Caryn King

On my easel....

2012-02-13T14:46:00.001-05:00

"Harvey"...as I call this rabbit lives in Brattleboro at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro. It's a big painting for me so the rabbit seems big thus the name Harvey remembering Jimmy Stewart in the movie about the invisible giant rabbit that I loved many years ago. Wondering if it was a movie written from a work of fiction? I could stop and google it...but there is one of my problems these days - too much internet. How did I get by without the internet and all I could check out and all the time spent looking up things. I think I will wait to learn more about the movie Harvey and get back to painting!

2012-02-09T12:51:00.001-05:00

2012-02-09T12:49:00.002-05:00

Barnyard Romance

2012-01-22T14:46:00.004-05:00

Barnyard Romance sold this week at Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester VT. Took a ride there today to deliver two more paintings and really enjoyed all the galleries filled with beautiful work I would love to own! And the two portraits in my my last blog, Ender and Tank, live in Manchester so they were delivered - I will miss having the paintings in my studio but am glad they are appreciated!

Dog Paintings

2012-01-21T18:27:00.001-05:00

Ender and Tank...finished!

2012-01-15T10:54:00.002-05:00

Ender, 11"x14"

I have updated my website Portraits and Commissions page. www.carynking.com Another year/another to do list...this I can happily check off. Actually this list doesn't exist yet physically but it's in my head and I am getting some things done. Maybe writing the list down would be good so nothing slips by...like sales taxes that need to be filed before the end of the month!

Sigmund Freud

2012-01-12T13:28:00.003-05:00

"Time spent with cats is never wasted. " Sigmund Freud

Heard this quote on the radio this morning and it is the sentiment of what I was saying to my kitty Zuzu last night - She is a joy to have around. Having lived here a year next month Zuzu has enriched our lives. All feel that way except one dog...who is hoping Zuzu is only temporary and headed back to Brooklyn!

Making plans for 2012

2012-01-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

Painting a cat names Silas Peper, a dog named Ender, a comissioned pig named A Good Smell, and a surprise commission that is so secretive I can not mention it here! With my work I am also busy with all the new year organizational tasks - which I could do without. This is a new business card I just ordered.

New year...more posts!

2012-01-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Lola

2011-12-23T22:35:00.003-05:00

This new painting of Lola was the last painting I finished this year! Although I do plan to be back in the studio Tuesday so who knows but Lola was definitely the last painting for requests before the holidays. She lives on a farm in Manchester Vermont and from what I hear has a very sweet and special personality.

Sheep 3

2011-11-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

Sheep 2

2011-11-08T10:51:00.002-05:00

New

2011-11-02T10:28:00.003-04:00

This is a detail from a new painting. Working on commissions and getting ready for the show in Burlington is non stop. Unfortunately daily life....cooking dinner, laundry etc., get in the way!

Reference Photos

2011-10-30T12:25:00.003-04:00

Not a painting...yet!

With winter quickly approaching I did two visits this week to farms to photograph my favorite animals...pigs, sheep, chickens, llamas, cows, birds, rabbits...actually I can't think of any animals who aren't my favorites. I take 100's of photos to find just a few to use as reference. Do wish I could visit some elephants - not in zoos or circus's but just hanging out so I could photograph. (On the train to Brooklyn last week the conductor pointed out a Ringling Brother Circus that was using a parking lot for their animals. It was quite exciting to see a group of elephants as we passed by.

Unlikely Pair

2011-10-27T08:23:00.003-04:00

Barn Friends, 21"x24"

I thought of the innocence of the very young lamb and the wise rooster when I planned this piece. It is on textured canvas. Always a decision to me made, to textured and paint or to paint on plain canvas - I like them booth.

Southern Vermont Art Center

2011-10-19T13:03:00.002-04:00

This chicken sold recently at Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester. Thought I would post it today because I don't have any new photos at the moment. New paintings yes, but actually getting photos done is often a challenge.

