Nature's statement

It's Autumn here in NorthWest Georgia. The air is crisp, the sun is bright and the trees are showing their wonderfully bright colors.

Dalton (GA) Saturday Market

This fellow was selling delicious green beans at last week's Dalton Saturday Market. It's located at Dalton Green, a small park beside the courthouse. Market will be held there every Saturday 7:00am til 1:00pm through September.

historic Varnell House

While scouting painting venues for our artists, we have found many historical sites. The Varnell House is located in NW Georgia, near Varnell. Apparently it saw some action during the Civil War.

at Barnsley Gardens

...looking at the fountain in the formal gardens from inside Barnsley Garden ruins..

Bloomers in Tunnel Hill

These beautiful pear trees line the street leading beside the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center. In the distance you can see the covered bridge and further on is Chetoogeta Mountain. The historic railroad tunnel isn't visible, although it's to the right beyond the bridge. This photo was taken in mid-March. The white blossoms are gone now - lots of rain and wind - but the other trees are 'furry' with their Spring buds. Come visit us in Tunnel Hill.

same song, different verse

We've had so much rain in the past few days...the creek is over its banks in Harry Griffin Park.




It's quite a different sight than when we were there painting not too long ago.

disappearing

Old barns can be seen beside secondary highways in this North Georgia area. Most have been abandoned, left standing simply because it costs too much to tear them down. There's beauty in the rusted tin roofs, weathered timbers and simple architecture. These structures are fast disappearing, and it's sad that we don't seem to see them at all. We're in such a rush getting from Point A to Point B that we hardly notice these icons of an era inhabited by our grandparents. I sometimes imagine a barn, newly built, with its farm implements hanging on hooks, the sweet smell of hay and the scurry of mouse feet.

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.

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.

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.

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!

first leaves of Autumn

Don't you love the first leaves of Autumn??? Everything has been so green-green all Summer. Then one morning you notice the slight chill in the air. A few days later you're walking in the back yard and a colorful flutter catches your eye. You look up and there's the first Autumn leaf. A wonderful miracle. The color has been there all the time --- just hidden by the green chlorophyll. It's like the leaves are shedding their green costumes of Summer and we're seeing their "true colors shining through".

weeds by the wayside

Yes, they are weeds. Their colors are the same as flowers in our gardens - flowers we've bought, planted, watered, cared for. But these are free to enjoy as we pass them by on our busy way to somewhere else. Enjoy nature's garden as you go from here to there.

Chickamauga Creek

This is another view looking East on Chickamauga Creek in Ringgold, GA. This was taken last year ('07) but it won't be too long before the leaves lose their costumes of green and once again glow in their Autumn finery. I need to get away and visit there again.....

more Southern lights

Late evening Southern lights are a wonderous sight. Catching them requires watching the sky just before sundown. The clouds seem to magically catch those last rays as the sun dips below the horizon. And in just a few moments - they're gone.

North Georgia red clay

North Georgia has red clay soil. This photo was taken just before sundown as the sun's rays hit the embankment behind a small company near Rocky Face, GA. I love the colorful South!

first Fall leaves

Leaves are starting to turn here in North Georgia. The first golden edged leaves are beginning to drop and there's a chill in the early morning air. It's time to trade open toed sandals for socks and sneakers, and grab a light jacket as you head out the door. Christmas is just around the bend.