Another Gray From The Series

"Shade Of Gray" #4"   casein on paper     9 x 12"

Morning found me shipping works out to a new show in Kentucky...and then down to the studio I went. The weather was sunny, warm and inviting, but I kept focused and finished the above casein from the series of gray horses I am doing now....and also I worked on getting closer to finishing a commission portrait of some young men. I was able to open the back door in the studio,  to feel the warm and fresh air streaming in..and the two pups stayed with me as I worked. This new studio space is turning out to be an awesome place for me to work in! I can just step out the door and am in my back gardens, looking down to the barn, the horses and the fields beyond! Granted I am still working with piles of art supplies and boxes that have not been sorted or put away....but the space still works! YAY!

Outside the trees are quickly budding and my forsythia is in blossom....the 'daffies' are dancing in yellow and pink and purple crocus have popped up here and there throughout my gardens. The glory of spring...the promise of green.....it is a wonder I get anything done in the studio and not be out fiddling in the gardens!

Painting A Bit & Getting Ready For Winter A Lot

The last few days we have been busy battening down the hatches here on Cob Cottage farm in anticipation of winter and cold days ahead. It will come faster than we think...and I have more than a few gardens and window boxes to to cleaned and put to bed. It all cannot be done in one day. I am thinking this gardening frenzy that hits me each spring needs to be rethought and curbed a bit.

Control is not a operative word when it comes to me and gardening.!!

I am really almost done with the casein [30 x 40"] of the Blonde Belgians....this is how it stands today. The sketch of this painting has been sold and I need to ship that out this week. I am done with the drawing at this point and the painting can be finished without me referring to the drawing. I have many clients interested in purchasing my work sketches...a rather non expensive way of collecting my work.

The fall colors surround the farm. The below shot is from our deck.... of our fields...our barn. Soon the color will be gone and gray will prevail until the white and blue of snow covered winter landscape surrounds us. The scene new fails to remind us our blessed we are to be living in this spot in the middle of this natural splendor.

That reminds me.... I have 50 Narcissus bulbs waited to be planted before snow.....so much for control of gardens!