Photograph from Woodstock CT

2011-10-17T09:45:00.005-04:00

The Woodstock Art Festival was very nice in spite of huge wind gusts. Tents on both sides of mine blew off a few times...but luckily mine was well staked and weighted thanks to Rick. Saw some old appreciators of my paintings and have new ones! So not complaining about the wind and cold - or hope it doesn't sound that way! Stayed with wonderful folks who generously shared their home to give artists somewhere to stay. They went all out to make our stay a most comfortable b and b. Next show is indoors in Burlington, VT next month.

Woodstock

2011-10-14T11:14:00.004-04:00

This weekend is the 29th Annual Roseland Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. Painting and packing to go. Rain and wind expected! A weekend or two standing in the freezing rain isn't that bad...when I love my work so much.

Weston Playhouse

2011-10-06T10:47:00.002-04:00

Finally a stretch of beautiful fall weather started yesterday and will be here through this weekend. I will be at Weston Playhouse Friday - Sunday and this weekend I will not be standing in the wind and beating rain!

Fall Festival

2011-09-29T08:39:00.002-04:00

Painting and packing for an outdoor festival in Manchester VT this weekend. Of course the rain on my metal roof is loud and a reminder that unsettled weather is expected to be off and on this weekend...but the show will go on of course. There are always brave souls who love art and come in rain or snow or heat! And now that the weather reporting is so precise I know that the chance for rain this weekend is between 40% and 60% - not too bad!

This is a small painting of a Artic Gyrfalcon that I had seen at a raptor center last fall.

To Facebook or Not

2011-09-23T15:22:00.002-04:00

Technology is wonderful but... first a website, then a blog, and now Facebook. As a full time artist I have to join in on these to stay relevant and part of the art community but it all becomes a drag. Website seemed so stale and most of the paintings had sold so I took it down yesterday and plan to redesign it this winter. This blog continues but now I am considering if I should be posting on a Facebook page I had set up called Caryn King Painting instead or too. Started a page months ago but felt it too much to get going with a website and blog. Hmm, thinking about it all. But for now back to what I enjoy the most - painting!

Fall

2011-09-22T07:13:00.004-04:00

Hide and Seek, acrylic 48"x20"

I saw a few leafs falling, pumpkins at the co op and I am in the mood for something baked with apples and cinnamon...must be fall. This Saturday I will have my work at a wonderful small town street festival, Peru VT. Forecast is for rain showers but I have participated before here in the rain and it is still fun! The event is a scholarship fundraiser. It is well attended with all types of events and wonderful artists there with their work all exhibited along a main street that still has the feeling of 100 years ago with homes, trees, and shops unchanged.

Birds

2011-09-16T08:37:00.002-04:00

First morning cool in the studio. Too early to start the wood stove I feel. Seemed like the only hot weather was the week I was away painting in Bennington at Art New England. The rest of the summer has been so comfortable. Warming up my fingers by posting two chick a dee's I am working on. Small 8" square paintings.

After the storm

2011-09-12T12:01:00.003-04:00

As of last night we have power, lights, cable and Internet, two weeks after hurricane Irene. It is amazing how much I appreciate all these conveniences after being without. And how lucky we are compared to others who suffered much worse from the storm and flooding.

The week without electricity I struggled to get enough light to paint. I did work out a system of pushing my easel and paints around to windows where the sun was strongest but it was almost impossible and frustrating.

This past weekend I was at an outdoor art festival in Woodstock Vermont, another town that was hit hard from Irene. Trucks were constantly on the move working on all the storm related problems. The town is hoping that it will still have a good fall foliage tourist season. Saturday I had good sales and folks stopping by to talk but Sunday the show was very slow...a great time to catch up with other exhibiting artists but a lot of time to worry about the busy art show season we're in now.

New Rabbit

2011-08-23T10:10:00.002-04:00

Just finishing this new rabbit, 8"x16" on canvas. Rabbits continue to be on my mind this summer. We don't have any in southern Vermont, or at least I haven't seen any and I am up and out very early in the morning. When I lived on MV I was always catching glimpses of them.

Rabbit etc.

