We went to Groton, New York (near Ithaca) over the Memorial Day Weekend, to visit my father-in-law (“Grampy”) as well as my husband’s brother and his family. Here is my journal entry from the weekend, as well as some of the art I produced over the three days we visited
me painting a sunset on a farm road in Groton, New York
Journal Entry, May 26th:
Sunday in Ithaca. I’m feeling quite elated. I went out early this morning to that dirt farm road that I’ve always wanted to paint. In less than an hour, I came out with a fantastic, loose oil painting of the sunlight shining across the path. Really, this painting just flowed right out of me.
“Morning light on a farm road” oil on linen mounted on board, 7x10.5 inches
I knew enough to “quit while I was ahead,” and besides, the motif had changed completely, a whole army of gray clouds moved in over the sky and all that fantastic, dramatic morning light was changed, muted.
But it’s ok. I was ready to stop. It was a good way to start the day…
sketch of cousins fishing at Grampy’s pond, watercolor on paper, 8x6 inches
After breakfast, I tried another mid-day painting (Morgan fishing on the dock of the pond.) This one was less successful, but that’s ok. [Author’s Note, in retrospect, I think I might be wrong about that. That’s why it’s a good idea to give your paintings space before judging them.]
The important thing is lots of frequent explorations, keeping my painting muscles warm and supple.
“Fishing at Grampy’s Pond” oil on linen mounted on board, 7x10 inches
It’s a really glorious day. The kids are outside, the sun is bright, but not too warm. I’m in my room with the window open. What will I name this morning’s painting?
“Memory of Morning Sun”? or… “Morning Sun on a dirt road”? …or…”Morning Sun on a farm road”…?
I’m having a really lovely day.
pencil sketch of Grampy drinking red wine
“Grampy’s Pond” oil on linen mounted on board, 7x10.5 inches
I even dozed off a bit on a soft blue blanket beneath the blue sky. It was bright and sunny, but now it has changed again to a heavy, white-gray over cast sort of day.
sketch of my 3-year-old nephew, Sully, playing with a toy truck
More sketches of Sully: Toddler Encountering a Puddle
I started reading Henry the IVth part 1…The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Company will be performing it this summer. I hope I can take the whole family…
“…the time of life is short!
To spend that shortness basely were too long.”
—Hotspur 5.2.81-82