shenandoah

Another river study today, this time of the much wider Shenandoah. This is a river of magic for me, winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to flashing, elusive fish and the dreams of a younger me.

virginia creek study

This week I have been thinking about rivers and streams as possible subjects for a commission this summer. One of my assignments is to depict a stream or river winding through flat country. I came across this lovely creek image from a painting trip with my friend Stephanie several years ago in the Shenandoah River valley. It took me right back to that extremely hot day, when we painted as fast as we could to beat the afternoon thunderstorm.

harpeth day

Today was one of those days that defines what life is all about. We spent most of it floating past some of the most beautiful countryside in the area, canoeing on the Harpeth River. The weather was balmy, and since it followed two days of rain, the river was nice and high...a good thing on a river that is notoriously low in mid-summer. We lost count of turtles sunning themselves on logs and plopping into the water at first sight of us. The Canada Geese and Great Blue Herons were not so shy, though, and let us get within a few feet of them. The only wildlife I didn't want to see was the watersnake that Umber stepped on-- I was just thankful it wasn't one of the venomous species we have encountered on previous trips! Now slightly sore and sunburned, I will rest easy tonight, restored by the river.