 Day 9 - I was driving to Ellicottville this morning and noticed a few horses standing outside the barn on the corner of Hencoop Road. It was an interesting composition, but as I watched, the wind picked up and began playing with the snow on the roof of the barn. I decided to try to show that movement in todays painting. There is a very fine line when the white mixes with brownish gray and goes from snow to mud in the painting. Hmmm... and God makes it look so easy... 6" x 8", Oil on Gessoboard
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 Day 8 - Today I planned to pack my easel and supplies in the van and paint on location. I have this little swampy area in Eddyville that has always really intrigued me. I loaded the van and headed down the road, but it wasn't long before I realized that the wind was going to change my plans. I hit several whiteouts, but was amazed at how the snow seem to be alive, swirling and dancing. It was really very beautiful and I stopped and studied it for a few minutes, trying to figure out how I could paint that type of movement. It was during one of those whiteouts That I realized that this probably wasn't the safest thing to do (at least today anyway). If I couldn't see anyone, they couldn't see me either. I turned around and headed back to the studio and painted the scene I had want to paint, using a little artistic license. Tomorrow I'll give my mobile studio a try again. #stradaeasel "Eddyville" 8" x 6", Oil on gessobord $175
 Day 7 - Holy Cow!!! Painting at 11 degrees is quite a chilling experience. Today I went up to the park to get some cross country skiing in after I finished my painting. It took me a little longer to set up my easel because of the cold and having to answer a few questions about the trail, but I was finally ready to start. I decided to use latex gloves over my fleece gloves, which made it difficult to grip a brush, not to mention the difference in paint consistency... I really struggled to get the paint to move, partly due to the cold, but I had also run out of a medium that I use to thin the paint (of all days to run out...). I never did get to ski, but I learned that I need to rethink my gear for really cold temps. I'm still trying to warm up... Art Roscoe Trail 6" x 8", Oil on Gessobord $175
 Day 6 - Today was a busy day, filled with unexpected jobs and tonight the busyness continues. My painting today is the beginning sketch of a cemetery that I often stop to rest in, while riding my bicycle. You might think it's rather strange that I would choose a to rest in a cemetery, but I have always loved exploring them. While other kids moms would take them to playgrounds and amusement parks, our mom took us to explore local cemeteries. There's a lot you can learn in the cemetery… history, different types of stones, design... Even though that sounds quite educational, I also did my share of trying to totally freak out my sister, by telling her that the roots that ran through a wood chuck hole were actually bones… (sorry Tami). Today when I visit a cemetery my goal is always to find the oldest inhabitants. The cemetery that is the subject of today's painting can be found on Jersey Hollow Road. "Rest" 6" x 8" Oil on gessobord
 Day 5 - I didn't measure the snow this morning... I can tell you that when my pup Talon jumped off the last step, all but the end of his tail disappeared into fluffy white snow. I had to laugh at the sight of a red leash moving through the snow with 3 inches of a golden retriever tail following it. This little guy loves snow. Actually, we both do. Im one of those people who watches the weather report and hopes that the heaviest snowfall is right over my house. Today's total didn't disappoint and there is more on the way. While I was snow blowing the driveway, I noticed the old abandoned house across the road, was heavily blanketed in snow. The last few years have been rough on this old house and I think the old girl wont be standing for many more years. I cant help but think about what it must have looked like the year it was built... with that new lumber smell. Even though it is small, was it someones dream house? I had considered painting it last September during the last 30 in 30, but put it off. Today is it's day for a new coat of paint. "Dream House", 6" x 8" Oil on Gessobord. $175
 Day 4 - Today was my day to patrol at the park. When I arrived there was only one car in the parking lot and one set of cross country ski tracks that wove their way down the trail. I opted to take Stone Tower Trail with another patroller, giving Talon a little exercise. No need for snow shoes, the snow was light on the trails. I always like contrast of the trees in the winter and today there was a light hint of warmth in the background. As I sit here posting this painting, the wind is howling outside, swirling snow into a pitch black night. Tomorrow this woods will look totally different. "Gathering at Stone Tower Road"6" x 8" Oil on Gessobord. $175
 What a wet day... After a nice breakfast with friends I spent the morning searching out a subject to paint. There were a few obstacles such as melting, dirty snow, rain, slush rain, overcast gray skies, rain (did I say rain...) Painting in snow isn't all that bad, but rain... that's a different story. I decided that I had to find a place inside to paint. I've painted often in barns, being a farm kid. Not only is it dry, but the filtered light is often beautiful. I started painting this piece with smooth brush strokes, but soon found that leaving the brush strokes more pronounced gave it warmth and a needed texture. Tomorrow we are back to snow... ah, I love western New York. "White Washed" 8" x 6" Oil on gessobord
 Day 2 - I pass these sheep every time I go to Cattaraugus. Usually they are just standing around doing sheep Things, but one morning, I was delighted to watch them crossing the little creek to get to better pastures. They did not wade across (their mothers must have warned them about getting wool wet...lol), instead they bounced across. It was not the graceful leap of a horse or the clumsy waddle of a cow, it looked like their legs were spring loaded. what fun to watch. Do any of you know where I found these sheep today? "The Jumpers"
6" x 8" Oil on Gessobord. $175  Day 1 - Sorry for the silence, but from October to the end of December I am always busy working on watercolor commissions for Christmas. Now that the holidays are over, it's time to dive into another challenge. January 1 marks the first day of a 31 in 31 challenge. For those of you that just started following my page this challenge consist of painting a painting every day during the month of January. I'm looking forward to capturing some of the beautiful winter scenes I've been enjoying lately. Today, I decided to work on one of the plein air painting's that I started in October when I was in Assateague. Please check back often to follow this crazy new adventure. Ponies 6" by 8" $175
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Robin Zefers ClarkPull up a chair, put up your feet and listen to a few stories while the paint dries. Archives
October 2020
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