It's a Wrap

Last week was unseasonably warm up here in the arctic circle. My studio is demanding that I leave the plein air studies and buckle down. Did I listen? Of course not. I managed this piece on a warm morning before all the color disappears.

Guard Shack, 10"x8", oil on panel

Melancholy sets in as I observe the constant stream of vans load and leave. Some stables will stay in New York while others head south for warmer climes.

There are very few outfits left at Oklahoma and they must all be out by November 15th when the barn area packs it in for the winter. It's depressing but I remind myself what a great run I've had. Since the summer I've produced well over 60 plein air pieces, each one a valuable painting lesson during it's creation. I also met many horse people who were amused yet supportive of my efforts. Even security was tolerant as I imposed myself almost every morning at a different location.

My biggest takeaway was immersing my psyche into the history and milieux of Oklahoma. The spirit of the place is powerful and embraces your soul. I now understand why so many plein air artists become addicted to painting outside from life. And why horse people can't wait to return year after year. My mind quiets as I attentively listen to the sounds that surround me. The effect is intoxicating and time slows. History has left it's imprint for those you wish to absorb it. The future feels certain but distant and there is only...right...this...moment.

Many years ago I was here, in a much different incarnation, getting dumped or run off with by my buckskin pony, Spit. What a journey. We do evolve, don't we? Now it's an entirely new generation who do not recognize me.

Feral cats await their turn,
Sharon