November Skies
An unexpected extension of the plein air season.
As the season grows colder, I had anticipated our last paint-out would happen sometime in October or November. In my mind, we would capture the last blaze of fall color, pack away our outdoor painting gear, and settle into the winter months, turning our attention to the work-in-progress pieces waiting in our studios.
Much to my amazement, our dedicated group of painters had other ideas. There was genuine interest in continuing to paint through the colder months, and I’m all game.
To me, November in New England has a very distinct look and feel. My family has always called them November skies. The last of October’s blaze of color, particularly the ripened oaks, seems to linger on the branches as though the trees themselves are trying to prolong October in all its glory. The winds pick up, the dampness settles in, and the skies become wonderfully expressive. Dramatic clouds, shifting light, and the occasional stormy atmosphere make for an entirely different kind of beauty.
When I put two location options before the guild, I knew I wanted somewhere with wide-open spaces, expansive fields, and plenty of sky. November deserves room to breathe, and I wanted a location that would allow us to capture that particular New England atmosphere.
The group landed on Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.
I’ve lived in Central Connecticut my entire life, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I had no idea there was so much more to Hill-Stead beyond the farm buildings you catch a glimpse of while driving along Route 4.
The house itself was designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first licensed female architects in the country, which I think is such a cool piece of women’s history. It was built at the turn of the century for her father, Alfred Pope, as a showcase for his collection of French Impressionist paintings, something I had no idea about until our paint-out. I didn’t get a chance to go inside and see the pieces this time, but I’m already planning a visit soon. (More on the history and grounds of Hill-Stead here.)
After a parking-lot meet and greet, with familiar faces reconnecting and a few new ones joining us, we set off across the property to find our individual perspectives and capture the essence of this beautiful place.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Our 1–4:30 p.m. window gave us the warmest part of the day, but more importantly, some of the most interesting light. As plein air painters, we’re always chasing it. Watching the landscape change, seeing shadows stretch and colors shift, and trying to translate those fleeting moments onto our canvases is part of what keeps us coming back.
And while the paintings are certainly a big part of why we gather, they’re never the whole story.
We wrapped up the afternoon with an impromptu gathering over cocktails at Wood-n-Tap. The conversations wandered from art and books to life, travel, and everything in between. It’s these moments of connection that make this little guild what it is.
I originally thought we’d be saying goodbye to the outdoor painting season about now. Instead, I’m finding myself looking forward to discovering what a Connecticut winter has to offer through the eyes of a group of painters willing to brave a little cold.
Perhaps the season isn’t over just yet. And honestly, I’m rather glad.