Signing back in to sign out for a while

Looking at a painting that I consider a work in progress, I hope to find a solution for what started out as a painting with a big barn behind the subjects. The barn was too overpowering, so I replaced it (twice) with different landscapes. Now, the mare and foal need something to balance the composition. What to do? I have to consider what may work and not take away from the subjects. I had a girl looking and leaning on the fence, but painted her out...you can still see her shadow in the grass.
I have a lot of work to do right now, and am taking a time out of doing this blog for a while. I'll be back!

Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park_8x10"_oil on canvas

The horse park has been owned by the state since the mid-seventies and has a wide variety of horses to see and also a wide variety of horse shows. People will bring their horses from across the US and the world next year for the World Equestrian Games in 2010. When I was in my early 20's we had a stable of horses in race training here, stabled in the big barn. The stalls are 16x16 feet lined with class I sand, which is basically ground up limestone. It was a real job getting the manure basket up over the top of the manure truck. Melanie and I would have to do this job together with a one-two-three heave! effort. There were many days that we would crack up laughing. Silly girls! But we were tired most of the time, and had an excuse to be silly. I remember a black quarter horse colt we had for a client who learned he could get away from us on the way to his paddock every day. We put two chains on him one under his lip, one over his nose, and he still could do it. There are so many memories for me, but most of all, was the fun my sister and I had out there, before the state bought it. It was utopia, and still is, just shared with the world, now.

Trees by a Pond 2

Trees by a Pond 2_9x12"_oil on panel

A study from an instructional book.

Trees by a Pond

Trees by a Pond 1_9x12"_oil on panel

It seems I have a theme to explore lately, sitting by a pond, minus mosquitos is a very pleasant afternoon. It's even nicer to have a nice book from which to do a study. Today we have a record low temperature since 1901, which was 75 degrees. My thermometer reads 68 and my fingers go numb at the end of this study.

Evening at the farm

Evening at the Farm_oil on panel

Shakertown Hill

Shakertown Hill_12x9"_oil on panel

After a day of painting at Shakertown, we went to find a more remote location to paint. Just a smidgeon away was a creek bed (dry) where I did a small study, then found this just around the group of trees. It was a hot day, with the grass that crunchy sounding crackle when you walk on it. The hay had been cut, leaving swathes of grass lying in neat rows, leading the eye up the hill.

Terce and Bear

Terce' and Baruka_5x6"_oil on panel

In honor of Baruka, who came home yesterday, I am posting this study of him and his mom when he was just a baby. I had almost forgotten what he looked like while thinking of his life today, so this is a great reminder of his high-stepping style.

Summertime

Summer Field_9x12"_oil on panel

It ia that time of year when the hay is baled and up off the fields, you can see across the pasture now, the horses haven't foundered, the breezes are lazy, and the fourth of July is day after tomorrow! Watermelon and burgers are in the offing, the smell of charcoal wafts into the air, what could be nicer than family and friends around to laugh and play, maybe fish, paint, or ride the horses?

Clouds

Cumulus Clouds_9x12"_oil on panel

After the storm tonight, the clouds took on so many shapes that I could have painted seventeen paintings! And I just might... I got a few minutes between raindrops to ride my horse, then go home fix supper and eat by 10:00 PM. We are getting back from the farm so late these days that I have only a few minutes to post...good night!

Downpour

Downpour_9x12_oil on panel

Yesterday was gorgeous from start to finish, starting with soft fluffy clouds leading to dark dramatic clouds and ending with a torrentious downpour, the kind that whites out the landscape and makes the roof thunder so hard you can't hear the person next to you shouting in your ear! I love these days, especially since we've had severe dought the last several years. Bring it on Lord! And Thank You!

