. Folks are welcome to wander around (30 acres, including couple of ponds, fields, forest plantation, barns, orchard, sea views.....) There are facilities.  

Main rule: keep gates closed (animals in)

For those with GPS the postal code is V9C 4H8

Thanks to Frank for allowing us access to this great location.

November 23 Back to Mount Doug Park

Hi Alfrescoes, It's back to Mount Doug Park next Friday. For directions click on the last post.

Year End Celebration (we don't really end it but it's an excuse to celebrate our group) will be at the Coast Collective on December 7th after our usual paint out. It's a pot luck so bring something. Bring your own cutlery plates. And remember to bring them home. The coast collective will supply coffee and tea by donation. And everyone needs to clean up afterwards to leave the place as we found it. It's really nice of the CC to let us use their studio free for this occasion.

If you like bring an art supply or art related item that you don't need but think someone else would like. Bring more than one if you like. We'll each put our name in a basket and draw. The first name drawn picks the first prize and so on. I might bring a couple of oil primed door skins or a pallet I don't use but someone else would. It can even be used stuff. As long as an artist might like it.

Mount Doug Park, Nov 16 2012

Hello Alfrescoes, Our next paint out location will be at Mount Doug. This is an amazing place. It is the last place Emily Carr painted. She is reputed to have said the spirit was strong there.  It has beautiful trees and pathways. Light shimmering through leaves and branches. You can also walk down to the beach where it is strewn with driftwood washed into interesting shapes by the sea.
Here are the directions to get there:

At the top of Shelbourne St we find the two entrances to Mount Doug.  Don't drive up the hill.  Instead, drive on to the junction with Ash Road.  Just beyond that is the entry on your right, into a large parking area. 

 ( Of course, read the instructions the other way around if you drive in from the West ) 

Trees, a walk along a path to a view of a ravine or take the steps down to the beach.  There are washrooms.

See you there!

PS 

We will celebrate our year end at the Coast Collective with a pot luck. It will be in the upstairs studio beginning at noon after our paint out. Please consider a date: Dec 14th or 21st. 

I have a couple of art related items that someone might like. I will raffle them (free)at the potluck. If anyone else has anything they'd like to share in the same way just bring it along to the potluck. 

Cattle Point, Friday November 9 2012

Hello Alfrescoes,
This Friday Nov 9th we'll paint at Cattle Point. That's the park right across the street from Upland's park in Oak Bay. Cattle Point

There's plenty of parking. Sorry no other facilities.
See you there

Friday Nov 2nd 2012 Goldstream Park

Hi Alfrescoes, We're going back to Goldstream Park. This is an amazingly beautiful location with old growth and spawning salmon. There were even aboriginal men harvesting some salmon.

It could be cold and rainy but there are washrooms, ample parking, and if you bring wood you can have a campfire under shelter. There's lots of shelter from the rain.  And it's not as long a drive as you might think. According to my GPS it's only 17km from James Bay. Took me around 25mins to drive there well within the speed limit. Lets gather at noon (after painting) under the shelter behind the washrooms.

Hope to see you there.

October 26th 2012, Goldstream Park

Hi Alfrescoes, Our next paint out location will be at Goldstream Provincial park. Here's a map. And the park's website. And some great images. It's a great spot. The trees are glowing with autumn colours. And who knows, the salmon might be spawning. Let's gather in the parking lot at noon.

See you there.

On another note: Deseree Bond has offered to host this year's end pot luck at her home. We haven't discussed the date yet though.

Friday October 19th 2012 Metchosin Boys and Girls Club

Hello Alfs, Our net paint out location will be at the Metchosin Boys and Girls Club Outdoors Centre. Here's a map: map

Friday October 12 2012, Coles Bay

Hello Alfs,  Our next paint out location will be on October 12th at Coles Bay Regional Park.  Here's the directions coming from Victoria.

 Coles Bay  - North Saanich

Take the Pat Bay Hwy, left on McTavish, right on West Saanich, left Ardmore, left on Inverness.  The parking lot for the park is on the right. This one is a short but fairly steep walk to the beach.

Here's a link about the park: Coles Bay

Let's meet in the parking lot a noon to show our paintings.

On a different note: If you guys would like to have a Year End Pot Luck or Lunch in December the Coast Collective would let us use the large downstairs workshop any Friday in December. They don't charge us, but we  need to leave the space as we found it. This invitation includes the classroom space. We have had our lunch there before and we did a pass around I believe for them. We brought our own dishes and cutlery I believe. They did supply coffee and Tea. 
There will be artwork in the gallery for us to enjoy and we can do some Christmas Shopping in their gift store. Of course we would paint that morning at the Coast Collective property.

