A Little Summer on a Snowy Day

Snow is on the ground here in the Adirondacks. We have just returned from sunny, snowless Massachusetts. The closer to home we got the whiter the landscape became. Snow was in the air and by the time we reached the driveway the vehicle that was left behind was under 3" of fresh snow. This, on top of the month's accumulation of several snow falls. It is a trip like that that makes me wonder why I have lived here for so long. I know the weather well, so why is it such a deal? No answer.

What I did with snow on the ground is typical Adirondack crazy - at least for me. I planted tulips. What you say? Yes, I did. It had to be done. I posted the event online and Robin Caudell saw a story. Here it is.

https://www.pressrepublican.com/news/adk-dirt-witch-defies-odds/article_e051ec7c-a9c9-5909-85a0-f6f9cf4f4a56.html

Meantime I will start sharing the 2019 calendar paintings. Invitation is good for starters. This was made mid-August during the Adirondack Plein Air Festival. It is along the Saranac River, a favorite place of mine to paint.

 My calendars are available here

Breakneck Speed of Summer.

Late August and I can feel the fall sneaking into my motions. There is a coolness to the air that is not the same coolness that has been part of this summers recalcitrant appearance in the Adirondacks. No, this coolness had the little whisper that says, "It's time to get ready."

Misty Messages - August 2015

But I am not ready! August moved way too fast beginning with the Morristown Plein Air Festival where four pieces and a couple of mini studies were made, framed and hung in 3 days time. Then a large family celebration with visitors from 3000 miles away and as close as a mile away attending. Then yet another painting event last week- this time close to home - the Adirondack Plein Air Festival with five paintings made in four days.

No, not ready for fall - a grand girl entering college for the first time and the younger heading back to 3rd grade before Labor Day. Not ready at all.

Toys Awaiting Boys II - August 2015

There is Face to Face looming.
My goal this coming month is to continue the framing and get it done before the end of September. It has to happen. So many other jobs to do once they are completed.

I need help.
I need help with the on-line campaign that was set up almost two months ago to close with a bang in September.
Surely everyone can use a 2016 calendar? Or a print of a painting or an original. Yes I am thanking contributors with gifts.

Please do consider and act to support the campaign. Your help allows me focus on getting the framing of all 185 faces complete so we can view faces drawn to Saranac Lake in 2014 in style.

Go to: https://adirondackgives.org/campaigns/face-face-drawn-saranac-lake-lets-get-framed/   
To stay updated sign up up for the blog or better yet sign up for the Thumbprints of Diane Leifheit Newsletter on my website. Thank you.

Artliveslong, Diane

This post is dedicated to Henry Parness with much love.  

Henry 1925 - 2015

Aaahh April, the month that keeps you guessing.

Aprils painting was made in August during the Adirondack Plein Air Festival in Saranac Lake.

There is this slow moving creek/river that I drive by at least a million times a year. One drives by and you turn your head the full 90 degrees just to look at the scene. At one point this fall I was heading home during a more than spectacular sunset and had to stop to take reference photos. But that is a story for another day.

"In the Flow"11x14 April Calendar Pic

I finally made a point to go and paint the view that wants me to drive off the road at least 5 times a week. Not an easy spot to paint. I had to set my easel up on a 45 degree angle bank. Wished I had the agility of a mountain goat to stay stable in such a precarious setup. It was a lovely day, sun on my back, cool air in my face. 

This particular day I was very sad - thinking of a good friend who passed away that week. I made it for him. I hope he is smiling wherever he is.

Currently this painting "In the Flow" is available at The Adirondack Artists' Guild in Saranac Lake.