2011-08-12T14:03:00.002-04:00

Still finishing but here is a new painting I have been working on for a long time. I keep thinking it is done and then see something else. Funny but this rabbit has been popping up in a few paintings! Here it is amidst a gang of cats and then just the other day he jumped into a new painting I started that has a black bear sitting so quietly and from nowhere appears the rabbit!

Two Hens and a Holstein

2011-08-03T15:19:00.002-04:00

July was a very busy month for me. Between painting every day I can I had a bunch of gallery exhibits, opening my studio for a weekend artist tour, going away to paint for a week, problems with our well and lots of upgrading and water "shocking" - just some of what went on around here!

It was very nice to have sold a bunch of paintings in July between the shows and visitors to my studio and even through the internet. Sometimes I get notes and even photos. Not good at PR I thought I would pretend to be good at it and post a photo of three paintings that went to a new home in NJ and a note from an owl painting that went to the coast of MA. I really enjoy and appreciate hearing and keeping in touch with folks who buy paintings.

Hi Caryn,
While we won't be able to attend any of your upcoming shows, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy the painting of Pierre that I got from you a couple of months ago (my husband and I met up with you and your husband as you were heading to the Cape). He's propped up on a bookcase in the living room, prominently displayed, and every time I see his face, I smile. It's a wonderful portrait. Thank you for spreading some happiness with your wonderful art!

Another Mystery Solved

2011-07-29T07:35:00.004-04:00

Didn't figure out my yesterday mystery of three hens - four eggs in less than 24 hours but I did figure out why we haven't been getting our blueberries this year. Honey and Pru have great jumping skills now that have been put to use cleaning off the blueberry bushes. Hence the two of them look very healthy and must have highly developed memory (a blueberry attribute I think)!

Breaking News

2011-07-28T08:38:00.003-04:00

Chicken Mystery - Yesterday I went out to collect eggs from my three "pet" hens. These days normal is one or two eggs. Honey, my most painted beauty, tends to be broody and very infrequently lays any eggs. Suzie, my perfect human species chicken, usually does a brown egg and Pru, my boldest long distance runner, lays most days but not consistently. Back to the breaking belief shattering news - yesterday FOUR eggs were laid in less than 24 hours! They were obviously done by Honey as the two eggs were smooth and light brown. I always say caring for animals doesn't come naturally to me...but I thought I had this chicken egg laying routine figured out and four eggs/three chickens is a strange occurrence to me. If I had time I am sure I could find something about it with a little google research but some mysteries are better left unsolved!

Another day of art museums

2011-07-24T20:19:00.006-04:00

The Clark, Williamstown, MA

Pissarro's People and sculpture by El Anatsui

Sitting in the Garden, 1872

Detail from one of artist El Anatsui's sculptural works created from metal off of bottles that had been returned to manufacturers for recycling.

Fairfield Porter

2011-07-23T23:01:00.003-04:00

Spent a cool afternoon at a wonderful inspirational show of Fairfield Porter's paintings at Middlebury College's Museum of Art. It is there only until August 7th so I am glad after hearing about it this week we fit in a trip up north today.

Fairfield Porter: Raw—The Creative Process of an American Master

Landscape

2011-07-23T09:56:00.004-04:00

Details from two of my landscape plein air paintings from last week.

Back To Reality

2011-07-23T09:23:00.003-04:00

Rock River Studio Tour over and a week away at Art New England in Bennington VT painting landscapes and enjoying being with other artists - now back to reality! Looks like my week ahead is full with completing a few paintings already purchased and beginning new paintings. Many ideas for paintings have filled my mind this week and need to be started!

2011-07-13T09:50:00.004-04:00

Rock River Artist Studio Tour is this weekend. Yesterday helped paint displays at the one room schoolhouse we use for the beginning of the tour. 18 artists this year so the schoolhouse will be stuffed with pieces from everyone. Maise, is going up there. At the studio I will have lots of paintings and my show tent set up outside with pieces that just don't get a chance to be seen. Either they don't fit on my displays at shows or they are paintings that the subjects aren't the same as my theme these days. So it is a "specials" tent which I enjoy having once a year at this open studio.

