Autumn into Winter

Today's snow is a reminder--as if I needed one--that the first day of winter is approaching. Since I crave light, short days are not my favorite thing, but the QUALITY of light is beautiful, and I rejoice in that.

I'm glad that the rest of humankind feels the need to celebrate light, birth, and symbols of lasting life at this time of year. At least I have plenty of company! Besides, after December 21, the days will be getting longer again.

One Evening in Autumn, 11 x 14, Oil on linen

In the first image, I tried to capture the stillness and ruddy smudges of last light in autumn. There happened to be evergreen trees, partially defoliated oak saplings, and totally bare trees, which suggest an underlying message. The bright  moon and star on that colored sky literally made me paint the picture.

Silos and Willows, 20 x 16, Oil on linen
Previously shown in the Roxbury Barn Stories show

The second painting is a longtime favorite subject: Toplands Farm in Roxbury, CT. I've painted en "plein air" at the farm countless times, although on this cold day, I took a lot of mental notes while walking around, snapped a bunch of photos and retreated to the warm studio to do a block in while the information was fresh.

Equine Paintings in "My Favorite Things" Steep Rock Benefit

The Parade Team at Pasture
Previously shown at The Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY
18 x 24, Oil
 

In case wishes are horses, I'm including these two equine paintings in "My Favorite Things" Steep Rock benefit show.

The big Percherons ("The Parade Team at Rest") motivated me to paint them because they represent comfortable relationships of all kinds. They've been a team at work and leisure, and obviously enjoy each other's company.

"Riders on a Hilltop" sprang from my love of being outdoors in a beautiful countryside.
I liked this particular autumn day for the atmosphere in the receding hills, and the juxtaposition of big gray horse with the lighter boned paint.

The Percheron painting has been my personal Facebook profile picture for a long time, and I have used "Riders on a Hilltop" as my profile pic onTwitter and Linkedin.



Riders on a Hilltop
8 x 10, Oil

My Favorite Things

Shepaug with Frosting
16 x 12, Oil

Yes, there was another break in the blog. I went to California twice and did assorted other things during the year, which led to assorted paintings. The result is a new title for the Steep Rock fund raiser.

"My Favorite Things" will hang on the walls of Marty's cafe in Washington Depot, CT from December 1 through 31. Marty's is open every day.
A portion of the proceeds, regardless of subject matter, will go to the Steep Rock Association in Washington, CT, so you can support the land trust and indulge your own preferences.

Instead of one reception, there will be three separate
"Meet the Artist" times.
You can join me for lunch or coffee on the following dates:

Path by the River
9 x 12, Oil

December 1, (Saturday) 12:30 to 1:30
December 7, 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. (Friday)
December 8, 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. (Saturday)
Separate appointment or chance.
Contact me through my (outdated) web site,
www.carolbrightmanjohnson.com

Future posts will feature images of more paintings included in the show.