10/22/2017 7:13:21 PM
This weekend I went to the 47th annual Amherst Apple Harvest Festival and it was delightful! This was the first time I've displayed my art in public and it was nice to see people enjoyed it. Most importantly...I met many new people, saw others I had not seen in years, and had great conversations with some I hope to get to know much better in the future. One couple had attended the last 30 festivals!
It warmed my heart to see so many families enjoying time together....there were no politics, no agendas--just leisurely strolls through several rooms of arts/crafts vendors nibbling on funnel cakes with blown up alien balloons in tow. I was pleased so many people come to my display. I was particularly impressed with children who looked at my paintings and had the sweetest conversations about what they liked.
The cow picture I've included in this blog seemed to draw a great deal of attention. The trio of the cow, the chicken, and the pig put smiles on faces and I heard many folks reflect on funny stories about animals they know or grew up with. This cow has found a home in a very sweet family's nursery for a new son.
For years a dear lady in our county wrote the social column in the Nelson County Times. She typically ended the social accounts with the same statement--"a good time was had by all!" That seems appropriate for this event. We need more events heaped in tradition and innocence...I hope Amherst will host 47 more years of the Apple Harvest Festival!
Have a great week!
Beth
10/15/2017 7:08:00 PM
I painted a picture of Downtown Charlottesville this week. I've never painted a city scene or buildings--so this was a stretch for me. I have to say I really enjoyed painting this! It reminded me of working a jigsaw puzzle with each little addition revealing a final picture.
I especially enjoyed the flurry of wonderful memories from my trips downtown over the years. This summer has been difficult for Charlottesville and some of my favorite places in town have been tarnished with images of hate and ugliness. Painting this picture allowed me to reflect on happier times and memories of years past.
When I was a little girl we rarely went into town, but downtown was pretty much the only place to shop. Mom always took us to Woolsworth to shop and we always went into the diner portion to have lunch. They had balloons hanging in a row over the counter. After you finished your banana split--you picked a balloon to see how much it would cost. Mom always enjoyed her cup of steamy hot coffee and all was well. Of course, any time with Mom was a wonderful, wonderful day.
Over the years that followed the mall changed a great deal. It became a pedestrian mall and it evolved to a wonderful mix of eclectic shops, nice restaurants, and street vendors. Walking down the mall in the summer and listening to a variety of music as people play for a few bucks--but really more for the joy of playing. It is a care free place that forces relaxation. I especially enjoy a nice dinner outside watching people of all varieties doing exactly the same thing I am doing...enjoying life.
I realized an important lesson as a painted--in my mind the city hasn't changed a bit! It is imperative we hold on to our wonderful memories and make our city return to the place we love.
I'm now painting a picture of the UVA Chapel...another Charlottesville icon. It is truly a timeless beauty....I'm hopeful I can capture a portion of it's character. I may see if I can find a picture of the old Woolworth counter to paint one day.
My goal for this week is to reflect on goodness and special places.
Have a good week!
Beth
10/9/2017 5:56:08 PM
This weekend I finished my sheep picture...part of my farm animal series. Sometimes you aren't quite sure how these things are going to end up. This sheep reminds me of the 80's perms I used to get that seemed so stylish at the time! What can I say...it does make me smile.
Life is too sad and too serious too often...we need to grab smiles where ever we can find them!