Summer show email

2011-07-06T10:05:00.002-04:00

Just finishing up a bunch of smaller pieces.

Below is some of a post I just emailed to those who are on my mailing list. If you would like to be included please email me. Back to painting!

This Saturday is the first of three summer shows for me. I will be bringing my paintings to the common in Amherst MA. This is an outdoor one day festival to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. Last year it downpoured all morning and soaked I gave up and headed home. Of course as I was driving away the sun came out! This year so far the weather forcast looks great. http://www.chd.org/bbbs

The following weekend, July 16 and 17, is the Rock Rivers Artists Tour here in South Newfane. Nice to participate with other artists in the area and I already have plans for what I will bake! http://rockriverartists.com/

August 5, 6, and 7 is the show at Hildene in Manchester Vermont, Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival. I have actually been participating with this group for 38 years although I have only been painting for 8 years! Before taking 20 years off to go to art school, design toys, and teach art I was a production clay artist and did quite a few shows with this group.

http://www.craftproducers.com

Photo Time

2011-07-05T21:05:00.004-04:00

A trip to Taft Hill Farm today to photograph some chickens, sheep, donkeys and llamas. Lots of photos and a couple I can't wait to paint.

Below is a llama who was an excellent guard today - there was no getting close to the emus while he was around. Little did this llama know but he didn't need to be so protective. I stay very far from emus having gotten a couple of surprise pecks last visit to the farm.

Summer shows

2011-06-30T22:18:00.004-04:00

Kathy, 18"x24"

So busy this summer. Right now have my work is hanging at Amys Bakery Arts Cafe in Brattleboro, VT and Moose Hill Wildlife Scantuary in Sharon, MA. July 9th I will have my tent and paintings up on the Amherst MA green for a show (hopefully it won't pour as it did last year) and the following weekend, July 16th and 17th my studio will be part of the Rock River Tour. Not complaining - busy is good but I don't get to update this blog or post new paintings on my website. I never get to take photos of paintings down that are sold either. Back to work....well painting and it isn't work because I love it!

Moose Hill Gallery

2011-06-20T07:27:00.004-04:00

Show is up, opening reception is Thursday evening, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Massachusetts Audubon in Sharon MA. Looking forward to meeting Scott Goetz, my co exhibitor and Jan Goba, exhibit curator. Below are some photos quickly taken from the new exhibit.

My painting, Greener Pasture on the left and Scott's humorous horse on the right. Lots of great parings of paintings and photographs like this throughout the exhibit.

Summer Show In Massachusetts

2011-06-14T11:56:00.003-04:00

Maeve

New Lamb

Bad Hair Day

Farm Art

2011-06-02T08:19:00.004-04:00

Tonight is the opening party sponsered by the the cafe. Lesley and I hung the show yesterday and a photo is below of my work and a beautiful barn by Paul Stone. This show is part of the Strolling of the Heifers celebration I wrote about below. I can't wait to see the parade Saturday!

Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe

2011-06-02T08:12:00.003-04:00

Friday night, June 3 will be the opening during the most busy Brattleboro gallery walk of the the year. Busy in that SOTH brings many added events downtown, the road is closed off and between street performers, art, food and people watching it's a bit crazy! Strolling of the Heifers week is wonderful, everyone works so hard for this cause.

Two New Shows

2011-05-31T22:54:00.004-04:00

Mom and Me, 18"x18"

This week I will be hanging two new shows, one a group show Farm Art at Bagel Works Cafe and I will be part of a farm themed show at Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe. Both in time for the big Strolling of the Heifer's parade and Vermont Dairy month. More photos to come.

New Sheep

2011-05-23T00:18:00.002-04:00

20"x16"

Just finished this sheep painting today. I had painted this sheep 6 years ago and it was the first sheep painting I did. We photographed her at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro. The old Retreat Farm. Haven't gone since the cheese company took over and built their large retail store and sold most of the animals...but I will this summer. I'm not always good on embracing changes but after 4 years I guess I could stop by.

