Saturday, March 30, 2013

Cresting Creek - Ruth Andre


"Cresting Creek"
16x16x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Spring is here bringing with it warmer temperatures and a blossoming landscape. There is a surge of energy flowing through the land as the trees start to leaf out and their buds open up. New grasses are finding their place and the creek has quieted. I want to wish everyone a wonderful Easter Holiday. It truly has been, "A Painting Day".




Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Grass Creek - Ruth Andre


"Grass Creek"
12x12 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

My son is visiting and we walked to the creek and then beyond to see the green mountain pastures behind our property. It was midday and the sun was set straight overhead as we watched the creek water slowly move through the valley. It was lovely to walk and talk and enjoy the beauty of the valley. The day will be remembered and for me treasured. It was also, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Deer Crossing - Ruth Andre



"Deer Crossing"
12"x12"x3/4" Mixed Media on Panel
by Ruth Andre

In winter the deer make their home on higher ground but with the change of season the deer will start their trek to the valley in search of sweeter grasses and water. Our horse troughs are full of water and I have seen the deer poke their heads through the fence for a nice long drink. The deer crossing has made for, "A Painting Day".


Monday, March 18, 2013

Winter Creek - Ruth Andre


"Winter Creek"
12x12x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Today's painting gives me a feeling of calm. I am peering over the edge of the small bridge to watch the sleepy water wash over the creek bed of rocks and sand. The quieting sights and sounds of the creek fulfill its destiny as it travels the water path. Listening for my own path has made for, 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Creek - Ruth Andre


"Spring Creek"
18x24x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

The daffodils that were just budding by the creek are now open and singing spring's praises. It is such a pretty time of the year. I almost feel guilty posting because I know so many are still in the throws of winter and snow. I have lived in the mid-west and the winters lasted through April but not much longer so I do not know what it would be like to have another month or two of cold winter days. I am sure you get used to the extended winter season but I am glad to have warmer days and blooming trees and flowers along the pasture paths. Seeing the blooming daffodils has made for, "A Painting Day".

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Hillside Reflections - Ruth Andre


"Hillside Reflections"
10x10x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Each year there is a short period of time when the surrounding hills are almost emerald green in color. The green is so intense that it appears unreal and then all the brightness changes to a quieter green and then as the weeks go by the grasses mellow and finally the hills are once again pale yellow gold. This year, due to a lower rainfall the intense green will linger for just a few days that is unless we have another rain shower. Enjoying the green hillsides has made for, "A Painting Day".



Monday, March 11, 2013

Santa Fe Trail - Ruth Andre


"Santa Fe Trail"
6x6x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Have  you been to Santa Fe? I have and I am wishing I could go again real soon. I love being in New Mexico and I love all of the sites of Santa Fe. It is an art destination and so much more. Today's painting is a small venture to Santa Fe with my paints. There is a wonderful blog site called Chasing Santa Fe that I follow to keep up with the beauty of the City Different. I was thinking this little painting might also be good to submit to the Encaustic Art Institute to show in the member's gallery. Thinking of Santa Fe has made for, "A Painting Day".



Sunday, March 10, 2013

Whispering Creek - Ruth Andre


"Whispering Creek"
12x6 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Today my thoughts have been centered around a wonderful artist that has died. Louisa McElwain was an inspiration to many that knew her. For me I only followed her work and relished in her vivaciousness and enthusiasm. Louisa was a star that shined for all of us through her paintings. I found a tribute memorial for Louisa McElwain and I would like to share it HERE.
A cheer to Louisa!

Saturday, March 9, 2013


"Red Creek"
6x6x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Red has always been a favorite color and today I wanted to paint red and did just that. I wanted to feel deeply and red seemed to be the color that came to me to use. I have had an amazing amount of sad news lately. I don't know if it is just that time in my life or I am paying attention and feeling empathy for those left behind in a more profound manner. Deep feelings made for, "A Painting Day".

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cross Creek Gap - Ruth Andre


"Cross Creek Gap"
12x12x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

The cows that graze just on the other side of our fence line move from pasture to pasture crossing the creek as they travel. All along the creek where property lines meet there is cross fencing over the creek to keep the critters on their home turf. Occasionally a cow ducks under the fencing and is found several miles down stream. The cow people seem to know what cows belong to the different ranchers and calls are made to have the cow trailered back home. We sometimes see stray cows in our yard or pasture since they like to go where they want and finding a weak spot in the fencing is a welcome invitation to explore new territory. The fencing over the creek is sometimes called, Gap Fencing. The creek reflections have made for, "A Painting Day".



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Lingering Rapids - Ruth Andre


"Lingering Rapids"
8x10x1.5 inches, oil-wax on  panel
by Ruth Andre

The creek is quieting and the  rush of water is making quiet rippling rapids that seem to linger as they swirl around rocks and trees in the creek. The creek is also singing a quieter song but ever so peaceful.
It has been, "A Painting Day".

Monday, March 4, 2013

White Fish - Ruth Andre


"White Fish"
8x10x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

Today was filled with surprises and with each piece of good news it became harder and harder to concentrate and paint. I started two small paintings this morning with a very clear vision. Those paintings turned into two different paintings when I returned to my studio after lunch. Then those two paintings changed again as I made one change and then another. The harder I tried to stay focused on what was in my mind the less the paint seemed to move in that direction. Amazing how mind and hand have their own path. With all of that said I have to share with you that I have always wanted to go to Montana. Once a few years back I heard of a town called, Whitefish, and the name brought many thoughts to mind. One day I will head north and visit this most interesting state, Montana and enjoy its splendor. It has certainly been, "A Painting Day".

Friday, March 1, 2013

Creekside Daffodils - Ruth Andre


"Creekside Daffodils"
16x16x1.5 inches, oil-wax on panel
by Ruth Andre

The day started with a walk to the creek and up the hill to find a new calf just born. Momma cow was giving the calf a good cleaning. The calf looked just perfect resting on the green pasture grass with the sun warming it and the earth. As I was walking back to the house I noticed a grouping of daffodil sprouts along the hill leading to the creek. The daffodils are just now showing their green foliage but it won't be long and the pure yellow-gold blooms will follow. It has been,