Boys, boys, boys

Cooper, Max, Alex, Evan, Mathew, Cole

My sons, Max, 5, and Evan, soon to be 3, will begin full days out of the house five days per week at the end of August. Max will go to kindergarten and Evan will be at a daycare across the street from Max's school. For five years Max and Evan have been ever present in my day, at the most going to daycare four mornings per week. So for five years I have had a total of 15 hours per week to "work." Take out some time to eat, shower, or run and errand and I have really been working about 10 hours per week for the past five years.

I have no idea how the transition will be, for me or the boys, into this new routine with it's long days of separation, each of us spending the day in a different place. My hope is that we return to each other at the end of the day charged with our own experiences and appreciation for our time together. I know Evan will thrive at his new daycare; he has no use for me when lots of kids are around. I'm optimistic that Max will love school; he enjoys learning and structure. As for me - I am nervous that I have forgotten what to do with my time; maybe I will wander aimlessly around the house. If I can cut the apron strings and focus here are some of the things I'd like to do with my new found time (not in order of importance):

keep the house clean
keep the laundry done
cook better meals
paint on location
ride my horse
grocery shop
update my website and blog
paint
write
promote my work
paint
create

I'll let you know how it goes.

Saratoga

Every year for a little over 10 years, my artwork has been shown in Saratoga during the race meet. For the last 5 years, I have sent my work to Terry Lindsey at the Equidae Gallery in the Holiday Inn. Terry always has a great show: she sets up in a great gallery space, she shows an array of mediums and art styles, and as hard as she works, her friendly and helpful energy always comes through.

Saratoga calls to me every August. I love the architecture; bustling, boutiquey Broadway; the eclectic mix of people that only the racing world can summon; and of course, the horses. Dave and I will be there briefly the first weekend in August. I can't wait.

Here are few of the pieces that I am sending to Terry...

Bath Colors, oil on paper, 16x16

Counting Eggs, oil on paper, 24x18

Saratoga Afternoon, oil on paper, 24x18

Moonlit Mustangs, oil on board, 24x36

The Barnyard: Creation and Purpose

"The Barnyard" is the name of my would be Gallery. This gallery in my mind would offer unique handcrafts and fine art inspired by animals and rural life. I think it is an appropriate blog title because it sums up a melting pot of creation, whether it be my art, god's animals, or my minds' unsolicited thoughts. A barnyard is slightly chaotic, often eclectic, usually dirty, and, to me, always beautiful. Hmmm, a microcosm of my life - that's another post.

I have all of these things - art, animals, and thoughts - to share. I decided a blog would be a great way to do just that. Sharing my art is my main objective. I hope to post work as it evolves for patrons and other artists. Sharing my artistic experience might help other artists or be an interesting perspective for patrons and, in turn, help me. I am "self taught" if "self" includes all of the artists that have influenced, taught, and inspired me. Talking shop is sometimes the best art school there is.

Fox, oil on paper, 10x8

My animals and my thoughts will most likely also make a post here and there. Our critters are huge part of my life; they are underfoot, constantly needing my care, always fulfill and amuse me, and often are the subjects of my artwork. We have a horse, a pony, a donkey, two Jack Russells, an American Bulldog mix, two cats, and four chickens. Here are a few pictures to help give you a visual.

Carmelita - my Nokota mare

Hops the donkey

Lola with the Cats, Olive and Mrtyle

Otto and the hens do not mix

So we've started with a little art, a lot of animals, and here's my thought...

time for lunch.