Art by Night at Gallery 108

Hey Friends,  A photo I took just a couple hours ago while at the LAST ABN for Gallery 108 forever.

Seems pretty sad in so many ways but most of the artists are already anxious to try new venues and new shows.  Most are happy for a change especially the original founding members, they have been working all the details behind the scenes, long hours !

So as a good-bye the gallery is giving you a 20 % discount on everything in the gallery - everything!!

I know you can find some beautiful gifts at good prices.  The doors close on Dec. 31st.

Now come out to TINKERINGS on Main Street in downtown Salem tomorrow, Sat. the 8th.  The Double Line Painters will be demonstrating IN the window.  It will be fun, and Tinker has beautiful handcrafted gifts too.  Support your local business'.

Happy Trails
Travel Well

Blue Moon Travels

 Hey Friends,  Finally a few minutes to post my disappointment over the "Blue Moon" last Friday night.  I headed for the Blue Ridge Parkway in plenty of time to find an overlook.  My imagination was probably out of line but I could see the moon rising over a vast sweeping view of the valley !  I think it would have been breathtaking !  BUT just as I turned off Rt.460 onto the entrance the "check engine" light comes on.  Dang, what to do.  I chickened out, fearing my car would blow up in the middle of no where.  Then once it was dark, I'd be drug off by coyotes and never seen again.  So I turned around and went back to the closest station and put oil and water in the car  and went home.  Dang, I was madd.  The light hasn't come on since.  Turns out I had filled the gas tank and the cap wasn't screwed down really tight..   Did you know your engine light will come on IF your cap is at all loose?

 So I took a few photos from my secret place.  And it was beautiful, of course.  Just not what I had in mind.  I've already painted this scene.  Not sure I like the painting.

 This photo was from the parking lot of a Holiday Inn close to home and just off I81.  Too many city lights to do the moon justice.

And this one is from Green Hill Park.  Couldn't find any good spots to shoot from.  So I quite after this one.  Went home and pouted.  The good news is we will have another Blue Moon in about 3 years instead of the eleven years I read somewhere.
So I'll work with what photos I have and be ready next time.  Maybe I can talk somebody into going with me to paint from life.  My family thinks that would be as much fun as watching paint dry !!

Happy Trails Travel Well

Weekly Busy Work ! !

Hey Friends, Just thought I'd show you what I've been busy doing the last few days. Seems to be a weekly exercise this winter. This is at the top of the driveway.

This is about the same spot and I'm just starting to shovel a path for my car tires. Thats all I want to do but of course I'll have to take out some of the depth. My car is low to the ground and the last snow took out the muffler! Sounds like a motorcycle now!!

Showing the bottom sharp turn. The little cedar is really flexible. Every snow bends her over to the ground. This snow is HEAVY & WET and the cedar top was stuck in the ice.

This view is just past the sharp turn. If you look real hard, you'll see the little creek or spring that we have to cross the first time. You have to cross it again a little further up.

Anyway, snow is pretty but I hate it. I would or will shovel for an hour or so, go back in, warm up and paint for an hour or two, then go shovel for another hour. The calvary (my brothers) will be here Sunday to dig me out, Bless their little hearts!

I've missed two days at my REAL job and I'm hoping my boss will see this post. I don't think they really believe it's this bad.

Next post I'll show you a couple shots from the Art by Night @ Gallery 108 that took place Thursday the 4th. I had a good time.

Happy Trails.