Painting In a Hard Hat on Bannerman’s Island, NY

SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST – While in the Hudson River Valley last Monday, Jamie Grossman asked if I would like to paint the next day in a paint out on Bannerman Island. I did not have a clue what that was. With just a phone call I was accepted and as part of a group of 13 painters we set off for just a four hour event! Sound fast? It was!! I was taken by events faster than they happened.

I was honored and delighted to be a part of this adventure. It is rare for folks to even visit this island as it is a beautiful yet dangerous venue. Bannerman Island Arsenal was purchased by Francis Bannerman in 1900. In 1901 he built a castle-like structure and house. The castle housed black powder, civil war weapons and more from the military and isolated in the castle. He advertised to sell his wares to miners and others by writing his name in brick on the side of the building. (For more on the castle: http://bannermancastle.org/history/)

Here is a one minute show of what I saw and experienced while painting there and last slide info about the reconstruction efforts underway. It was the only time I have ever had to wear a hard hat to paint!:

Bannerman Island Plein Air Paint Out
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View more webinars from L Diane Johnson.

Locations to Paint or Enjoy Along the Hudson
And as promised a few days ago, a listing of just a few of the places along the Hudson I found that are paint worthy. With any of these, please ask permission as a courtesy to private and public parks. Otherwise we risk cutting off access to other artists coming after us:

Saratoga National Park
Hilltop view of Hudson River and landscape
(Site #9 with view of the river all day!)

Piermont, NY
Must look for it on the west side of the river on your map – great for viewing shopping, eating and painting; on the river looking up to east and side-by-side on the west side of the river

Beacon, NY parks
Madame Brett Park (strange but true, the maps will lead you to a strange route leading to an old mfg building on a creek leading to the river. Great view outward and if you like to fish, do so off the little dock.) Many other little parks with nice views towards Newberg and hills to the West.

Catskill Mountains
North/South Lake State Park both bottom and top. Some parking right next to paintable areas, other parking have short to very long hikes to subjects. Also Minnesakwa State Park, Catskill Mountain House (no house there just great views), and so much more!

Athens, NY
Park next to water on West side of river. Lovely views and can paint from anywhere. Don’t miss the restaurant next to the water if you are hungry. Best Italian food I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a lot!

Tons more to tell you about but will leave it at these for the moment.

What places have you found to be great spots to paint?

Tags: Bannerman's Castle, Bannerman's Island Hudson River New York, plein air painting, travel NY