Fresh from the Farm
Indian Ladder Farms is a much beloved place in our community. Few people I know haven’t picked the farm’s apples in fall, brought their kids to pet baby animals as a rite of spring, or eaten their share of cider donuts over the years. We’ve watched outdoor community theatre under the backdrop of orchard and escarpment, picked out our Christmas trees in winter, and frequented the farm’s gift shop for birthdays and special occasions. Indian Ladder Farms has been in operation since 1915 and it is treasured by generations.
Why I’ve never thought to sketch there escapes me. Maybe it’s that I’m always there for some other purpose, or maybe it’s that I like going when it’s raining and quiet. That changed this week, when I went to Indian Ladder twice—and solely for artistic purposes.
Here are the results of what I hope are many more sketching excursions at the farm. More barns, apples, vistas, and maybe a donut or two are in store.
I wanted practice with perspective and Indian Ladder’s main barns proved a worthy challenge. On my second trip, I focused on the farm’s Flemish giant rabbit. The Flemish giant is a massive breed by any measure, standing about 2 1/2 feet tall, which it does, on occasion, when not bounding around its cage, grooming itself or nibbling at children’s handouts. This was my first time drawing a rabbit and you can see some improvement from left side to right.
Drawn In 
wow! I am blown away by those apples 🙂
Thanks! These are Windsor and Newton watercolors. The paper for the apples is Fabriano soft press and the journal is Stillman & Birn Beta 5.5 x 8.5
Thank you so much. I am about to invest in Windsor and Newtons myself and was wondering if the Cotman series is something I should splurge on along with the artist’s set. Some blogs give the Cotman series really bad reviews but I have a feeling if I don’t buy them now, prices will jump again and then I will just be sorry.
Also, if I may, what watercolors are you using?
I started with the Cotman series years ago and have upgraded over time to Artist grade paints.
Wow, these really are wonderful apples!
Keep up the great work!
Best Wishes,
Isabella
Fab Rabs!! (And the apples are amazing, too — especially the reflections and surface patterns.)
How about that giant mouse with ears at the top! I’m glad I finally settled in and started making it look more like a rabbit. Thanks for your praise!
Amazing talent. I love the bunnies. I might need to buy the one!
Only buy one if you want a pet the size of a small dog!
You are simply amazing Jean. Thanks for sharing.