Other alternatives to the Coast Collective could be going out for lunch together at a restaurant. Or if someone would like to host the group? Or maybe we don't have to mark the year end in any way. These are things to consider.

Oct 5th 2012, Mitchel Farms

Hello Alfrescoes, our next paint out location will be at Mitchel Farms. The fields are filled with pumpkins! There's also lots of other things to paint.  We will gather at noon where it is most practical.  (It will be obvious).  Please don't use the front parking lot of Mitchel's farm Market Store as could inconvenience their customers. There is a johnny behind the Store in the rear parking lot. There is also parking along the road. Please don't park in any of the farm fields as it could cause damage. Here's a map Mitchel's Farm

See you there!

Friday Sept 28th 2012 Beacon Hill Park

Hi Alfrescoes,  our next paint out location will be in Beacon Hill Park. There's plenty of free parking and even facilities. Let's gather near the washrooms at noon.
See you there.

Sept 21 2012 Fisherman's Warf

Hello Alfs, Our next paint out location will be at Fisherman's Warf. Here's a map. There's plenty of pay parking and a cafe.
See you there.

Friday September 14th 2012, Ogden Point

Hi Alfrescoes, We're going back to Ogden Point Friday Sept 14th.

See you there!

(sorry about the late notification. Almost forgot:()

Sept 7th Ogden Point

Hello Alfrescoes, Our next paint out location will be at Ogden Point. There's the break water, the seashore, people, and even the pilot boat. There's plenty of free parking (watch the signs though) along Dallas Road. There's a cafe at Ogden Point too.

See you there!

Friday August 31st, Island View Beach

Hello Alfs,  We will be back at Island View Beach again on the 31st. So if you missed last paint out you get another chance to go. See you there!

Friday August 24th, Island View Beach Park

Hello Alfrescoes,  the next paint out location will be at Island View Beach Park. More Information on this location
See you there.

August 17th, 2012. Beaver Lake Ponds Again

Hello Alfrescoes,
By popular demand it's back again next week to Beaver Lake Ponds Information about this park. Here's a few images from today's paint out:

Peter

Jessie Baron.

Guy.

31 artists participated today.

Charlotte

Friday August 10th, 2012. Beaver Lake Ponds

Hello Alfrescoes,  Our next paint out location will be at Beaver Lake Ponds.The water lilies are in full bloom! The lily ponds are next to the equestrian centre at the south end of Beaver Lake. To get there go north on West Saanich Road, then right on Beaver Lake Road, drive to the end of the park. Look for the sign for the Lily Pond. Free parking and facilities. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Here's more information.

The Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point, August 3rd, 2012

Hi Alfrescoes,
This Friday's location will be at the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point. Here's a Map: Chinese Cemetery The vistas are beautiful and it'll be breezy, Sorry, there's no facilities.

July 27th 2012, Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm

Hello Painters, here's another chance to paint lavender fields. Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm (3505 Happy Valley Road) has welcomed us this Friday. We can arrive after 9am (please no earlier). There is no charge. Please park at the side of the road and walk in. There are facilities as well as some refreshments and other nice things for sale. Here's a map Happy Valley Lavender and Herb Farm

The lavender is in full bloom and ready to be harvested so it should be an amazing morning.

Victoria Lavender Farm, July 20, 2012

Hello Alfrescoes, our next paint out location will be at Victoria Lavender Farm, 1899 John Rd, North Saanich, V8L 5S8. The farm is right next to the parking lot of the Visitors Centre. Here's more information about the Farm: Victoria Lavender Farm

Note that the hours of operation is from 10am so don't arrive too early. 

Friday July 13th 2012 Finnerty Gardens

Hi Alfrescoes, The next location will be at Finnerty Gardens of University of Victoria. Here's directions and information about parking etc. Gather in the parking lot at noon.
Finnerty Gardens
Be careful with your parking.  I've heard that the parking signs are confusing and people get expensive tickets. There is street parking on Cedar Hill, but if you go over the time you'll get a ticket. Might be best to pay for sufficient parking and not take any chances.  

Next Location July 6th, Back to Witty's Lagoon Park

Hello Alfrescoes, it's back to Witty's Lagoon Park on Friday July 6th. Let's meet at the same spot as last week. Lot's to paint here. Plenty of parking and even facilities. Here's some info, a map, and even bus information: Witty's Park

June 29th Witty's Lagoon

Hi Alfrescoes, the next paint out location will be June 29th at Witty's Lagoon. There are two entrances one has a long staircase and the other doesn't but it's a long walk to the beach.   Let's gather where most of the painters are and allow for two gathering places if it's practical.

