Southern Lights

This is another version of what I call Southern Lights. There is actually an atmospheric phenomenon of southern lights (akin to the famous northern lights) in the southern hemisphere. Georgia's Southern Lights are actually the setting sun reflecting off cloud formations. This makes an awesome sight just before sundown.

one more month

It's just one more month until Winter officially sets in. The trees are still showing scattered blazes of color, but more bare limbs are due very soon. It's sad to see the land 'close up shop' for a few months. There'll be no 'new grass green' greens for awhile, and the crocus won't peek through the frosty ground until early Spring. Just a few inches of snow fall is usually all we get here in the South. Maybe I'll post some Summer photos in February.

Fort Keys foliage

On this day, November 20th, last year I painted this 8"x10" oil. Several people asked if I had "tweaked" the foliage colors. I usually reply that I don't have to exaggerate Nature's coloring...I just have to see it with an artist's eye. The accompanying photograph shows an almost identical coloring in adjacent trees this year.
Contact me for purchase at beejw@charter.net. The price is $85 including shipping.

Crawfish Springs - November 2006

Crawfish Springs in November of 2006 was a fairyland of crystal water, reflected Fall foliage and sparkling sunshine. A few days ago I drove by and saw that it is almost overrun by the aquatic plants...and the water level is scarcely visible. The extended drought has left its effects.

Fort Mountain overlook

Yesterday my friend, Gail, and I had a girls' day out. You thought we went shopping, didn't you?? Actually we did...but not at the mall. We took an hour's trip across Fort Mountain from Murray to Gilmer County, GA. We just had to stop at this overlook and marvel at the rolling mountains, the layers of clouds and the endless colors of North Georgia in Autumn. Our trip took us to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge. It's worth a trip to Blue Ridge to see this gorgeous land. Click on the image to show detail.

gentle waters running

Except for the occasional passing car, the only sounds near the creek bank were the gurgle of gentle waters running and the rustle of Autumn leaves falling. It's as though the land is closing up shop for the season.

crossing the Mississippi

Remember how big everything was when you were a kid?? This little stream could be the Mississippi river through the eyes of a child. I sometimes slow down to remember how I perceived things when I was little. It's a version of 'thinking outside the box'.

on the morning side of the mountain

Recently while visiting Cloudland Station, I was reminiscing about Granddad's farm. I would play for endless hours on the old wagon. It was my pirate ship, my island, my playhouse...my special place. In my child's mind, it would always be there...but it was gone all too quickly. Now whenever I see an old farm wagon, I am transported back to those carefree days.

Did you bring your fishin' pole??

This brought back memories of fishing with my Dad when I was a little girl. We'd sit for hours with our lines in the water. When he wasn't looking I'd lift mine out of the water and inspect the dead worm...wondering why any fish would want that for lunch. I didn't catch many fish, but I did catch memories.

reflections of Fall

Hearing the babble of running water is always soothing to the soul. Sitting beside a stream, one can reflect upon the day's journey, the path chosen and the future unknown.

Mountain Cove barn

I know in photography as well as painting composition, the focal point should not be centered in the frame/canvas. However, this barn sitting on a hill's crest held such a commanding presence, I couldn't help putting it there. This is one of many barns located at Mountain Cove Farm in Walker County, GA. With the sky's bold blue canopy and surrounding Fall foliage, the barn appeared to glow in the late morning sunlight.

Mountain Cove Farm

Yesterday Sandra and I drove to Mountain Cove Farm located in Walker County, Georgia. It is over 1800 acres of beautiful farmland held by the county and State in their land preservation program. The Fall foliage was a wonder to see! The mountains were shrouded in a pale lavender mist early, but the striking colors became bolder as the day passed. We painted for several hours, then had a picnic under a tree. What a way to spend a glorious Autumn day!

view from the tree house

Of course you can't resist climbing into a tree house...no matter what your age. This view presented as I climbed onto the balcony of the Cloudland Station tree house. The child inside me shouted, "Look at me!!"

tree house at Cloudland Station

There's a fantasy land at Cloudland Station, just south of Flintstone, GA. A group of investors started this planned community on a 420 acre tract of land located "on the morning side of (Lookout) the mountain". This photo shows the tree house located beside a small creek. My camera took about 60 photos of the beautiful landscape, so you'll be seeing more here. If you'd like to visit the Firefly Communities website for more information, you can find it at http://www.fireflycommunities.com/. Four members of the Southern Plein Air Painters group took advantage of the 70+ degree day and finished several paintings en plein air.