Monday, December 19, 2011

Happy Holidays from the Six Artists Six Prairies Project!


It's the time of year when so many of us are preoccupied with preparations for those special days we share with family and friends.  The past couple of years I've taken time out to walk in the prairies with those close to my heart.  We enjoy the quiet togetherness, sharing thoughts or none, exclaiming when a bird suddenly jumps out of the bushes and smiling at their calls and song.  This year the prairies seem particularly beautiful and the Sandhill Cranes are still flying overhead, calling as they circle.  It's a great time to be in nature, appreciating that we still have these pristine places to enjoy in peace.  We are so grateful for our conservation partners! The artists of the Six Artists Six Pairies Project wish each of you the happiest of holidays and the joy of wonder and wander! 

Mary Jane Volkmann for SASP



Friday, December 2, 2011

Tuscawilla Prairie

Charles Dickinson 


Linda and Mary Jane


Here's a photo of one of my paintings and the set up.  The light on the dried grasses was amazing.  Especially in contrast to the grey and lavender background.  

Last Tuesday four of us met at Tuscawilla Prairie to paint.  Above are some photos of artists at work.  It was a great day.  The weather was partly cloudy but that only served to intensify the colors in the prairie when the sun peaked through the clouds.  We were painting on some high ground next to the prairie.  At one point it started to rain and as I turned around I noticed a young couple checking out the crazy people painting.  Surprisingly, I realized I knew one of them.  The guy in the couple was a good friend of my son who is a senior at the University of Florida. I turn around and said “hi Calvin, what are you doing here?”  And he looks at me just as surprised and says “what are you doing here?” Calvin is also a senior at the University of Florida and he is from Tallahassee.  I had a good time catching up with him.   He was just on an adventure with his girlfriend checking out the small town of Micanopy.    It’s a small world.   Plein air painting is amazing.  There is always a story.


Thanks for looking.

Steve Andrews