January 29, 2021 RECAP OF 2020 OIL PAINTINGS

2020......... no comment, other than WHAT A YEAR. Here is my first completed painting for 2020. Actually I thought I had completed it in 2019, but after looking at it for several weeks, I decided the painting was not what I wanted it to be. HAHAHA.... "Is a painting ever really finished?" It's interesting how looking at something at home, tweaks pop out at you, indicating further work. BTW...... this one is STILL a work in progress.👇

Who would have thought that I would be painting at home. A month's worth of zoom, a few in-person instruction classes. Blog post here includes a zoom session with my art instructor .April9, 2020 Zoom Oil painting session. Finish painting:👇

April's zoom sessions were a bit over-the-top for me and I honestly almost took on more than I could chew. Blog post includes several paintings, as well as links to other blog posts about my painting zoom sessions: May 27 Zoom Sessions 2,3,4 and May 31, 2020 Sunrise Sunset Oil painting . Finished paintings for these sessions:👇

Another zoom and in-class session included work on another piece, the Roanoke Star. I've painted this scene 4 other times(taken from a photograph that I snapped), and wanted to do one more. The students were starting to trickle back to class, with social distancing, masks, and limited number in classes. The studio was absolutely sterile.  

I completed another painting at home, as well as attending another in-person class. My instructor was gracious to give directions to me, for working at home.

My desire to continue painting is paramount. I started another large canvas at home, carrying the monstrosity back and forth to class. It felt good to be back in class for a few more session to begin another piece.(my high expectations were to to complete this by Christmas.....which never happened😢) This is one not complete. 👇

The decision to forgo more in-person classes (for now) was a difficult one. The desire to be a part of a structured one-on-one class has far exceeded my desire to paint at home. Expectantly by mid Spring, I'll be back in the swing of things. At least my brushes are clean! Who knows, maybe the month of February will prompt me to dabble again in my happy little place of painting. 

January 13, 2021 RoanokeMtCampground ChestnutRidgeLoop

 Oh how I thank God that we live within walking distance of wooded areas and places to hike. 

During the past (which almost seems like forever) 10+ months, we have taken advantage of this little retreat! Our destination to the Roanoke Campground site, is reached by crossing over a spur of the Chestnut Ridge Trail. (within feets of reaching the top of our street!!!!)

The first post written about this haven was April 5, 2020 Read about here. Walking is not cancelled.

The importance of taking care of ourselves has never been more important!(physically and mentally). 

Today's 8200 fitbit steps of inhaling fresh hair was blissful!

The solitude of nature, at its best, renews my faith that "ALL IS WELL".

The area walkers/hikers are continuing to add a bit of spirit!

Here's to remaining vigilant and taking good care of yourself!

There's light at the end of the tunnel!

  

January 11, 2021 CloverHollowBridge, LinkFarmBridge, MountainLake, PandapasPond

The day began as a cloudy Monday morning 'get-out-of-the-house' mini adventure. Our destination  was the Clover Hollow Bridge. Without checking the weather forecast, we drove up Christiansburg Mountain, exiting 460 toward Blacksburg. It didn't take much snow in the higher elevations to create a winter wonderland. As we made our first right turn to Rt 42, the scenic drive through the back country roads in Newport,Va(Giles Co) was filled with farm land, open fields, and rural living at its best! The first left (Rt601)Clover Hollow Road, led us to our destination, also known as SINKING CREEK BRIDGE

  

We continued following the path of Sinking Creek👇👇👇....... turning right on 604 (Zells Mill Road)eventually ending at yet another covered bridge.

LINK FARM COVERED BRIDGE 👇

Next, we followed Rt700(Mountain Lake Rd). Oh goodness, we were delighted to be driving the jeep!

Visibility was beginning to diminish.👀

But we made it to MOUNTAIN LAKE LODGE

After a few oohs and aahs,(and seriously not being able to see anything due to fog) we slipped and slided a few times back down the mountain to route 460. The elevation difference was remarkable! 

 Our last destination, before heading home, was PANDAPAS POND , located in Montgomery County, Va

The path to the pond was covered.......... but not slippery! 

Our mini day adventure was just what we needed! 🥰