Sagaponack Farm

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This is the same barn as featured in my last post. However, this is it in early morning light. It continues to astound and at times frustrate me at how dramatically a scene changes as the light changes. The warm glow on the old wooden doors and the cast shadows under the eaves are what drew me to this barn in the first place. By the time I had the sketch done and began to paint, however, the sun had moved behind the barn and I had to stop. The warmth and mood were gone. So, the next morning I went back and there was the barn in the light that initially caught my eye. Only now, there was a tractor parked in front as well - oh, the perils of painting a working farm in plein aire!

Tractor at Foster Farm

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Working farms on the end of eastern Long Island are slowly giving way to big showy houses hidden behind high plantings of privet. So when I happened upon this barn, with its tractor standing in plain sight, I was elated. The day was hot, and humid and bright which only made this beautiful turquoise barn even more enticing to me. I spent a wonderful afternoon under a great big shade tree, painting it. Without that big shade tree, though, I do not think I could have lasted.

Stables at Comfort Farm

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It was another beautiful day at Comfort Farm, in Bridgehampton, New York.  I painted here with my daughter and fellow artist, Edwina Lucas. At one point, we found ourselves surrounded by curious onlookers, with their necks stretched long across the fence to get a better look at what we were doing.  One horse got so close, it almost knocked over Edwina's easel. He then turned his back to us and pushed his rump up against the fence. We really weren't sure how to interpret all this ... could it be he didn't like our paintings? Tough crowd!!

Barns on a Clear Day

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This day was particularly clear and gorgeous. The colors of the grass and sky were so bright it was as if they were iridescent. By the time I finished the painting, my eyes were exhausted ... but satisfied!

Comfort Farm

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This big old barn is the crown jewel of Comfort Farm, in Bridgehampton, NY. The barn is massive and an architectural masterpiece. I felt so much peace while painting it; surrounded by the sounds of corn stalks blowing in the breeze and flocks of birds whirling in the air. It was tremendous. I was accompanied on this painting excursion by the very talented Ben Fenske -  a dream come true! I love him and his work. Check it out, here - Grenning Gallery. That's me with Ben below. Some days are simply unforgettable. This was one.

View towards Pumpkin Farm

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I went back to the pumpkin farm. The combination of the barn in the far distance, the dash of bright orange mid-range and the opening in the rustic fence make for a winning composition. Not to mention, the spot is so peaceful, located at the end of a long road just near the bay. On this day, flocks of geese flew overhead all afternoon in their typical V-formation, while swans floated out on the bay. I will definitely be going back... soon.

Farm in December

I am falling in love with painting outside, especially in winter. It is so quiet. I am finding that it's best to be out painting by 10 o'clock in the morning. That gives me steady light until around 2:30. During that span, the light changes, but subtly. Once 3 o'clock hits, the sun starts to take an ever-quickening nose dive into night. I now understand that old cowboy line,"move it along, we're burnin' daylight!"

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Farm in Late Fall

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About an hour into this painting, I got a visit from one of the farm's residents. A very spunky Jack Russell Terrier raced out to see what I was doing and he was not too thrilled! He barked and barked and barked and barked. For a little guy, he made quite a big commotion and it went on for what seemed like forever.  I was actually thinking I might have to pack it in when fortunately, he was called back into the farmhouse.

Red Farmhouse

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I was back outside with my easel this week. When driving around the back roads of Bridgehampton scanning for a scene to paint, I spied this old red farmhouse. Alongside it was an open field, glowing bright green in the morning sun. The juxtaposition of these complimentary colors drew me in and sealed the deal. It was a glorious painting session, complete with an occasional "cock-a-doodle-do," from the resident rooster!

Bridgehampton Pumpkin Farm

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I wanted to participate in the art fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims offered through Daily Paintworks. So I set out with my easel and headed to this farm in Bridgehampton which is located on the south shore of eastern Long Island. The farm touches on Mecox Bay and had clearly been flooded during the storm. Here it was a week later, and the grounds were still very wet and puddled. Two farmers happened to walk out across the field while I was painting, and I overheard them talking about how high up into the farmland the bay waters had come during the storm. They remarked that it was like nothing they had ever seen before.

Sunflower Farm

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I went down to the harbor today to paint more boats, but it was way too windy. So, I made an about face and headed out to the farmland where I found this little cluster of charm -  beautiful white farm in the middle of the big bright blue with a great big tree, surrounded by sunflowers! Pinch me.