PAINTING IN THE DITCH

Yesterday was a day to roam the country roads outside of Milwaukee.  We found our way out to 10 Chimneys (the historic home of Broadway actors Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt) and the area around Genesee Depot.  The hills were still holding onto their golds and oranges, but not for long I'm afraid.  

Finding a pretty little spot off the main road, we pulled into the ditch to do a little reading (Bob) and painting (me).  I set up my balancing act of water jar, sketchbook, and watercolors and got to work while Bob regaled me with the latest information in the news.

Very soon after, we were approached by 3 different cars, about 20 minutes apart, stopping to ask how they could help us.  Long story short, after an exchange of information with one couple, one of my watercolor sketches from the day is now on its way to the owners of the beautiful property we were perched on.  

This little painting is no longer mine but we are left with memories of some lovely people, and a great day spent roaming the country roads in search of the perfect ditch!

 "Nothing Gold Can Stay"

watercolor on 140# cold press paper

I named this one after Robert Frost's poem.  Seemed a fitting title considering this was painted on a sunny and golden late October day.  I know this poem has multiple meanings, but one meaning is literal when it comes to the seasons.  It won't be long and a new painting will need a new title, possibly, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" . . .

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Nothing Gold Can Stay

by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

Thanks for looking!

-Nan