Reflections on July 21,2007

It is true that over the years we get a bit rundown. Some of us more then others.

Such is the condition of an old house sitting by Rte 1, going out off Searsport, Maine. Every time I passed this relic, when we were looking for a perfect home in this area years ago, I wondered about the stories this old home held. The first time I saw it, my good friend and fellow artist Karen and I were heading out to Blue Hill to look at homes for sale. We laughed at the sight of this fixer-upper, saying this would be perfect……….yep!

This year I decided to paint this mystery [to me at least] house. I call it “Handy Man’s Special”. It certainly is. I think anyone interested would be wise to heed the “ Do Not Enter” sign that warns of jobs too big to fix.

And it is my opinion that we also should hang similar signs on our persona as we age for ‘The Doctors’ to heed.

Just my reflections for the day……………….from one who could be called a “Handy Man’s Special”

Up Close....and Personal.

I am busy packing more paintings to go to yet another gallery. This painting "Up Close" will be exhibited in Saratoga this summer at Terry Lindsey's Equidae Gallery at the Hilton Hotel along with 5 other works of mine. It portrays the old Standardbred tongue loll. All business, and focus on the race. This watercolor has a graphic punch to it....with colors that are a tad more brilliant than what is displayed here.
Okay.....back to the wrapping and taping!!

Out And About? Not!

Earlier this spring, while snow was on the ground………I vowed that I would paint outside more often this spring and summer………..I did some quick sketches this spring of surrounding landscapes, houses and Belfast’s seaside atmosphere and lovely Victorian architecture. This watercolor is of a wonderful building in Belfast that has fascinated me since we moved into this area over five years ago. You can’t miss it as you drive into Belfast on Main Street…it is in your face. A lovely building!

When I lived in Italy, I painted and sketched often in the streets and piazzas of Rome. I had the works sold on the spot, as passer-bys watched me work and asked to purchase the works as I completed them.

Today I find I can’t work for long outside……….and even though I planned on working more outside, I prefer the studio and it’s bug free environment. Guess I am a sissy in my old age!!

Warming Up At Acadia

My favourite place to be in the summer [spring or fall] is Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Isle , Maine. For years we have been taking our horses there to experience the wonder of the carriage roads that John D. Rockefeller left to our nation. There we can enjoy a step back in time, on carriage roads created to be travelled by horse drawn carriage or by horseback. I have also had several art shows in Seal Harbor , where the main body of works exhibited have been works depicting scenes at Wildwood Stable, horses and the people who go there with their horses.

This casein depicts a scene where a driver, exercises her horse before hitching for a drive, and two ladies in their wicker phaeton prepares to head out onto the carriage roads from the grounds of Wildwood Stables. The Triad stands behind with outcrops of granite showing through the trees. It is a beautiful day!!

How I wish I were there today instead of working in my studio!!

I have been invited to be part of a virtual art exhibit hosted online by Tapestry Institute in conjunction with The Voice of the Horse Conference This exhibit runs from June 30-August 31, 2007, The piece they selected is my casein “Dark Moon Ride” depicting a young man and his black Percheron draft horse on a moon lit night alone with their thoughts as they trot across the field. The innovative Voice of the Horse conference is designed to increase the understanding of the horse-human relationship at its most fundamental level -- the horse itself. Presenters include some of the nation's top horse professionals along with musicians and artists. Participants in the conference will be asked to share their stories of the horse-human relationship The conference will be held live at Iowa State University on June 30 and July 1; but it will be web cast live that weekend and it will also be available through August 31 for individuals to view and participate.This is an unique opportunity to show my artwork and participate in a study. Tapestry Institute is a federally-recognized non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.

Ice Ponies

Even though it is sunny out here now and the trees are in full green, flowers in bloom and the grass growing way too fast......I thought I should tell you about a diptych I did last winter , but have not put onto my website yet.
These two casein paintings on canvas are only 5 x 5 inches each, painted on all sides and ready to hang or sit on a shelve, without a need to frame them. Together they make a 5 x 10 inch painting depicting a small herd of Icelandic horses eating their hay. This herd belongs to a friend who breeds Icelandic horses in Knox, Maine. Icelandics are the neatest breed, with a comfortable rack and with "brio" galore. if I didn't have Walking horses to ride, I would want a woolly big hearted Icelandic.

I am glad the snow is gone...........the birds sing and summer is not far away. But these little caseins bring back the memory of the winter.... long gone by now.

Study On A Rainy Day

Today I finished this graphite study ...... a woman and her horse. The object of her affection is a Standardbred, "Trav", who has been her trail buddy for years. He is a stately gentleman whom I have taken care of on occasion. He reminds me of my 27 old Walker, Dom, who is also a grand gentleman.
My old "Dom" sleeps in his stall today as the skies pour outside. Spoiled rotten he is! As are his 3 stablemates.......all sleeping in dry stalls and munching hay watching the rain come down.