Feb. 15, 2008

We had a really horrible storm... first about 8 inches of snow, then several inches of rain.. and everything was totally coated in ice. Actually, it still is - the trees are all covered. Our driveway is a skating rink.
I watched the birds at the feeder, and, incredibly, after this awful weather, I heard the chickadee's song - not the call (chick-a-dee-dee-dee) but the two-note song (DEE dee) That's the male's mating call. It gives me hope that spring maybe is really on its way.. not real soon, but it's coming!
So, in the midst of the frozen branches, here 's a little chickadee, content and thinking about spring.

Feb. 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!
I just realized I haven't posted here for a couple of days. That's because I have been painting non stop for a couple of upcoming shows.
Today's painting is a newborn foal in the morning sunlight. I titled this one "All Hope and Promise"- whether from champion bloodlines, or someone's favorite little mare, new life always brings that hope and the potential for wonderful things.
When I was a kid, all I would draw was horses. So, ever since I started seriously painting a few years ago (after a 30 -something year hiatus), my mom has been bugging me to "paint a horse". Well, mom, I hope you're happy now. :-)
This one is tagged for an art auction that benefits a local working dairy farm and outdoor educational center. It's called Stonewall Farm
They do a marvelous job in the community - teaching kids, growing organic produce, hosting events - everything from a sap-gathering contest with teams of draft horses to classes on how to spin raw wool into yarn. So, I'm happy to donate a portion of the sale of this painting towards such a great local resource.

Feb. 11, 2008

Today's painting of cattle at sunset has a rather serene feeling about it. The last fading rays of sun glow red around the edges of the trees, and impart a warm light on everything they touch.
I emphasized the color of the sky for effect, though we don't often see these kinds of skies here in New England. I was talking with my old neighbor in New Mexico, and perhaps this painting has a bit of nostalgia about it. We did love our home up in the lovely Jemez Mountains of northern NM.

Voice of Truth

One of the things I'm doing this year is reading through the entire Bible.
Why do this? Well, I think it matters what we fill our minds with. Same principle as "you are what you eat. I happen to believe that the Bible is true and has vital information for us as we live our lives each day. Most especially, it tells us that our lives have a purpose - that there is a God in heaven who knows my name, and your name, who loves us enough to want to be a part of our existence here. This faith has given me courage and hope in the face of some difficult times, and continues to drive everything I do, including the rather inconsequential things like painting and ultrarunning.

There are many voices reaching us in our society today- we are bombarded on every side. Who do you listen to? Click here for some thoughts in song.
Voice of Truth