Fix Things

The old faucet fixture failed. I replaced it. Just one of the many, many joys of home-owning. It seems there's always something that needs maintenance, fixing, improving, enhancing, replacing, and I'm glad I have the skills, the books, and the willingness to ask lots of questions, so that I can do most of these tasks myself.

This spring began the "south-side-shingle-replacement" project. We were going to repaint the shingles on the south side of our home, but during the prepping I discovered early signs of dry rot on a few, so we decided to replace all the shingles on the south side. I'm sure there will be photos of that project at some point.

And as the days grow toward summer, I hope to squeeze in a little time to do a little sketching.

Paint the Wren House

"Wren House" was one of those quick sketches I enjoy doing from time to time, this one is oil on watercolor paper.

This little bird house has been visited every spring for many years now, by the wrens who clean it out, fix it up with fresh bits of grass and other bits, pausing only to share their joyous song of the season. Things quiet down a bit when the eggs are laid, but the song returns, along with frantic chirping, when those eggs hatch.

I'm looking forward to the wrens' return.

Find Beauty in my own Backyard

 

"Backyard"

I'm still resurrecting some paintings of days past to make available as prints. This scene of this ol' red maple is one that I've painted many times, from many angles, in every season, and I suspect I'll paint it again ... and again.

Some days I just want to set up the easel, paintbox and sketch ... and often with only enough time and light for a quick sketch in my own Backyard ... a quick sketch that allows me to appreciate the simple beauty that's around me every day ... the beauty I might otherwise take for granted. 

Look Forward to Plein Air Painting

The snow is melting and spring will be here soon and I'll be able to get outdoors to paint again ... to paint springtime scenes like this one, "Resting Tractor." I'm looking forward to it.

This painting is one of the many scenes that I've sketched along the Salisbury, Connecticut road called Salmon Kill. The maple tree, old barn and the tractor parked beside it, all seemed to call to me ... to join them while the tractor enjoyed at bit of rest between its tasks of the season.

I hope you'll take a closer look at this and my other artwork on ArtFire. 

Enjoy the day. Do something creative!

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The Occasional Still Life Painting

 

Having a day off from work is nice. Having two in a row is like a mini-vacation. So today, along with laundry, a trip to the recycling center, writing music and lazing around, I've listed a new fine art reproduction of my still life painting, "Blushing Mums."

You can take a closer look at it, and other works of art, at my ArtFire studio.

Now ... I think I'll gather up the garbage and recycling and take a little ride in the sunshine. Have a great Wednesday!

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When the Snow Melts

With all this snow we've had this year I just keep dreaming of When the Snow Melts and of the coming of spring. So I created a Collection of paintings by members of ArtFire's "A Passion for Painting Guild" to help my dream be a little more clear. I hope you'll take a closer look at it and of the studios of some of these talented artists.

I figure that if we all dream together, the snow might melt a little quicker.

Rake Snow

Then ... shovel.