Mactaggart Sanctuary Paintout

6x8
Oil on Linen Board
This is such a wonderful place and it was truly a surprise to me. I didn't go with high expectations. We took the boys one day when we first moved here but it was snowing heavily and the trails weren't great. Then in subsequent years, there was a lot of construction on the road leading to it so it just fell off our radar. I'll return happily next time.
There were quite a few people celebrating the return of spring with a brisk hike. They were very interested in us strange folk painting away but they were respectful as well. I believe the Sanctuary part of the name is meant for the birds but it was equally wonderful for us humans. There was a painting scene in every direction you turned, the challenge was settling on something.

Salisbury Geese

8x10 Oil on Linen Board

This pair of geese greeted me outside Salisbury Greenhouse when I was there a few weeks ago. I watched them for a few minutes until this fellow gave me the distinct impression he'd like me to give his partner some space. The lady in the store told me they are resident at the greenhouse and they mate for life. It made me think about new beginnings and all kinds of sappy stuff. And yes for my coast friends, I haven't forgotten they're a beach menace but we don't have so many here so it's easy to forget.

This was in our brief spring interlude before we were vaulted back into winter for awhile. They say it will warm up sometime in 2009!