Halls ISland Residency
In August 2024, I attended a ten-day artist residency at Halls Island near Halliburton, Ontario. With me was my partner, Chas, and our dog, Huck. Over the course of the residency, I created a series of small watercolor paintings inspired by the landscapes in and around Halls Island.
I rarely have the opportunity to paint the same landscape, en plein air, over the course of multiple days. The unique spatial constraint of being on an island allowed me the chance to notice small details in how the light, trees, plants, and water changed throughout the day.
View from Halls Island #1 2024 Watercolor on paper 7 x 7 inches
View from Halls Island #2 2024 Watercolor on paper 7 x 7 inches
View from the cabin 2024 Watercolor on paper 8 x 8 inches
North 2024 Watercolor on paper 6.5 x 3 inches
View from Halls Island #4 2024 Watercolor on paper 7 x 7 inches
View from Halls Island #3 2024 Watercolor on paper 7 x 7 inches
The residency at Halls Island was incredibly beneficial for me. I was able to focus singularly on a body of work, immerse myself within a landscape, disconnect from technology, and break from my typical work routine. I also enjoyed the mental clarity that came from time spent outdoors and off the grid.
Halls Island is truly a special place, and I treasure each minute spent there. I think I could’ve stayed there for a month and been perfectly content!
If you’re an artist (of any medium) who enjoys off-the-grid living, you can learn more and apply to be a resident artist here.