Donations

Marilyn Sadler, CWNave, Gretchen Grosshardt, Yvonne Todd at SOPO party

I believe it is important for everyone to give of their gifts. I have a gift given to me that allows me to have a desire to figure things out, have a sense of proportion, understand colors, and want to do it! Many of you have gifts I don't, like singing, dancing, writing, making people laugh, all things I used to wish I could do. Now, I am perfectly content with what I can do, and make the most of the opportunities to give to causes I believe in, like animal husbandry. Yes, being a good husbandry person means taking care of and protecting the ones who can't take care of themselves. Many strides are being made to help animals since the old days and ways, but still, many animals are euthanized every day in this country. Woodford Humane Society is a wonderful privately funded rescue that tries to benefit animals and owners by matching personalities and needs, kind of like a match making business. They are not dependent on any government funding, and all of the money they need they creatively raise, with help from an army of donors, from the farms that donate their property use, to caterers, decorators, artists, and a crowd of unhailed people that help in many ways. Please get online at www.woodfordhumanesociety.org and click on the Scenes of Pin Oak or SOPO to bid on the artwork, or get a ticket to one of the two days of events, go have a great time. There will be many other things up for auction. By the way, the paintings are donated lock, stock, and barrel, with 100% of the donations going for the shelter.

Old Cabin

Old Cabin_8x10"_oil on panel

This old cabin is like one in the edge of the mountains of Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the sights we saw on our two day trail ride this past weekend. It seems that nothing is permanent, even after all of our labors to build, shore up, beautify, nature takes over and with a little neglect, tears it all back down. This can be a good thing, not all of our efforts are worth saving, and knowing that the best usually is saved makes me feel a little better. This old cabin is one of the good things.

Roadsides in Kentucky

Tree Allee_9x12"_oil on panel_available

The roadsides in central Kentucky, particulary the horse farm areas, have been noted for years for having beautiful landscapes, particularly because of the respect for the trees that grow in fence rows and provide shade for the horses, cattle and other livestock. They also provide living rooms for wildlife. Did the early settlers read the laws in the bible where God said to not reap your fields to the edges to provide food for the poor and the wildlife? Or were they too lazy to keep the hedges out of the fences? I opt for the former. Too bad that the county I live in opts for the latter, and anyone who doesn't keep his fence row trimmed out is considered lazy...we must have control! To the detriment of every sensibility. I much prefer the beauty and practicality of trees, and the sometimes wild look of a working farm.

Entry Road

The Entry Road_9x12_oil on panel

When going down to the river, we have to pass through our friends farm and go down a winding switchback road about 300 feet to reach the river bottom. From there we work in the garden, or launch a kayak or fishing boat. This is the top of the hill entering the road. The little tree has since been trimmed down by the neighbor, such a shame, it made a sweet little arch over the drive.

Dix River Morning

Dix River Morning_9x12_oil on panel_available_$325

Summer mornings on the river bank are really hot and steamy, especially after 10 AM.
The geese are in the water beyond our sight, just below the bank. It's too hot for them, too.

Mists of Time

Mists of Time_9x12_Oil on panel_sold

Today is a day of more rain, I'm not complaining after the droughts of the last two years!
We went down to the river to see the water and found mists rolling off of the Dix. It is a mesmerizing sight. This painting is one of the Canadian bogs we saw several years ago on our trip to Deborah (sp) just across the lake from the tip of Michigan, where there were many tiny islands, many large rocks to ruin your props and wonderful landscapes.

Ancient Track

Ancient Track_9x12_oil on panel_available_$325

These trees and road are the view as you enter our little farm. The road you see is the ancient road that crossed over the big hill behind us, where wagon trains and stagecoaches traveled. Then they went down the cliff edge to cross the Dix River, before the dam was built. In the summer, you could walk across on almost dry ground. But now, the modern road goes a different route, and you can no longer cross the Dix, as the dam keeps the water level high. Our driveway starts on the abandoned section, and we keep our little section clear and useful.

Dix River Landing

Dix River Landing_14x24"_Oil on Canvas_available_$1200

Another lazy day painting of the water of the Dix River slowly flowing by. It is a peaceful area belonging to our neighbors, with great views of the palisades rock formations. Last month the rains came so frequently that this entire landing was under water. Now the waters have receded and this is the way it looks.