Watership Down

2011-05-14T06:28:00.003-04:00

Not a bunny...a rabbit! One summer I memorized all the characters from Watership Down and still can come up with all the characters. The fact that I read the book only three ago could be the reason why. I missed this book growing up and it is now a definite favorite.

Spring Lamb

2011-05-10T08:34:00.004-04:00

Newest, textured, acrylic 12"x24". A spring lamb and a know it all chicken! Not finished yet but almost. At the same time I am painting this lamb by itself because the light was just right the day I photoed him and I love his expression

Honey

2011-05-06T07:19:00.004-04:00

Honey, 18"x18"

My newest painting of Honey is hanging at the Vermont Welcome Center in Guilford this month. I just came in from opening the screen door that Honey can't wait to go through in the mornings. It leads to the safe fenced area she has for grazing. She is a pip and always a joy to watch. Above was in her broody days when there was no way she wanted to get out of the egg box. These days she can't wait to see what new areas she can find for scratching and picking or what treats I might have for her. But Honey really wants to go in the only direction she can't get over the fence. She has to settle for the opposite side of the yard and sneaks into the dog fenced area. They all get along but she doesn't want to play with the dogs and instead is jealous of the leader of the "girls" pack, Pru, who can jump the tall fence that leads into the yard area that Honey sees as greener pastures. Not that Honey is too plump to jump, she is just right - it isn't her fault...she was born with a hefty frame and can't get height in her jumps. For all the pacing and fretting she does after she gets into the dog fenced area and can't figure out how to get out she is well exercised! And she keeps me on the go when I take pity on her fretting and rescue her from the dog area way too many times a day! (All last summer Honey, Pru, and Suzie were happy and content in their extremly large fenced in yard - this year the opposite. As soon as the snow melted they have become escape artists but don't go far at all!)

Farm Art

2011-04-28T10:47:00.003-04:00

Getting ready for June. Farm Art is a group of five artists all painting their own reflections of farms and animals opening Gallery Walk during the Strolling of the Heifer's weekend. If you haven't seen the Strolling of the Heifer Parade it is quite a celebration on the first Saturday morning in June. I worried at first about the animals parading but the ease of their people walking with them and treating them so fairly makes quite a parade to enjoy. Although Farm Art is part of the weekend it will be up all month at the Bagel Works Cafe. I am working on a lot of new paintings and cows are always a favorite subject. Between Farm Art in Brattleboro, the Welcome Center in Guilford and a new gallery show for me this year, MA Audubon Moose Hill in Sharon MA, June is a busy month to plan for.

Available Paintings

2011-04-21T20:15:00.007-04:00

These are three paintings from a new group that are posted on my website and are available.

Kestrel

2011-04-21T06:08:00.002-04:00

Daily Paintworks Challenge this week.

Stonewall Farm

2011-04-18T11:53:00.003-04:00

Stonewall Farm in Keene will be having it's annual fundraiser auction soon. Here is my contribution this year.

Another chicky!

2011-04-12T09:01:00.001-04:00

Chicky, 12”x12” will be included in a fund raiser for Youth Services of Brattleboro at their Jazz Jubilee and Art Auction at the Old Taven in Grafton Vermont in May.

Challenge

2011-04-12T00:10:00.005-04:00

Little Pearl is included in a Chicken Challenge at -
dailypaintworks.com

Around the studio

2011-03-17T11:59:00.000-04:00

A bunch of paintings all in different stages of being finished.

Weather!

2011-03-07T13:55:00.000-05:00

Gurnsey, 24"x24"

Wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud...we've had it all this weekend and as I work on another painting I am looking at this gurnsey. I painted this cow in a summer scene and I can just about imagine how those days feel but for now I better jazz up the wood stoves!

Owl Day 5

2011-02-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

8"x10"

Owl Day 4

2011-02-27T09:19:00.001-05:00

Eagle Owl, 8"x16"

Owl Day 3

2011-02-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

Screech Owl, 6"x12"

Owl Day 2

2011-02-24T15:37:00.000-05:00

Barn Owl, 10"x10"

A Painting A Day!