Also, be very careful not to park illegally. I've read that they will tow cars parked illegally near Witty's. Here's a link with information about Witty's Lagoon Park with directions how to get there and even which buses to take for those using public transportation. Witty's Lagoon Park

This location is on that map of Emily Carr's favourite painting locations.

Friday June 22nd, Back to Willows Beach

Hello everyone. Willows Beach was such a hit that some alfs asked if we could return. So this coming Friday it's back to Willows Beach. Hope the weather is good.

Friday June 15th Willows Beach

Hello, Alfrescoes, the next Alfrescoe Paint-out location will be FridayJune 15th at Willows Beach in Oak Bay. map

See you there!

June 8 2012 Durrance Lake

Hi Everyone, Our next location will be at Durrance Lake. Here's a description of it from Alfrescoe Elfreda. Who researched it for us (Thanks Elfreda): And here's a google map with Durrance lake Map.

Melanie lost a 001 W&N watercolor brush at Woodwynn Farms. Please return it to her if you found it. 

Durrance Lake: un unmanicured Park with parking lot and bathrooms. A real typical west coast scenerio. Only one building -the bathroom. Lots of foliage, water, stumps, moss, rocks and cars in parking lot in hearily forested area. It is a lovely 25-30 minute walk around the lake on a rustic path. About 20-25 minutes out of Victoria (not as long as Woodwyn Farms)

Directions:

north on West Saanich Road

pass the Red Barn on the left

Take a left on Wallace Drive

take left on Willis Road (there is a sign on rt advertising Gowland Park)

take a rt on Durrance Close, Drive to end, parking in lot on left.

P1050244

P1050248

Mt Work on left

Goose family

view of lake from east to west

Footpath with many sunny spots

Mossy rocks

Painting from Durrance Lake

Friday June 1st 2012, Government House

Hi Alfrescoes, Our next paint-out will be at Government House. 1401 Rockland Street. There is limited parking at the House but if you drive up and past the house and take the left driveway. There is plenty of parking at the bottom. Lots to paint at this site from gardens to charming architecture.  Here's a map map

See you there.

Friday May 25 2012 Woodwynn Farms

Hello Painters, our next paint-out on Friday May 25th will be at Woodwynn Farms, 7789 Saanich Road, Brentwood Bay, V8M 1R7

Woodwynn Farms

See you there.

Friday, May 18, Metchosin Boys and Girls Club

Our Next will be at the  Metchosin Boys and Girls Club,  3900  Metchosin Rd V9C 4A5.

Next paint out May 18th Metchosin Boys and Girls Club

Hi Alfs,  Our next Paint out, May 18th, 2012 will be at the Metchosin Boys and Girls Club.  Map

Friday May 11 Gonzales Hill Park

Hi Everyone, Next Friday May 11th we'll be at Gonzales Hill Park. Gonzales Hill Park
Also, here's something you might be interested in:

Hello Local Artists,

How does Summer Art in the Village sound?  Every Sunday.

The Cook Street Village Activity Centre would like to provide an information meeting to all those local artists interested in opportunities for exhibiting their art in Cook Street Village this summer.  

Please join us on Thursday May 10^th at 4pm.

380 Cook Street – In the North End of Cook Street Village

We will distribute the details and a sign up sheet for all those interested in exhibiting with us.

We look forward to seeing you there.  Refreshments Provided.  RSVP’s Welcome.

Thank You,

Crystal Hill

Executive Director

Cook Street Village Activity Centre

1-380 Cook St., Victoria, B.C., V8V 3X7

Phone: (250)384-6542 Fax: (250)384-7156

www.cookstreetvillageactivitycentre.ca

Tomorrow (MAY 4th) the Esquimalt Lagoon

Hi Everyone, Just to clarify tomorrows location will be at the Esquimalt Lagoon. There are flocks of all kinds of water birds even swan flocks. Ancient trees, cool bridge, people and dogs, the beach, a spit. It's one of Emily's favourite spots.  Lots of parking and facilities. It's a great spot. Something to inspire everyone.

see you there!

