ItB次元官网网址檚 a chilly day with snow still on the ground, but itB次元官网网址檚 Tuesday, the day of art and sketchbooks.

Dorothy Donovan and Chris Henry dab at canvases set near looming stuffed eagle displays in the Goldstream Nature House, while Esther White draws on a sketchbook. In warmer weather, theyB次元官网网址檇 be outside finding inspiration from the views.

B次元官网网址淲e go out into the community to paint. We enjoy going out when the weather is good,B次元官网网址� says Donovan, who lives in Langford. B次元官网网址淏ut the nature house is a great opportunity. You feel like its outside.B次元官网网址�

Donovan started the B次元官网网址淭uesday Paint OutB次元官网网址� about three years ago to explore outdoor painting venues throughout the West Shore, Sooke and other part of Greater Victoria.

In warmer months the group will get a dozen artists out, and two or three in the winter, painting in oils, acrylics, watercolours or sketching. ItB次元官网网址檚 mainly senior citizens and retired people due to the midday Tuesday schedule, but anyone is welcome, Donovan says.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a get-together through the arts,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淎nyone can come out. We just love our community.B次元官网网址�

The group finds inspiration at locations such as the Esquimalt lagoon, the Havenwood property that houses the Coast Collective, Royal Roads, Fort Rodd Hill and heritage church sites. B次元官网网址淪ometimes weB次元官网网址檒l go to a house with a good view that has a nice garden,B次元官网网址� Donovan says.

B次元官网网址淭he lagoon is a favorite though,B次元官网网址� says White, who is also with the Juan de Fuca Arts and Crafts guild.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an excursion more than a classroom,B次元官网网址� said Henry, who joined the Tuesday paint-outB次元官网网址� three weeks ago. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 fun spending the whole day painting.B次元官网网址�

To learn more about the Tuesday Paint Out, call Donovan at 250-474-8848 or see www.dorothydonovan.ca. Meet Tuesdays at the Juan de Fuca 55+ Centre parking lot at 9:30 a.m. to carpool, 1767 Island Hwy.