Linda's Fair Oaks Mini Residency 01/08/12

Field One

8x10 inches

acrylic on birch panel

alla prima on location

Notes From My Fair Oaks Residence Journal

I leave for my New Smyrna Residency tomorrow morning. Today I was lucky to have a few hours at Fair Oaks where I am an Artist in Residence. It could not have been more lovely. This is Florida at it's best. Every time I go to FO I see a completely different world. I have observed the gradual change from summer to fall, and now I begin to see the transition to winter, or what I like to call "Wintering in at Fair Oaks". The colorful cadmiums of oranges, golds and rust reds are gradually ending now, replaced by numerous shades of gray, dusty blue and mauve . The gray purples are moving in that Mary Jane loves so much. The winter rye has just been planted so we will soon have an impossibly emerald green field that is so striking in winter. Winter is my favorite at Fair Oaks so I am really excited about our week long residency there the end of February. The perfect time in Florida's most beautiful painting place.

I did this little painting this morning in Field One. Studio dog Henry came along to keep me company and enjoy the birds and smells of the land. We are happy painting companions.

Lunch was served alfresco in the shade with real table linens. We feasted on Paninis, Chicken/cheese/rosemary sausage, fresh fruit salad, sliced tomatoes, and homemade key lime pie, made with key limes from the Fair Oaks grove.

Is it any wonder I love Fair Oaks so much?

Linda Blondheim