This morning we made our first painting trip to the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, south of here, off Powder Mill Road, and it was well worth the trip. There are two lakes and a causeway between them, along with blooming flowers and a still-under-construction wetlands environment and boardwalk that will have wonderful possibilities once they’re completed and a bit more mature. The staff was extraordinarily nice and helpful, happy to point out some of the best places for views. On this first visit, though, we did not get much further than the causeway: the views there of the lake were wonderful, and the three of us (me, Barbara, and Brenda) set up there, taking care to stay in the shade and out of the way of the passenger tram. (Note for next time: Don’t forget the sun umbrella!) I did a small (8x10) piece on Richeson board (“Shoreline”) and am happy with it: I am trying hard to focus on shapes and the underlying abstract design, especially in these smaller pieces, rather than become overly concerned with detail (a bad habit).