Linda's Mini Fair Oaks Residency 04/15/2012

Residency Project Paintings

Notes From My Fair Oaks Residency

Henry and I had a swell time today at Fair Oaks. I decided to take another crack at the Collins Field rye, which is in another part of the estate from the field I painted last week. This is a difficult subject for me with lots of challenges. I've not found a way to paint it quickly. This little painting took me several hours to complete. The texture is complex, and the color is very subtle. A lovely way to spend the day. Henry and I found a nice shady spot. He snoozed on the seat next to me while I constructed the painting.

Joe, Danny (not in view), Mark and Rick chowed down on delicious lasagna and pizza. It was really good!! Our canine children Shane, Buddy and Henry enjoyed the cool air conditioning.

After lunch Henry and I toured Fish Prairie to check out some painting locations. It is beginning to get hot now so Henry will have to stay home for most of the summer. He has trouble breathing in the heat. These ferns are now growing all over Fish Prairie. It is amazing to me how different the prairie looks, now that winter is just a memory. Fair Oaks is lovely now, but the first blooms of spring are giving way to summer green quickly. Soon it will bake in the sun with oppressive heat. Summers are intense and very long in our part of the world.

As always, I am deeply grateful for this residency.