I recently returned from a week of landscape painting in the Hudson River Valley, New York. A highlight of the trip was the day I spent painting at Olana, which was the home of Frederic Church, one of the most well-known painters of the Hudson River school. I’m familiar with his work, but I don’t know much about his life. It’s actually Thomas Cole and Alfred Bierstadt whose work I really love, but the lure of Olana pulled me there, and I was not disappointed.
Olana is a New York State Historic Site, on State Route 9G, so I was expecting a big sign. Not true. You should keep your eyes peeled and drive a bit slowly as you enter the vicinity, because you could easily miss it and pass by. Once I pulled into the humble entrance, I entered another world. Everything became quiet. Tall trees line both sides of the drive, which winds casually up a hill through the 250-acre forested estate. On the way up, I passed by a lake and got sneak peaks of the views.
I parked my car in the lot at the top of the hill. There were so many options for painting venues that I felt a bit overwhelmed. Fortunately, I ran into a woman who works there and asked for her recommendations. She told me about several spots, and I chose the one where Church had his first studio.
It was a bright, sunny, humid day and much of the valley was muted in haze. Nonetheless, it was a breathtaking, expansive view. I set up my easel and supplies underneath a lovely, large tree. The only sounds were the wind and the birds. It was incredibly peaceful. I felt such gratitude about being there, and having it all to myself.
After painting and sipping my tea for nearly 3 hours, I had my first human visitors. They were kind enough to sit on a nearby bench safeguarding my equipment while I went up to the Visitor’s Center to use the restroom. That’s when I first saw the Persian-inspired mansion (an impressive architectural structure), the gardens, and the other overlooks.
I returned to my painting spot and ate my lunch. A hawk swooped in the wind currents and perched in a tree a few yards away. Chipmunks and squirrels scattered about and took refuge underneath rocks or inside tree trunks. Bees buzzed by. I felt like I had become a part of the scene. I took several deep breaths and smiled. I remember thinking, “This is THE best peanut butter and banana sandwich I’ve EVER HAD!”
The day’s heat and humidity intensified after lunch. I painted for about an hour more, then packed up to leave. I hadn’t quite finished my painting, but that’s not unusual for me. Sometimes it takes more than one sitting for me to complete a painting. When I returned to Rhinebeck, where I was staying, I got into my bathing suit and jumped into the lake to cool off. An awesome way to end an awesome day of painting.
Photograph doesn’t show all of the details that I could see with the naked eye.
Love this entry as it took me right back to the Hudson River Valley. You’ve captured the serenity beautifully. Glad you had the time there — thanks for sharing!
Many thanks for your feedback, Nan!