Time to Work

Dix River_11x14"_Oil on panel_Sold

Time to get back to the farm and work after a three day weekend of dressage clinic . Here's where I'd rather be, sitting in a canoe, watching the herons and other life on the banks, painting tomorrow.

New Ways

Shakertown Morning_6x9"_available_$225

After 12 hours, give or take, of watching riders learning to ride and train their horses, I feel like I'm starting to get a clue of what is expected of the horse in basic dressage. O.K., I am a little thick, but in my defense, I come from hunter/jumper background in the 60's, translated to thoroughbred exercise rider and trainer in the 70's and 80's and back to basics in the 90's (read trail riding). I can tell you dressage is like learning to ride upside down to me. I feel like I'm just about to topple over the horses head when I'm in the "correct" position. It's like learning to paint with brushes,and then having to paint with palette knives, or worse, with sponges. It doesn't "feel" right. But, nothing new is done that isn't tried, so, I am celebrating new things in all areas by experimenting with different textures of canvas, different palettes, changing up the status quo. Am I who I am? Maybe next week I'll be a different rider, a different artist.

Dressage

Friesian_9x12"_oil on panel_available_$325

I'm attending a dressage clinic this weekend, and seeing a lot of beautiful and talented young horses. We watch every rider, trying to think what it would feel like to be riding that horse, and what we would do. I don't have a clue, and that's why I'm there! The horses are responding favorably to a great instructor from California.

Rainy Day

Rainy Day_9x12"_oil on panel_available_$325

Another rainy day at the farm! All day! It makes everything grey and blue, and softens the edges of everything. That's what I think of...soft. Soft bed, soft pillow, soft cup of coffee.

Rain Showers

Scattered Showers_9x12_oil on panel_available_325

The rain is great for the farm! I am enjoying the rain storms we have been getting lately, usually I'm at the Meadow Lake farm during the afternoon buildup of thunderhead clouds, watching from high ground the large clouds and rain on farms just west of us.

Canyon Sunset

"Canyon Sunset"_11x14 oil on panel_available_$350
A figure study from life done at the Kentucky Horse Park, and completed at the studio, with a made-up southwestern canyon background. It doesn't look like that in Kentucky! The sun lights on the canyon wall and reflects back into the Indian girl's face.
My new website is just up! The address is: www.CWNave.com

Website Construction is like climbing a mountain

Teton Range Stream_5x7_oil on panel_ available_$125

So much to do, so little time! I've been working on getting a web site for my art ready to go. Hopefully it will be ready with my own address very soon.

After Munnings 2

Since we're on the subject of studies, here's the other study I did of the same Sir Alfred Munnings painting as yesterday,minus the lady with the sidesaddle riding him. As I said,I like to mix it up, not doing the same painting but trying the palette, brushstrokes, lighting. On this painting, I changed the background, too. It's educational, and a lot of fun, too.

After Munnings

Periodically, I try my hand at doing a study from one of the masters of equine art, in this case Sir Alfred Munnings. It is illuminating, challenging work to get into the mind, palette and technique of someone whose work is so loose and masterful. Of course, I change it up a bit, in this case, I did a close up of the woman. I love the sidesaddle, linen coat and the hat, you don't see that around here unless it's Derby Day, and then not horseback!

Pin Oak Farm

Yesterday I, as well as other invited artists, went to Pin Oak Thoroughbred Farm to paint scenes from the farm in order to donate our time and efforts to benefit The Woodford Humane Society Fundraiser. The paintings will go on display next month at the Headley-Whitney Museum, until the actual Fundraiser in June. I started it at the farm yesterday,and completed it today. I can't show it, however, because the farm will not allow any viewing of the scenes from their farm... it's a shame, because I'm really happy with it, but Still it's their farm, and they are gracious enough to allow us to come out and paint. I'm sure it's an event for the workers, as we are all over the place, orderly, but still. I painted a scene of the retired mares pasture, with a nice bluish backlit tree line, and a pond with a bright yellow backlit tree and a mare looking up at me. I'm glad I got a photo of her there because she walked over to me and wanted to hang out. We bonded.
Woodford Humane Society is the best! I've done this before and want to do it every year, because the precious beasties deserve great treatment, and kind caretakers. Thanks to Debbie Graviss, Yvonne Todd, and Marilyn Sadler, all artists and all giving their time to help US, setting this all up, driving us around, and all of the other monumental things they do to make this event a success.

