I have no problem being present in the fall: Being outside, listening to the wind rustling leaves in the trees; bike rides; apples from the orchard; colorful leaves falling; collecting acorns, nuts and samaras; long walks with my dog; and trying to capture some of this in my art.
This leaf rubbing was created in a Greek restaurant (on the paper placemat) after a hike at Boundary Bridge with my buddy Melanie last fall. I was so excited by all the trees we saw on the hike, I couldn’t resist rubbing the freshly collected leaves with color sticks.
The summer was great. My days were filled with drawing and painting in my sketchbooks from the garden and from the car as i traveled south, north and to the midwest. Taking walks and hikes, kayaking, working in the garden, and visiting with family and friends.
mixed media sketch
Now is the time to prepare for the Fall Studio Tour in less than 4 weeks, I can’t believe it is already upon us. That deadline helps me focus on finishing art that can be put in a frame and setting the studio up for customers. It is easy to be consumed with finishing art, photographing art, framing art, social media, cleanup work in the studio and garden tasks, and all the clerical work.
As I finish these essential tasks, the fall season is rich in color for painting, the mountain is calliing me for a hike, the dog wants a walk, and my new bike is sitting inside waiting to be taken out on the road. I am lucky to have this life in the country, just hope I can work that studio tour list..
A hummingbird just flew nearby to drink from a late blooming Lobelia cardinalis, life is good when I can be present in these moments outside in nature.
Morningstar Art & Nature 
