Spring Day: Cowgirls and Flowers

"Daffodils," oil on Centurion linen, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I'm easily side-tracked.  That could be re-interpreted as being open to "go with the flow."

Today was site-scouting time for some good spots to bring my Wednesday landscape class students. Site two of the day was Kidwell Farm which was bursting at the seams with lots of kids and parents, newly reopened carousel and wagon rides, newborn and young piglets, baby goats,  plus a barrel-racing competition in the equestrian arena.  I'd never been there when the horse facility was in full swing -- so this was a real treat. Not exactly what I'd come to do/see -- but how could I pass up exploring something this fun to watch?

Riders were warming up in the two outdoor rings with the competition taking place in the indoor arena.  All the activity was mesmerizing ... and beautiful. 

The barrel races were a little shocking.  I watched one rider -- whose horse was acting up in the warm-up ring -- have a rough time heading to the arena when her name/number was called.  The announcer told her to walk the horse to the gate -- which she did. Once through the gate, horse and rider galloped off at top speed, rounded barrels, galloped back to the gate, coming to a stop in a split second right at the closed gate (which was right in front of me).  I'm glad the horse had good brakes. 

So, I know today's painting doesn't have much to do with the horse races -- but it's what followed my trek out.  Everything felt like Spring today. These daffodils, planted by my Dad to line our front walk are the first visible signs of the season close by -- and they filled the bill to get out there to paint en plein air. 

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
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Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!