Monday, December 12, 2011

Limerick Lane



Late Saturday morning, as I packed and prepped the bike for a ride into town, sub-freezing overnight temps were rising into the mid-40s. As I set out, a chill nipped my chin, but the sunshine and exercise kept me warm. After crossing Healdsburg’s Memorial Bridge and cruising down Old Redwood Highway, a left turn found me on Limerick Lane, a gently sloping winery-lined road that opens onto rolling vineyards.
At a quarter mile or so, the county road ends, branching into two private roads leading in opposite directions. Two old barns frame the rolling vineyard-covered hills. Here I hopped off my bike and unfolded the portable stool to draw amidst the wild grasses. The scent of woodsmoke drifted on a gentle breeze, along with faint, but not unpleasant, barnyard smells. I pulled out my landscape sketchbook and began to block in the larger shapes of the landscape.
Midway through my drawing, I heard a loud neigh just behind me. Spinning around, I found a beautiful cream and brown spotted horse a few feet away. It neighed again as if to ask, What are you up to?
My new friend made excellent company as I put the finishing touches on my painting. Then I packed up my gear and rode back toward town. With the sun now low in the west I felt the evening chill once again filling the valley. I hoped to make it home before dark, but I had miles to go before I could rest.

2 comments:

  1. Wow! This just sparkles. It's really fantastic! How large is your sketchbook? I was glad I could click to see it bigger--but feel free to post a little bigger if you like too.

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  2. Thanks very much Jana! : ) For this one I used my landscape Moleskine sketchbook which is 5" x 16" when open. Great space to sketch wide angle.

    I tried increasing the size of the image but it stretches into the right hand column when I do. Too bad because I know it looks kind of small this way. Oh, well. Thanks again!

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