Nevada or white horse, early morning

Nevada, SOLD

With these nippy mornings, the two girls like to doze in the early morning sun, catching all the warm rays they can. This raking light is pretty dramatic and fun to paint.

Two tone ladle

Tiger maple & Mahogany, available

This is one of Jack's latest hand carved pieces. He has been invited to show in the My Maryland show at the North End Gallery in February. This is one of his nicest handles and he really likes the way the bowl came out.

Getting Ready for a Small Show

"Shell Down" and "Shell Up" sold

Did a little studio cleaning and found a handful of small frames, really small, like 2x2" to 4x6". Which suggested doing some little paintings, not a bad idea as I have a one evening exhibition coming up in a few weeks. Some small pieces with small prices might be a good thing to try. These are a couple 2x2's and were fun to do and with several landscapes makes for a nice collection.

Polo for the Cure 08

Another wonderful weekend in Ligonier, we so enjoy participating in the festivities of this affair. The polo game was very close for several chukkas and this made for an exciting game to watch. Good thing, because between all the spectators in their party mode, the good food and wine and the wonderful items offered, there is always enough to watch on the sidelines of this event! All the white tents with flags flying in the breeze made for a beautiful setting. Under theses and the blue sky could be heard the buzz and laughter of the guests, the bustle of the caterers and Cure crew, even the blare of the huntsman's horn when he presented his pack. Combined with the speed, power and color of the polo ponies and players, it all makes for a very gala time. I can't help but feel it could compare with the tourneys of medieval days.

Carving

This was a new challenge as I have never carved before but as I came up with the suggestion of a horse head whip handle, seems, I got to be the one who carved it. Working three dimensionally was trying enough, the choice of wood, called lacewood, made it nearly impossible. The lacewood is pretty and I like texture of its pattern. Working it was not easy for neophyte carver. Probably had anyone with experience been near us when Jack and I picked it, they would've told us "no". Still, I do like its look and the way the finished handle fits in the hand. It does need to get a leather tip to attach a whip thong to it.

Whip's Views

"Whip's View, Gray Morning" sold

One of the things I liked most about whipping-in and miss is the point of view that a whip has. So often it is a lot of waiting and watching....and enjoying the views of the land. How the light lays across a field, the play of cloud shadows in the sky and land, the quiet sounds of "empty" areas, how a rustle in the brush can be fox, deer, hound or raccoon and how loud and annoying one vehicle can be! I loved sitting on my good horse, aware of how the hounds were working across the countryside and enjoying the expanse of land. It was always a good way to spend time. These views from my often solitary positions remain some of my favorite landscapes to paint. In my sandwich case is always a camera.

Hounds in kennel

"Interesting" sold

"Kennel Warning" sold

"Reddish Hound" sold
During the July polo the huntsman brought his hounds out for us to see and admire. I did get some photos. The reddish hound was a handsome and seemingly laid back fellow , I rather liked him. Later a friend had mentioned feeding time in the kennels and what a frenzy that was. Having been in kennels at dinner time I can attest to the raucous noise that ensues! I think a painting of this might be fun to do and decided to do a few hound studies.

July Polo

"July Polo" sold

Past weekend was polo in Pennsylvania at Ligonier. As always it is a fun weekend and a beautiful place to visit. Once again Jack umpired and I enjoyed watching the play. Did get to do a small painting of the far corner of the field with the players, the mountains in the background and the wide skies.

Escape Artists

This past hot Tuesday afternoon I drove up to St Michael's to join the Escape Artists at the Wade's Point Inn for a few days and evenings of painting and camaraderie. This group of a dozen or so women have been meeting the first or second week of June for at least a decade. Several of the ladies are in the North End Gallery and I knew a few others from living on the western shore. A few came from a good distance and all came ready for fun, painting and good food. I haven't laughed so much in a awhile!

Wednesday morning started cooler and with glorious sunshine. I did this little painting of a hayfield behind the inn before breakfast and did a couple paintings each day. Some others worked plein air, some were trying new ideas, others developing ongoing ones. All were there to bounce thoughts and ideas off one another. It was a great retreat!

Three Spoons

For the past few months Jack has been carving spoons and other utensils. These are three of his latest. Part of the fun for him is trying new challenges with the wood. All of these feel good to hold. My favorite is the spatula, the tiger maple stripes are a nice touch and the finish is great.