Living History Ramsey House

I exhibited at Ramsey House this weekend and had a wonderful time reconnecting with my friends from the Civil War re-enactment community.
Those guys (and gals) are dedicated! Braving 100 degree temperature to play soldier! But for most of them it goes beyond the fun and games, it is important to preserve our history and heritage through educating the public as to what our forefathers did. Tracing their family lines to either or both sides of the war between the states. Researching the paths their forefathers followed and battles fought and then passing that information on to the next generation is a way honoring their memory.
Roger Kelly, better known as "Butternut" served as my model and inspiration for the latest addition to my Heritage Series, "The Sharpshooter."

40th class reunion

Ok, so this isn't painting related, but I wanted to share it.
Where has time gone?!?! It certainly does not seem like it has been 40 years since 82 kids walked across the stage at North Greene High School to receive our diplomas. Times were simpler then. We were all country kids and had responsibilities of feeding the calves before going to school. We mowed lawns and hoed tobacco. We played ball and rode bikes everywhere. Doors were never locked and everyone knew everyone else. God forbid if you did something you weren't supposed to do, because the grapevine of communication notified your parents quicker than the speed of light.
The Class of 1969 celebrated Saturday night at Locust Springs Christian Retreat, a lovely and peaceful site just about a mile from our old stomping grounds. It was a lovely evening renewing friendships.

New Studio Works

Spring Day at Buffalo Trout Stream, 16x20 on Linen Canvas $800
Skip Jack, 16x20 on Linen Canvas. $800
Georgia Lake House, 16x20 on linen canvas. $800
Surfside Beach, 11x14 on linen canvas. $500

Just because I haven't posted, doesn't mean that I haven't been busy painting.
These were all done in the studio from photos. It is difficult to stay loose and find energy in the brush stroke, but I am trying.
Comments are welcome.

Grainger County Park 5-20-09

My granddaughter insisted we go to the park. That was a great idea as she could play and I could paint. Grainger County Park is small so I could easily keep my eye on her while I painted. As soon as I set my easel up I knew that the lady sitting on the park bench would be a great subject. She was there with her grand kids too. Soon her daughter joined her, so I had a nice composition of both Betty and Lori on the bench.

Jamie and Rusty, a lovely young couple were sitting in a swing. Ahha, my second study!! Too bad that they got up and left just as I completed the initial block in, so I had to rely on memory. She had on a green shirt, but I changed it to red to give some contrast and variety. Hey, isn't that what they mean by artistic license.

I had a man looking over my right shoulder and talking to me the entire time that I was painting the couple on the swing. Plein air painting does create interest!

Richland Mill

I had hoped to find dogwoods or redbuds in bloom at Richland Mill stream, but found lots of green leaves. Oh well, it still was a nice warm day and I was dressed in my hiking boots to ward off any snakes that might be in the area.

Carl's Dogwood

Who says you have to go far from home to paint. This dogwood with the lake in the background was done in my neighbors yard.

My Iris and Azaleas

These paintings were done in my yard. The flowers have been lovely this year.