Farmers Market Quest

I’ve been visiting farm stands and farmers markets for several weeks, looking for fresh subjects for my Farmers Market sketchbook series. I accidentally discovered The King Farm near South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, when we made a wrong turn and pulled into the parking lot to get our bearings. A large tent revealed a bonanza of produce, baked goods, and two long tables with containers of mix and match flowers. Last week, I found buckets of colorful flowers from Damsel Garden at the Kinderhook Farmers Market. I love the riot of colors and textures… Read More

Farmers Market: Apricots!

Ah summer! Farmers markets and farm stands are abundant now with beautiful fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. People stroll relaxed and chatty, stop for coffee or a bakery treat, pet dogs, smell the flowers, compliment the growers and makers. What a pleasure. I’m ever grateful to have a small but robust weekly farmers market and several lovely farm stands nearby. The apricots are just in, and this piece pays tribute to the bounty and my good fortune. Tips & Techniques- So many decisions go into making a piece of art. You must… Read More

Acrobats in the Freezing Wind

I remember the first time I saw a starling, now at least 35 years ago. I was in a bank parking lot and a small flock was strutting and pecking around on the lawn. I thought they were such extraordinary birds—as Mary Oliver writes, “chunky and noisy but with stars in their black feathers”—and I excitedly went home to look up my find. When I discovered they were ordinary European starlings, I felt foolish. If I was going to get to know birds, I was going to have to do better. Now… Read More