Across The Road

Across the Road 11x14"_Oil on canvas_available_$900

Since I went to the Horse Park this week,I thought I'd feature the painting done of the field across the Road...adding a horse, of course. It's usually full of cows. They would have been nice, too.

New pup

In honor of our new dog, I thought I'd feature a portrait of two friends. This is a detail of a larger portrait with five dogs.

Secret Places

Whitetail deer_9x12"_available_$325

The river can be a magical place, with pleasant scenes of verdant beauty, deer moving into and out of the picture, wildflowers everywhere. You never know when a deer will pop into view, or how they will take your presence. Sometimes they just look at you and keep munching, other times they scatter like the wind at a small movement. Other times they just creep across the pasture, hoping you don't see their invisible bodies.

Freedom

Freedom _20x24" oil on canvas_NFS

In honor, again, of the great escape.

Moonlight Run

Freedom 9x12"_oil on panel_available_$520

This image is in honor of the great escape perpetuated last night by my big gelding and a big grey new buddy. The trainer was called this morning by a farmer who had them captured in his barn. There is no telling how long they were out, but except for a few scratches on the other horse, they were no worse for the wear. Long live freedom! (As long as no one was hurt) This painting expresses the feeling of freedom that I know he had, and that we have in Christ.

Lazy Day

The Water Tank_11x14'_oil on panel_available_$900

This is how I felt today, really lazy, like the shires sleeping at the water tank at the Kentucky Horse Park. Still, I got Bear trimmed and ridden on a trail ride, and the rest of the day getting started thinking about another painting.

Moonlit Stream

Full Moon_5x6"_oil on board_available_$125


Moonlit stream_5x5"_oil on panel_available_$125

I'm in the mood for moonlight, along the same lines as rain, with cool tones and a misty feel. We are sure getting our share of rain lately. I love moonlight and try to paint it every so often, as well as get out in it and just enjoy it.

River Elm

"Walking Elm" 24x14" Oil on linen, birch panel_NFS

We saw this tree among many similar ones at the river edge at Jamestown. The banks had been flooded so many times that the soil was washed out from underneath, leaving daylight and giving the trees the look like they could just walk away. I originally called this "Mother Elm" because I had a foal on the right side, under the branches. I was never happy with the arrangement, and in the course of trying to change it, I ruined the whole right side, soooo, I just cut it off, and voila! Now the painting is a portrait of a tree, and I like it!

The Draw #2

"The Draw"_9x12_oil on birch panel_available_$225

Another view of the "draw' on the farm. It holds mysteries of wildlife. We see trails in the grass going to the pond and to the barn. Having seen a skunk and raccoons, I'm not surprised that they come and eat our cat food. This was done in the late afternoon. I painted all day one day and did four or five scenes on the farm. I liked this one for the leaning tree, framing the picture.

Split in Two

"Farm Draw"_5x7"_oil on panel_available_$125

This is one of my favorite scenes on our farm. It always seems to be full of wonderful shadows, no matter what time of day it is, and the colors are constantly changing. Im constantly thinking of new paintings I need to do here. I'll post another tomorrow.

Today I decided to separate my interests into two different blogs, one of art and one of farm life. We'll see how this works out! So, if you want to see the farm life, and the spiritual side of life ...the address is www.horselight.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!

Trail Ride in the Country

Country landscape_4x6"_oil on linen board_available_$90
Traveling through the country you see a lot of nondescript landscapes that have a lot of appeal for me. They aren't anyplace special, just country with no buildings, no people, no signs of civilization except for the neat mowing and crops.


