105. Color Guard

'Color Guard'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ack. This is why I don't paint people very often. They're tough!  

Truth be told, I nearly wiped this off in complete frustration last night, but, after sleeping on it, I muscled ahead, and I'm glad I did.

I could go on and on fiddling with it, but that's enough learning for one painting; -- time to move on! ;)

This scene is from our town's Independence Day parade -- the Color Guard starting things off. Ok, a confession. I cannot witness a passing of the colors or a rendition of our national anthem (no matter how poorly sung) without welling up. Even reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at my son's school assemblies turns me into a puddle! 

Lest you think I'm some sort of super-patriot, I do the same thing watching sports - the younger the players, the more pathetic I am. Don't let your small children go scoring any touchdowns or baskets 'round me, - I'm likely to burst into tears. :)  

Seriously, though - this sight at the parade brings all to their feet, as it should; - respect shown to the flag and those who carry it. 

Grateful.

sold

104. Two Squirts

'Two Squirts'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Whew! Summer is Busy! 

But, the best part is nearly upon us -- my parents and one of my sisters and her family are visiting from Minnesota! I can't wait to see them all this weekend and meet the latest sweet little niece. :)

In the midst of all the busy, I managed to sneak in a little painting today and boy did that feel good. I found these little squirts at a yard sale a few weeks ago. Squirt is one of my top three soda (I mean pop) flavors - but I've never seen the vintage glass bottle version. 

Love 'em - especially the twisty-glass one. 

Oh, and the sweet slogan - 'Never an after-thirst'. 

Wish I had one right now.

sold

103. Fair Barns

'Fair Barns'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A couple of weeks ago, my guys and I went to our local county fair. 

I've lived here for nine years and this was my first time - a travesty!

When I was a kid, I don't think we ever missed the fair - I lost many a burger-flipping-earned dollar trying to win cheap prizes at silly, rigged carnival games, and wandered through oodles of barns and buildings checking out animals and 4-H projects. It was the highlight of our summer! 

My current county's fair lived up to all my fuzzy, youthful memories. The weather was perfect, the crowds were light, and the fair attractions were spot-on. It was my boys first fair (that they remember), and it was really cool seeing it all through their eyes. The horse barns, the cute, cute goats, the alligator(!), the rides, and especially the food. Oh, wonderful fair food. I'm still dreaming about those beignets (they called them fritters). Oh, yum.

Anyway, as we left, the setting sun did a lovely number on these horse barns. Can't resist a long, long shadow. :)

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