From Ancestral Places

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st during the annual "Cherokee Days of Recognition" at Red Clay State Park near Cleveland, TN.... $85 including shipping....

Cherokee Garden

8"x10" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st while early fog obscured the mountain and nearby meadow. This small garden is part of the replica Cherokee village at Red Clay State Park near Cleveland, TN. Its vegetables are the "three sisters" - corn, beans and squash. Sunflowers were an added treasure. Purchase this original painting for $85 including shipping.

Let the Sun Shine

10"x8" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on August 1st (completed at 10:25am)...$85 including shipping...This was the second plein air of the day at the "Cherokee Days of Recognition" held at Red Clay State Park near Clevenland, TN. This sunflower stood in a small garden near the replica settlement.

today at Red Clay

I painted at Red Clay State (TN) Park today during the annual "Cherokee Days of Recognition". These were shot in (bad) indoor lighting, but at least you can see that three paintings made their way home with me. I'll get better images and post them soon with the accompanying explanations/stories/thoughts.

works in progress

The darker greens behind the spring house will be adjusted and the shadows punched up.
The foliage has taken over this painting! It really needs more work.
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This painting was started in very late afternoon - 8:15 - and needs to be revisited. Right now it's in the 'cartoony' stage.
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being in the right place at the right time.....

While painting in Red Clay Park last week, I was interviewed by a reporter from the Chattanooga News Freepress. Pictures taken, questions asked - the whole thing done impromptu.

Being in the right place at the right time does occasionally happen. I was glad I had business cards with me. If you'd care to read the story, I've included the link. There is no photo here, but that's ok. I was dressed for painting - not having my picture taken.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/may/06/cleveland-red-clay-spotlight/

Eternal Flame at Red Clay

Today was windy at Red Clay State Park. I had to tape my canvas to the easel so it didn't fly away! This painting isn't quite finished yet - needs some tweaking here and there. The painting on my easel is standing in the shade, so it appears darker than the trees. The subject is the eternal flame located on a knoll overlooking the council house. I may return in a few days, painting in hand, to finish.

Red Clay is a wonderful place to visit. It's quiet - a great place to get away from the rest of the world.

Red Clay Council House

11" x 14" oil on stretched canvas - painted en plein air -
This is a study of the Cherokee council house located at Red Clay Park in Cleveland, TN. The day was overcast with very brief moments of sun. The colors appeared to be muted and all the greens seemed to run together. I painted what I saw, but from the start I could see that the lighting left a lot to be desired. I do intent to return later, possibly taking this study. I was intrigued by the large tree on the left which appears to be pointing towards the council house. There is an annual powwow held at the park on the first weekend in August - this year being on the 4th and 5th. Everyone is welcome.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net