I rode Bear on a trail ride with four others today. He was a superstar, taking the lead and not flinching at anything, including the man building a garage or shed right next to the trail. I think the breaking with the Amish taught him that. They had a barnyard full of critters; horses and ponies, goats, dogs & puppies, cats & kittens, chickens, guinnies, (sp?) geese, turkeys, the only thing he definitely didn't like was the hog pen.

Farm Road

"A Painting a Day" for me...my little experiment just to see if I can do it.


"Farm Road"_5x5"_oil on Linen panel_available_$90

Painted yesterday, from a photo taken the day before, while driving down Hwy. 954. Just a little scene common around here.


Six in tow. Coming to eat.


Six in tow, leaving fat and happy.
These may be paintings in the future....
I rode Bear today, after he had four days off. He got a little tummy ache last week, so I gave him a big dose of Pepto-Bismol, after that he got time off. He's looking and feeling better. Today he got another jumping lesson from the lunge line.He really likes it, and didn't want to stop! This is the last post of teh farm, so if you want to see more of it, go to www.horselight.blogspot.com

Planting Day

"A Good Scratch"_5x5"_oil on linen panel_available_$125

This was done from a photo taken a few years ago on Russel Cave Road. I did another version of a different foal then and decided to revisit the subject. All done with a brush the size of my finger. More detail could be had with a smaller brush, but do I want more detail? The hardest part was getting just the right "swish" to the tail. Took 3 or 4 tries.

Later on, I went to the river bottom to plant our veggies. This is what I saw....


This calf is a bit turned around looking for Mom, first following the bull, then trying the mare. Where is Mom? Ahh, who cares! He took off running and kicking up his heels!

Yahoo!

We had a planting Mothers Day today. My neighbor prepared two rows for me to plant, he wouldn't let me use the tiller, saying he could do straight rows. He did come back straightening it out! Then I spent the rest of the afternoon planting corn, beans, tomatoes, turnips, beets, radishes, eggplant, herbs, flowers,etc. All I really wanted was a tomato plant and a basil plant. This is what happens when you let your husband pick out the seeds. Where was He? Helping a neighbor block out squirrels from his house on a 50 foot ladder. They had already run them out by sprinkling moth balls in the walls. Took him all afternoon. Hmmm.

Sunshine today!

"Locust Blooms"_5x5" oil on linenboard_available_$125

I planted 7 rose bushes today, it doesn't sound like much, until you factor in the 2 wagons filled with horse mulch that had to be added, and moving several bushes and plants to make a symmetrical display. It took all afternoon, then I could get back to my small painting started yesterday, and complete that and a new one today. Then I photographed a beautiful bunch of long shadowed horse landscapes.

More Rain!

Locust Tree Blooms 5x5" study start
After looking at "A Painting A Day" sites, I have decided to try my hand at doing something along those lines. It isn't as daunting as starting a new painting right now,and seems to be a fun way to start painting for the day, so here's the first effort. I went to Meadowlake Farm this morning to check on Bear, who had been a little peckish yesterday. (He's fine today). So I took the opportunity to photograph on the farm. I got to explore places I hadn't seen before, and got about 250 photos. The camera wouldn't hold them long enough for me to really look for any length of time, so I got short glimpses and then painted from memory. I could return to this tomorrow, to define the tree trunks and mare, if I don't have to plant rose bushes all day!

Lunch with the arts

"Trees in the Draw"_8x8" _Oil on board_Available_$325
Trees on my farm (my favorite place to paint!)This painting was done last year on a day with me sitting in the moist grass...I had forgotten my portable easel and chair. The main interest for the painting, was on the color temperature changes of the grass in the shadows and sunlight.

I had lunch today with Shelley Hunter and Marilyn Sadler talking art and pets. Shelley brought her new sculpture of John Henry's head, done from her great sculpture installed at the Kentucky Horse Park. I think we may get together to work on some relief sculptures and painting small one-a-day type paintings for fun.

Shelley and Marilyn look at cats and dogs on camera


Shelley and John Henry
P.S. One look at my studio with clay sculptures done several years ago and never cast (falling apart) was enough to scare them out!