Sally at the Cider Press

As I finished this painting last week, I was reminded of a nice day this past fall. 

I spent an afternoon at a local cider press to do some "painting" research. 

It was a busy day at the press. People that waited to have their apples pressed shared stories about gardens, seasons and families. 

For me it was a chance to slow down and appreciate these seasonal traditions.

This is a family run cider press and they all work together with a comfortable ease. 

At first I thought I would do a painting about the men that work there. 

But as I watched and photographed the workers, I saw that the real energy came from Sally. 

She went from job to job seamlessly and was welcoming to all. 

I am sure that is why the cider press has her name on it!

Sally at the Cider Press,  17x29 inches, Watercolor on 330 lb. watercolor paper

Update- May 9th 

This painting won the Evelyn Nicholas Portrait Award at the 71st Spring Show 

at the Associated Artists of Butler County

July 10th

Also won third place in the AABC Invitational in Cranberry Twp, PA

Buy Local, Paint Local!

I photograph and turn my paintings to black and white to see if the values work. Then I make any final changes if needed. This one is almost done.

17x29 inches watercolor

I also wanted to introduce my "Buy Local, Paint Local" series.

I have been visiting small local businesses, farms... and have met some hard working people with a strong sense of community. They run farms, cider presses, markets, raise chickens, bees, are yarn/weavers, bakers... I interview, photograph, sketch and paint what I find at each location. 

These paintings are about people, opportunity and community.

I will include a short story of each painting as I finish. 

I look forward to sharing this journey with you!