Earth’s Palette

 I live for fall and winter in north Florida. It is a wonderful subtle palette for a painter of the earth. This palette reaches deeply into my core on many levels. I have spent much of my life on trails and in pastures. These colors bring back many memories of times when I was young, strong and agile, riding horses, running cross country, and of an active life of discovery. 

 

I’ve been watching the bright leaves beginning to fade and the grasses and sedges are turning to red iron oxide and pale ochre. The trees are silver and linear without their foliage, and the evergreens are deep and dark green in contrast. The afternoon shadows grow longer as the winter arrives. I see smoky blues and purples in the distant trees in early morning and late afternoon. The hickories are always the divas, showing off last in their golden robes, striking against the muted winter color. 

 

Country painters love the land…..

Life is Generous

 Hard times can bring out the best in us. It is all about our attitude. If you find yourself obsessing about COVID, politics, the economy, you might want to step back. If you are angry every day, you might want to step back.

 Our citizens have lived through terrible adversity many times in our history. I have been through many economic downturns. One of my gallery dealers once told me that hard economic times weeds out artists who are not prepared and not professional. I don’t know if that is true. I would not wish for failure for any artist. 

There are organizations who are putting in place aid to artists, for supplies and other needs. I am working on these projects with kind souls who wish to improve lives for creatives. There are wonderful people who want to donate to these plans. Blessings for them. Don’t give up your dreams.

 Life is generous for country painters....

 

Artisans Guild Gallery

 I love walking up the steps to the Artisans Guild Gallery. It is in the old Pleasant Street neighborhood two blocks from Main Street. The houses are quite old but in good repair. Most of them have lovely large front porches. 

The Artisans Guild porch is especially inviting. There is a large swing to your left, and small table and chairs to your right. The porch continues around the right side of the house where an old wooden easel stands as a symbol of the treasures inside. The front door is festooned with garland during holidays and has an old brass knob to turn. 

Once inside, the magic begins! Color, design, patterns, surround you in this dignified, timeless space. Beautiful wood floors creak slightly, reminding me of old family homes I have adored through the years. 

The gallery is masterfully curated by a team of two. The art, whether whimsical, traditional, or modern, weaves through the spaces, fitting into the old house making it cozy and inviting for you to stay as long as you like. You will find something you must have or must give to a friend or loved one.

Visit the Artisans Guild seven days a week, from 11AM-6PM at 224 NW 2nd Avenue in Gainesville, FL.

Country painters love a fine gallery……

Love Crows

 Most of you know that the crow/raven family are my favorite birds. I recently did some research and discovered that though they may look quite a bit different, magpies belong to the bird family Corvidae, a group that includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws and jays, as well as lesser recognized members like treepies, choughs and nutcrackers.

 Magpies are among the most intelligent family of birds recognized by modern science. I had not known that jays are related, but it does make sense with their similar behaviors. I’ve never seen a magpie but they are very pretty with their white on black markings. I also learned that magpies can recognize themselves in a mirror and their tails are long compared to crows and ravens.

 

Life is swell for country naturalists…..