Beside Still Waters

And so... it begins.... retirement...

Teachers spent the weekend preparing their classrooms, set their alarms again, then started the week of professional development classes before the students arrive.

I know that routine so well, have never known any other... until now.

So, what have I done these last few days?

I spent Saturday with my beautiful nieces Kelsey and Karly and taught them to paint a landscape. We talked, painted, laughed, snacked, and had a lovely day.(And aren't their autumn landscapes gorgeous!)  Sunday was rainy; I took a nap. Since then I've been available to be with my dad for a heart check up, take dinner to another niece Erica (a teacher) with a new baby, gone to Pilates, spent a day with my Aunt Anita at her home, visited the farmers' market, done yoga, refilled the hummingbird feeders, made peach ice cream... 

I am so happy.

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside still waters,

He refreshes my soul.

Original Oil Painting on 11"x 14" Wrapped Canvas

[SOLD]

Country Road in Autumn

Don't you just want to drive down this road real slow in a truck with the windows down and the radio on a country station?
Yeah... I do. 
But it has to be on this exact day... no longer hot, but not cold yet... the day before some of the leaves wouldn't have turned, and the next day they'll have begun to fall.
Hhhhhhhh.... just makes me sigh...
A car or a cow or a person would just stifle my mind's imagination for this scene.  
I'm wondering... 
Who lives down the road?  
How much farther 'til 'we're there?  
How far away is the nearest store?  
How often is this road traveled? Do you have to pull over if you meet another car?
Are there cattle behind that fence? or a horse? maybe a donkey!
What sounds would I hear if I was there? birds? crickets?

I love the peaceful tone; however, I have to say it was odd working on an autumn painting in June!  I've heard musicians say how weird it is to record a Christmas album in July.  I guess it's kind of the same.  😉

This was the second project Cheri had for us during our painting weekend at Welcome Home Retreat.  Lots of lessons from this one... perspective...vanishing point... light source... claiming freedom from the reference photo... using bits of sky color in other areas of the canvas...

And, just for fun... As I began working on this post I realized something.
Look...
I wonder... If we have a third workshop... ??? Oh, dear... you do not want to see my third painting... It was a white cup on a black background... not good... not good at all... 

My first painting ever
February 2007

Our first  painting workshop
 February 2017

My second painting ever
March 2007

Our second painting workshop
 June 2017

Original Oil Painting on 9" x 12" Wrapped Canvas
[SOLD]