Friday May 4th Esquimalt Lagoon

Hi Alfs. I just want to clarify that this coming Friday, May 4th, we'll be painting at the Esquimalt Lagoon. Sorry for any confusion. See you there

Friday May 4th, the Esquimalt Lagoon

Hello Alfs, Our next paint out location is at the Esquimalt Lagoon. Stay on Ocean Blvd and continue past the turn off for the Coast Collective.
The Esquimalt Lagoon is a Bird Sanctuary, plus great ocean views, bridge, and trees.
Here's a link for more information: Esquimalt Lagoon

April 27th 2012, Heritage Acres, Saanich

Hello Alfrescoes, Next Friday we'll be painting at Heritage Acres in Saanich. There are old buildings, Farm equipment, a lily pond and a train track. Parking is free, however they rely on donations to keep the place up so please put something in the box. Here's a map

Next Paint Out April 20th at The Coast Collective

Hi everyone. Next Friday we'll be painting at the Coast Collective 3221 Heatherbell Road in Colwood.

If you are going to be in the Show bring your paintings to drop off.

Someone forgot to take their painting at the end of today's paint out. I'll put it in my car for next week. Or you can email me if you want to pick it ip before then. dar.young@gmail.com

Friday, April 13 2012, Ross Bay

Hello Alfs, The next paint out will be at Ross Bay. Ross Bay Cemetery is there with some lovely monuments, paths, trees, etc. Plus there's the seashore.  We'll meet at noonish around the Cemetery washroom area corner of Dallas Road. There's street parking. See you there.

Friday April 6th, 2012 Esquimalt Gorge Park

The Esquimalt Gorge Park was one of Emily Carr's painting spots. It has a japanese garden among other things. The official address is 1070 Tillicum Rd Esquimalt  map
Here's some photos to inspire you.

Following Emily Carr

The West Shore Arts Council has put out a brochure with a  map about some of Emily Carr's painting locations. Later in the year the Coast Collective plans to have a show of plein air paintings done at these locations.  If no one objects I'll try to put  some of these locations on our list this summer. That way we would naturally have paintings for the show:) Plus it would be a nice change.

Also there is a First Plein Air Paint Out coming up next month in Ashcroft BC. It's free and you can even possibly get billeted. Here's the link: Ashcroft Plein Air Event  A few of us are planning to go:)

Friday March 30th 2012, Banfield Park, Vic West

Hello Alfrescoes, Next week we'll paint in Banfield Park. It's in Vic West.  Here's a  Map.
See you there.

March 23rd 2012, Frank Mitchells Farm

Hi Everyone. The Alfrescoes next location will be at Frank Mitchell's Farm: 530 Witty Beach Road in Metchosin. Frank says there are lots of baby lambs to paint among other things.

On the farm visit, it may be worth mentioning, for those who have not previously been to the farm, that there is parking in the field beyond the house. Folks are welcome to wander around (30 acres, including couple of ponds, fields, forest plantation, barns, orchard, sea views.....) There are facilities. Will try to rustle up coffee and cookies for look and tell at the house. 

Main rule: keep gates closed (animals in)

For those with GPS the postal code is V9C 4H8

March 16th, 2012, Anderson Hill

Hi Everyone, Our next paint out will be:

 Anderson Hill in Oak Bay.  Situated at the junction of Island Road and Newport.

Close to the entry gate there is only sufficient space for about 10 cars.  If all spaces are taken when you arrive, move down to Newport, park there and make a short walk back.  Island Road is too narrow to park on the approach.

This hill offers stunted oaks, rocks and wild plants.  View of the Trial Islands or,looking across one of the golf club fairways, a view of the southern gulf islands

Sorry, no facilities at this location.

Friday March 9th Oak Bay Marina

Hi Everyone, It's been a while since we painted at Oak Bay Marina. There's plenty of parking, and facilities.
Here's a link about the marina.
oak bay marina

Friday March 2nd/2012

Hello AlFrescoes Next paint out will be at the North end of Elk Lake map. This  spot is too busy in the summer but should be fine at this time of year.  See you there.

Note: There is a large parking lot off the Pat Bay Hwy at Brookleigh Road. Hamsterley Beach.

Here's another map that might be clearer. Click on the minus sign to get a better view.

Friday Feb 17th and 24, 2012

Friday Feb 17th and 24, 2012

Hi Everyone, Next two weeks will be at High Oaks Farm area. Here's a map: High Oaks. The fields will be flooded and lots of great sky reflections. Gather at noon where it is most practical. Sorry there are no washrooms. I won't be there next Friday but see you the following one.

Reminder: Alfs show is coming up. Have your Cheques in by March 15th to the Coast Collective.Even if you don't know how many you want to submit yet. The CC will ask you to submit your list of works by email soon. Delivery is April 18th to 22nd. 

Darlene