We were very lucky as the temperature reached a balmy 48 degrees. Unfortunately that didn't happen until sometime after lunch when most of us were on the way home. It was fairly chilly in the morning -- some thought it was quite cold. But not Bill Schmidt, he was the perfect image of a dedicated plein air artist as he sat on the 31st bridge all decked out in his orange coveralls, green and red hoods, and blue gloves.

Fortunately it warmed up nicely and turned into a brilliant sunny day. We had fabulous light - the kind we seldom see in the Washington area. Sometimes it was too strong. The sun kept reflecting off the metal ferrules of my brushes and made it very difficult for me to judge my colors or even to see where I was putting the paint on my canvas. I now have a greater appreciation for our normal lazy hazy dissipated summer sunshine.

Most of us were congregated along the C&O Canal between 30th and 31st streets in Georgetown. Adrienne Burrows and Mary Kokoski felt adventuresome and painted along the Potomac River where they enjoyed cool winter breezes.

Artists present: Burrows, Cooper, Dellario, Frederikse, Jaecks and Jaecks, Kokoski, Schmidt, Walsh, and guest Tim Bell.

Critique