Vermont Birches and more

Yikes - it's mid-August already...how did that happen? We have had a busy summer with family visits nearby and in Vermont - then back home with other grandchildren visiting... and now to catch up on everything that was not attended to...like this blog site!

So, today is just a short post with a small painting and a few simple sketches from our trip north. When we head to Vermont, I take a small 'kit' (it's actually a 6-pack soft cooler) with a few paint brushes, a sketchbook, a 4x6 block of watercolor paper and a travel watercolor set.

I love birch trees. There is just something special about their bark, the texture and color (not just white, but a myriad of color depending upon light and where they are). This is a quick painting that I did one morning.

For the past two years we have rented a small farmhouse  - built in the 1800s. The owners of the property have worked hard to keep as much of its original charm as possible. I am taken with the uneven floors, door hardware, wood-burning stove and the wonderful rock/stone walls surrounding the property.  Just gotta put a few things in the sketchbook...

It'a a comfortable, cozy spot!