Fair Oaks Residency February 9-16

Notes From My Residency Journal

The Barn

At last, paradise for a whole week.  I'm sitting at the picnic bench in the yard, next to the old barn. I have had two spectacular days of painting. This is the climate that we Floridians suffer through long hot summers to receive as a reward. It was cool enough for a sweater and the light was spectacular all day. I will take some photos of my paintings to post for you. I have had good production so far with two paintings a day. 

My habit at this residency is to do one painting in the morning and one in the afternoon. I take a break for an hour mid day to wait for the afternoon light. Four-six PM is the magic time here and that gets later as the spring arrives. As long as the weather holds, I'll be painting outside. If it changes I'll be up in the studio working on my new big wave painting.

It sure is nice to have Buddy and Shane with me each day. I leave Henry at home. He is not an outdoor dog and I am here to work. I worry that he might get lost. 

I've been listening to and watching the cranes prepare for migration. They have been circling up all day. I love their calls. I saw 4 Kites today and the Kingfishers were diving for fish at the little pond
late yesterday.

When I arrive at Fair Oaks in February each year, I leave all of my stress behind me. I have no desire for anything except emersing myself in its culture and beauty.

Mini Fair Oaks Residency- January 12, 2014

Left to Right

Sue, Rick, Freddie, and Kate

Notes From My Residency Journal

I was so delighted to wake up to cool sunny weather today. I headed for Fair Oaks right away. I bought a new paint box and I was anxious to use it this morning. After some adjustments I got down to work in the East Hay Field on this 12x12 painting of trees. The back lighting was very good in the field so I enjoyed that challenge. 

In my adjusting to a new box, I managed to spill all of my medium on the cart floor, having to stop and clean that up, and then managed to get paint all over my hands. By the time I cleaned it all up it was time for lunch. I was so happy that the blue cart took me around the farm nicely today. I love that cart so much. We are happy partners. 

I was greeted by my friend Kate at the cottage and we settled into lunch, a community effort. Mark, Rick and Chris created pork roast with yellow rice and biscuits. Kate brought spoon bread and I brought a savory chutney we put on the pork roast, a fine pairing. 

After lunch was cleaned up, we continued with artist shop talk and then were surprised by a visit from dear friends Freddie and Sue who brought homemade lemon pie from Sue's kitchen. What a fine afternoon. I enjoyed listening to stories about Evinston and Cross Creek and marveled at how lucky and privileged I am to know all of these special and good souls gathered around the table. I am so happy That I understand how special these times are and how much they enhance my life. I'm so grateful to be a part of the magic of Fair Oaks. 

The afternoon ticked away and it was time to climb into Leroy and point him toward my studio. Another day in paradise.