Non art posting today . . . trying to discover this 'mystery plant' seen on my afternoon walk today along my local creek. I am guessing that at least one or two of my 'regular' viewers might have some knowledge of flora and maybe could identify this plant. Seems to like semi shade to full shade and enjoys the understory of old growth forest. My yard is shady and this would be a nice addition to it if I can identify it and if it is available as a cultivated nursery plant. Oh, and yes, I am at work in the studio, just not being very productive right now so nothing yet to post, maybe soon!

Last Day at the Fair

Yesterday was the last day of the fair, traditionally the day for the annual Horse Pull. I was there bright and early to capture the goings on as the teams arrived, were unloaded from their carriers, fed, weighed in, and geared up before the contest began. Since I've attended quite a few contests in the past, I skipped out before it all began, and headed for the show ring to spend an hour watching show jumping and ridding. All in all, a very nice end to a photo and reference filled week at the fair! And now, it's back to the drawing board.

Meet Me at the Fair . . . Again!

Yesterday was Appaloosa Day at the fair and I enjoyed five plus hours watching and being inspired! Here are a few shots of the over 1100 that I will be patiently culling through today to find sparks for future work. Those who have followed my blog over time and have enjoyed seeing new works as they come off the board or in-progress takes, might find 'someone' who looks familiar in this group of pictures! I had not realized at the time yesterday, but when reviewing the images quickly this morning, there 'he' was, a year older and still a true showman and in almost exactly the same spot as during last year's 'App' day! Deja vu!

Unfortunately, I am home this morning as it is pouring rain, so Quarter Horse day has been rained out for this year.

Meet Me at the Fair!

This week is fair week at the Howard County Fair here in Maryland. Yesterday, I headed out to spend a pleasant four plus hours with some beautiful horses during the Arabian Horse Show. What a great morning I had, returning in early afternoon to the studio with 1200 plus images. After review and culling, there were plenty of images left for inspiration for future works. Tomorrow is Appaloosa Day and I plan to be there bright and early once again, if the rain that is predicted will hold off to late morning or early afternoon. Quarter Horses on Friday and then the annual Draft Horse Pull on Saturday morning. It is a very horsey week for me!

Followers of this blog and those who look in on my web site with occasion, will know that about once a season, or four times during the year, I update my web site with a Studio News notation about upcoming events, shows and special exhibitions. My summer update has just been posted to the site and if you click here it will take you to the News page. Of course, you can access my site anytime from the link in the links list here so you can keep abreast of what is going on during Summer, Fall, Winter or Spring and always check the Schedule page to find the latest updates on shows and their locations.

(accompanying image was shot at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC a couple weeks ago)