Seclusion
White egrets abound at Pasture Point Cover in the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View, Delaware

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Seclusion, 40" x 16" oil on canvas and
archival gicle'e prints
​by Ellen Rice.
​
​Original sold. Prints available.

One of six paintings by Ellen now on display in the ballroom of
Bethany Beach Oceanside Suites, a Marriott Residence Inn
​
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Seclusion
​by Ellen Rice

A few summers ago, founding James Farm Ecological Preserve manager Jim Alderman told me there was a place on the preserve he wanted me to see with the thought of creating a fundraising painting in mind.  I’d gotten to know Jim through the many events he coordinated on the James Farm, which borders my home.  I was happy to help.
                  
It was a hot day, not much breeze in the shelter of the woods, as Jim, his assistant and I started out on a westward trek on one of the preserve’s many trails.  The August sun blazed through the leaves overhead.  The smell of dried leaves underfoot and fresh “green” from the plush vegetation surrounding us replaced the tang of salt air usually prevalent so close to the Atlantic Ocean.

As we approached a boardwalk over a patch of soggy ground, a slight breeze stirred.  I saw a rack of brightly colored kayaks ahead and light from a clearing around a bend to the left.  “When you go over that boardwalk, this is what I wanted you to see,” said Jim.

As I came into the clearing, stretching before us was a small, curved beach and beyond it the most beautiful, serene sight.  Egrets were flying low over the water, more were nestled among the grasses, and one was landing on a derelict dock across the cove where a lone seagull had already taken up roost.  There was constant, quiet, activity.  The only sounds to greet our ears were the gentle lapping of water on the beach and an occasional birdcall, despite the fact that we were close enough to Coastal Highway to see the Indian River Inlet bridge in the distance off to the east.
      
This secluded cove hidden away at the end of a wooded trail on the edge of Indian River Bay is kind of an open secret around here.  Though there are public signs directing people to the James Farm, unless you’ve walked its trails or have been part of one of its educational programs of scientific studies, you have no idea what is here.
      
Pasture Point, the marshy spit of land you see across the cove in my painting, was once the site of a thriving farm where cattle grazed on the salt marshes.  The James Farm property was a gift from the late Mary Lighthipe, a descendant of the James family who farmed the land for generations.  It was given to Sussex County with the condition that the property be used for environmental education and recreational activities and that no permanent structures be erected there.
      
In the fall of 1998, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays entered into an agreement with Sussex County to manage it.  The preserve now features more than two miles of hiking trails, three observation platforms, a boardwalk beach crossing, wildflower gardens, an amphitheater, an informational kiosk, rest areas, and more than 4,000 trees purchased and planted in a wildlife reforestation effort.
      
A freshwater wetland area has been created adjacent to the intersection of two trails, where deer, ducks, reptiles and amphibians can often be spotted.  Stumps and dead tree crags have been placed in the water to provide variety and a head start to the created habitat.  Next to the wetland an observation blind for viewing wildlife has become a popular spot for birding.
      
I’m truly blessed to live where I do. Every day I can look out one of my windows or stand on my deck and be treated to views of grassy open space, marshes, woods, ponds, deer, red-tailed hawks, heron, great white egrets, fox.... You never know what you’ll see from sunrise to sunrise, but it’s always beautiful.  Many of these sunrises have found their way into my paintings.
      
Jim was right. There was something I’d want to paint and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help the preserve through print sales.  I hope you enjoy Seclusion and at some point are able to experience the James Farm Ecological Preserve and the peace and beauty of Pasture Point Cove in person. For those who know the preserve, I hope this painting evokes fond memories.

Ellen
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