2011-02-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

I am ready to post a painting a day...for possibly a week anyway. As I said at the beginning of this blog I can not paint a painting in day but am always fascinated to see other painters doing almost a painting everyday and putting up on their blogs. Not my style but as I work on larger paintings I have been working on some small ones and have a few to post. This is a new little owl painting, 6"x12."

Studio Assistant

2011-02-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

This is Jengo who has retired from Brooklyn to Vermont with his sister Zuzu. Jengo doesn't seem to need to much sleep, mostly he likes to be either petted or on the move exploring everywhere - day and night!

Currently I am busy with commissions but also thinking about shows coming up and unfinished work. Coco 2 is coming along although not quite finished.

Strolling of The Heifers

2011-02-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

Thinking about cows this morning and The Strolling of The Heifers in June. We are again putting together a Farm Art exhibit for the month of June in Brattleboro in support of this organizations goals. This was a heifer I photographed last summer in Dorset VT.

Little Owl

2011-02-13T15:14:00.001-05:00

Had a question recently asking how to know which paintings have been sold that I have posted on my blog or website. I don't mark them sold because I will always be happy to paint the animal again.

Painting animals is a passion and I love working on new paintings and new interpretations. Here are three paintings all with this owl that I find so expressive!

SVAC

2011-02-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hanging the show at Southern Vermont Art Center went really well. This photo is the before - three hours later it looked good! Exhibiting with Lesley Heathcote and Mary Iselin for a month with an opening reception tomorrow. http://www.svac.org/february_solo.html

MFA

2011-02-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

A visit to to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with Emily and Molly. The new Americas's wing (although not the pictures here) is wonderful.

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-04T08:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

Family Reunion

2011-01-21T15:39:00.001-05:00

This painting "Family Reunion" (40"x30") reminds me of my years studying illustration. I loved the challenge of new assignments and working things out. This painting has been in progress for a few years now and I am about to call it finished. The fact that the joy I get in painting definitely comes from the process of the actual painting I always find it hard to say a piece is done. But this one is just about done.

Last weekend we drove a freshman back to his school in Boston, Massachusetts College of Art where I went also. It was wonderful talking about the school and hearing about studying art from Derek. I graduated in 1989 before the dorms and computers!

Young artists

2011-01-20T12:46:00.001-05:00

Molly and Emily visiting an art show at the Milton MA Library. They are definitely art appreciators, already skilled in viewing and making art. Below are some samples of their work.

Van Gogh inspired Emily in her own version of "Starry Night."

Molly photographing her younger sisters caught this perfect photo composition that I love.

Jane Austin

2011-01-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

Jane Austin, acrylic, 20"x24"

This sheep painting was choosen to be included in the Biennial Regional Jurors' Choice Competition exhibit at the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery at Keene State College, Febrruary 5 - March 10, 2011.

New Year - Monday morning

2011-01-03T10:03:00.002-05:00

A resolution...to keep this blog current. Not really a hard one to keep. I really do have a mind full of thoughts about my painting goals and directions for this year but like to keep it quiet...for it is the process of painting that I enjoy so much, not talking about it too much - so back to work. Happy New Year 2011.

Visiting neighbors

2011-01-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

I took this photograph while visiting the large heard of cows down the road this weekend...mini mud season is here! They are great cows though and we all enjoy staring at each other. I have begun a painting inspired by these cows already but it will be a long while till the new painting is finished and posted here.

Some 2010 Visitors

2011-01-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

Above is a photo of Jane and Kevin from NJ - love art and Vermont and stopped by my studio last week. Met them first last summer at a show in Manchester VT and I was glad they stopped in last week before what appears to be the beginning of a mini mud season for the week ahead. Usual weather for our part of Vermont this winter so far.

I also have to post a photo of Janet and Jim who have literally been to 99% of my shows and here to my studio. I meant to post earlier last year...so here they are.

Markets of New England

2011-01-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

A visitor to my studio last summer was writing a book on farmer's markets art events across NewEngland. The book is about to be published and the above photo will be in it.

