Taking the Back Roads

5'Oclock Shadows; 9x12 pastel   $145 ready to frame

I am a pretty serious homebody--I've made a life and home that is pretty great, so its got to be a good reason to pry me out of here.   But on occasion, I do, usually for art and or a horse event.    I do not care to be in the car much, especially on the interstate; I know, its quicker but so very boring!!   So, I take the back roads. 

On the back roads, there are so many things to see!   Horses and cattle grazing in lush pasture, barns in various states of health, rows of crops, kids playing on swingsets.    The back roads are slower, yes, but to me, oh so worth it!  

I was heading home just as the sun was setting last summer, and found this scene.   I pulled over, let Arty out (another bonus of those backroads--no traffic!)  and snapped some photos.  I also just took it in--smelled the fresh air, felt the breeze, you know "stopped to smell the roses" kinda thing.   This is what I kept in mind as I painted this piece, "5o'clock Shadows", hoping those things I was feeling will come across to the viewer.  

Making my own sunshine

Ah, February in SD.  One day is warm and the hint of spring on the way...then a day later, its snow and bitter cold.   Blah!   So I am not into painting when I loose feeling in my extremities, so its time to visit my reference file.  

This is from this past summer, a lazy dirt road not far from my home.   I have driven and rode this road several times, and its not gotten old yet; I can see forever on the tops of those hills!   And the sky is so big from up there, too!  
So while we are being kept in the deep freeze, I am making my own sunshine.

Dirt Road; 9x12 pastel     $145.