Book Description

As revealed in the subtitle, this book is comprised of three parts. Part I, the Present, shows the diverse beauty of Lake Waramaug in the four seasons as seen in thirty-five paintings of the same scene, executed under different conditions over two years. All but two of the works (both are nocturnes) were painted on location and many were executed in the artist's Portable Sketching Capsule during frigid or inclement weather. Each painting tells its own story and is accompanied by selected observations made in the artist's log book during the painting process. Part II, the Past, is a fascinating long-view of the Lake's history. It is humbling to see the present in the larger perspective of the past that (a) goes back to the Lake's probable beginning eons ago when continents collided and then (b) fast forwards through the Ice Ages that sculpted the Lake, the Five Mass Extinctions which killed off over 75% of all species living on Earth at that those times and, finally, (c) relates the retreat of the current Ice Sheet from Connecticut, the return of flora and fauna and the arrival of humans - first the Native Americans and then European settlers. Although Lake Waramaug is the special place we have come to know and love, the threat of the Sixth Mass Extinction looms. Finally, Part III, the Future, reviews the noble efforts and successes in recent decades by farsighted leading individuals and organizations to preserve and protect the Lake and this part of the country so future generations of all life forms will survive and continue to enjoy them.