Beatles Song

2010-12-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

Do you need anybody

I just need someone to love

Could it be anybody

I want somebody to love

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Mm, Gonna try with a little help from my friends

Oh, I get high with a little help from my friends

Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends,

with a little help from my friends

This song was in my head most of the time I worked on this painting of Brown Swiss cows. My conclusion is that the songs true meaning is - best part of friendship is to have someone you feel comfortable enough to help you relieve an itch!

Coco

2010-12-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

Just got a call from the folks who are adding this cow to their home. We were trying to name her when they went right to the the experts...the farm where I photographed this Holstein last fall. Barb and Bob found out her name is Coco and she is about to give birth. (Life size Coco is 22 inches from ear tip to ear tip which I determined by measuring is the average Holstein just in case anyone needs that fact!)

The December Girls

2010-12-20T07:35:00.000-05:00

The Cows at Night by Hayden Carruth

The moon was like a full cup tonight,

too heavy, and sank in the mist

soon after dark, leaving for light

faint stars and the silver leaves

of milkweed beside the road,

gleaming before my car.

Yet I like driving at night

in summer and in Vermont:

the brown road through the mist

of mountain-dark, among farms

so quiet, and the roadside willows

opening out where I saw

the cows. Always a shock

to remember them there, those

great breathings close in the dark.

I stopped, and took my flashlight

to the pasture fence. They turned

to me where they lay, sad

and beautiful faces in the dark,

and I counted them-forty

near and far in the pasture,

turning to me, sad and beautiful

like girls very long ago

who were innocent, and sad

because they were innocent,

and beautiful because they were

sad. I switched off my light.

But I did not want to go,

not yet, nor knew what to do

if I should stay, for how

in that great darkness could I explain

anything, anything at all.

I stood by the fence. And then

very gently it began to rain.

Again...and Fish-owl

2010-12-13T08:40:00.000-05:00

I did it again! Some folks have found a painting they purchased at a show from me last summer with out a signature. Luckily they had a trip to Vermont and a visit here already planned in a few weeks so I will be able to rectify this one. Note to self...you might love the animals you are painting and the process of expressing them with paint but don't forget to sign your work!

Fish-owl, 12"x12"

Thought this Fish-owl's expression is a good one for this posting although it is not the painting that I forgot to sign. He is an owl in the sub species of the Eagle Owl family. Below is a photo from Mt. Waschusetts where I see these owls and photograph them in the fall each year when a rehabilitator brings them and does a program.

#9

2010-12-10T09:07:00.001-05:00

Honey #9, 10"x10"

Tis' the season...for me to find out what chickens do when the days are so cold that my two dogs and I spend a lot of time close to the wood stove. I did think maybe I could bring them in, build a pen in my studio but I came to my senses! Honey, Pru and Suzie have a great castle with a heated water bowl and a heat lamp that comes on at 20 degrees. I have been giving them leftover warm oatmeal in the mornings and they seem to wile away the day hanging out! Honey still looks great, Suzie is definitely molting and Pru is the only one giving us an egg almost everyday through this winter so far.

2010-12-07T07:45:00.003-05:00

Mason!

Signed!

2010-12-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

At a fall show in Woodstock CT Pam from Maine (way up north in Maine) bought my painting of sheep that I had brought to the show newly finished. I packed the painting so well for her knowing how far it was to travel home. Monday morning Pam emailed...no signature. I couldn't believe it because we are trying to check carefully when selling or delivering to galleries knowing that I had forgotten this before. I could tell how hard she scrutinized this painting for any signature and it just wasn't there. Instead of letting this go we made a date and each of us drove a few hours to meet. It was cold and windy but no snow so I took out my paints and signed away! Just received these photos from Pam of the two of us with her new painting and how it hangs in her home. Sorry about that Pam and thanks for understanding and photos.

Very new paintings...

2010-11-22T21:58:00.006-05:00

Pearl, 12"x12"

Honey 6, 6"x12"

Honey 5, 6"x12"

Legend, 6"x12"

Honey 4, 12"x12"

Saw-whet, 12"x12"

Shirley, 12"x12"

Tulip, 12"x12"