I skipped out during yesterday's beautiful, blustery afternoon for a walk in Forest Park with a friend. We met at the History Museum and then meandered around the Muny and and eventually wound up in the wildflower meadow in the Deer Lake area (at Union). There we encountered one of Forest Park Forever's Nature Reserve Stewards taking advantage of the good weather to get a jump on fall clean-up, below, and the organization's Park Ecologist taking water samples.
As we wandered down the path we came across a few artists drawing landscapes en plein air. I realized that they were part of a class, which piqued further interest, but by the time I returned with my camera (note to self: don't leave home without it!) the artists had disappeared…leaving their easels, drawings, and pastels behind.
It was so quiet and peaceful as I photographed the scene, I imagined Monet sitting in this very spot. Monet because we had discussed the current "Water Lilies" exhibition at the Art Museum earlier.
As I left the park, I spotted the group of artists sitting beside the river watching intently as their instructor sketched the scene. And I realized a couple of things during this outing: It's amazing that the artists' work was left undisturbed when they walked away, but what I've always suspected is that people everywhere are respectful of artists at work. And secondly, a brief walk in the park is a perfect way to clear the head and take full advantage of this fabulous resource that we have just a few blocks away.
Wow! Beautifully said about St. Louis, and thank you for being such a supporter of my efforts. I appreciate it so much.
Wow! This really is an amazing City that is beginning to take shape…or shall I say reshape. The years of neglect have left so many with the taste of negativity. I myself included. As a teenager I couldn’t wait to “get out of here”. I had an East Coast mentality.
But, I too was struck by the energy of the City as I drove down Wydown (great bike path!) and Lindell last week and saw all the bikers, joggers, walkers,students and just everyone enjoying the beautiful day and what it had to offer.
I wish everyone could see your pictures and read your blog, especially the pictures of the painters. How joyful!
Everyone needs to start getting on board. We need that Rally Squirrel to become the mascot for our City and get everyone, county and city, cheering this metropolis on!