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.

It's Alive!

After a long silence I'm fired up to blog about my new painting series, "Images of Steep Rock."

Technical aspects of painting have consumed my life for too long, throwing everything out of balance.

I am out of shape and our "new" dog needs more socialization so the best remedy is to take Lil (the dog) and a sketch pad, or Lil and a camera, or a backpack and paints to the Land Trust and walk.

Steep Rock is a part of the local consciousness here whether people are aware of it or not. The vision and generosity of its founder shape the character of a whole town...actually a region.

I will post photos of cool stuff at Steep Rock, oil color sketches and paintings in progress through the seasons. Feel free to offer opinions about which paintings to do in larger format. I plan to exhibit "Images of Steep Rock" in Washington, CT during late September and early October 2011 with a portion of sales proceeds to benefit the Steep Rock Assn.