Saying Good Bye - 2013

"Creekside Daffodils" 

16"x16"x1.5" oil & mixed medium on board

by Ruth Andre

Saying, good-bye is one of the hardest things for me to do. It takes considerable effort to leave a favorite person or place and move on and letting go. The year 2013 has been filled with many events, struggles and victories. I feel as if I have grown as a painter and as a person. For the past three months I have been traveling and getting things settled in our old home in Sikeston, Missouri. The time spent with friends, soaking up the mid-west lifestyle and walking the fertile farm ground has been such a delight. I laugh at myself sometimes as I remember the good times my husband and I spent on our farm. We had horses and dogs and cats. We farmed and we experimented with new crops. We made a life in a new land and made friends with those that thought people from California were a little different. I sometimes ask, why did we leave? I am still asking the same question as we get ready for the final move. I have learned how important my friends really are and how easy it is to laugh and cry with those you love. It is winter here in Sikeston and we have had a tornado, snow and heavy rains during our visit. I know spring is not far off and the daffodils will find their way to peak through from their dormant winter sleep both here in Sikeston and our new home in Sutter Creek, California. The painting above, "Creekside" is a nod to both my lost home and my new home. May your New Year be filled with all that you enjoy and may your dreams fill your heart. I am looking forward to getting back to my studio and enjoying many, "A Painting Day".

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Sky Walking - Ruth Andre

"Sky Walking"

Digital Painting by Ruth Andre

This post is more to check in and wish you all a wonderful holiday. I have been traveling since October 16th and have a few more weeks to go before heading back home to California. I have been in the Mid-West and have been enjoying visiting the farm community of Sikeston, MO. My husband and I lived here for several years and farmed. We loved living here and we loved the people and we totally loved the farming life. It has been good to be back and we have enjoyed seeing old friends. With the weather being so cold and with much to accomplish, my traditional painting has been put on hold. The painting today is a digital image created on my iPad using a sensu brush.  If you have not painted digitally you have missed out on a lot of fun. It won't be long and I will be back in the studio for, "A Painting Day".

Have a wonderful love filled holiday!

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Winter Creek - Ruth Andre

This is a painting I did a few months ago. It got set back and forgotten. The scene is of the stream that ran through our Missouri farm pasture separating one field from the next. It is a vision of a very cold day on the farm and it reminds me of where I am living right now with the winter rains and overcast days. It is cold too! Like many of you I am busy with Christmas, getting packages wrapped ready to ship. The holidays are busy but fun and I do love giving special gifts to those important people in my life. I hope you are all enjoying the holidays.  Once the packages are on their way and the house is decorated I do hope to have, "A Painting Day".

"Winter Creek" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Wing Master - Ruth Andre

This painting is dedicated to a good friend that I lost this past week. Judy was always bigger than life and loved color. I used to tease Judy by telling her if it is not overdone it is just not Judy. She always went the extra mile no matter her assigned task. Judy is missed and will always be loved. I hope Judy is soaring in her beautiful new life. This has been a day full of memories that made for, "A Painting Day".

"Wing Master" 4x10 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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This is a special old oak tree, one that was a haven on our farm in Missouri. It was a strong tree and survived the farmer's ax. Trees are not welcome most times in the middle of a growing field but this one was spared. I used to stand under this tree and watch my horses as they grazed in the pasture. It was a place to listen to the rustling grass and singing birds. The memories flood my mind as I remember the many trips to the pasture to bring in the horses for the night. All four horses would hang out at the back of the pasture and once I arrived they would race to the front gate. It was a game and I always enjoyed seeing their unleashed freedom and willingness to run. Taking a step back to remember, made for, "A Painting Day".

"Solitary Oak" 5x7 inches, oil on canvas bye Ruth Andre

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Wood Haven

Today I decided to revisit the painting I finished yesterday. I changed to a smaller canvas and mixed up a variety of paints that, at least to me to have more energy. The colors are stronger and have more feeling. Working with color made for, "A Painting Day".

"Farmlands II" 6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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