Dixon Farmland

Our group went to the farms of Dixon this morning. The sun was bright and the early chill burned off. We found this irrigation ditch that was having a bridge built. The gates of the dam were just being lifted. A great waterfall erupted but it was soon over. There are many of these ditches throughout the flatlands of Dixon and they are key to raising crops. I liked the sweep of the banks and the rocks lining the sides. A distant barn can be seen along with some green eucalyptus trees. The sky was streaked but I chose to put in some small clouds instead of white streaks.

The Barn on 87D

The weather is nice again and our group was out painting on Wednesday morning. I have seen a big change in this barn which was a favorite subject in years past. The owners have horses, goats and sheep in and out of the barn. They have put new siding up on two sides along with canvas covers. Many of the old gaps are now patched. It is obviously more secure now but for me, less charming as a subject. I worked wet into wet and let the color of the wood mix with several different chroma. When almost dry, I went in and defined some of the boards.The horses never were still. I think they were excited by the painters. They went in and out and mostly stayed inside.

The Bone Yard

The warm weather is back and a group of us went to Grizzly Ranch to paint. Lots of material here with marshes, barns, rolling hills and rusting farm equipment. I seem to be drawn to this area, known as the bone yard. As the morning moved on the temperature rose, and soon sweaters, shirts and hats were peeled off. I had my umbrella which allows me to stand out in the middle of a pasture and keep the sun off of my painting and my head. Grizzly Ranch needs a return visit.