Day 1 of October sketches. A few years ago we made a rather eclectic house for our dog, Gypsy. We made rock walls. Crenellated ridge along the roof line, and a swinging sign that similar to those from Victorian times boasted “Gypsy Cottage”. I sculpted a round window for the back inspired by Church windows. So in addition to NOT being framed properly square, it was a fun place for Gypsy to curl up in and she loved it!

Gypsy passed away a couple of years ago, so we replaced the swinging sign with a solar lantern, and now use it is a decorative place for sculptures!

This particular sculpture was one that I assisted Dr Gore (with whom I apprenticed under for sculpture), the original is in a private collection and is bronze. My husband created the mold for the bronze cast and we asked Dr Gores permission to use the mold so we could create a copy on stoneware clay. So a treasure for our family as well!

Sculpture: “On the Flight to Egypt” stoneware clay, 36”

Clay reproduction from the original bronze by Dr. Sam Gore in 2000

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Day 2, October sketches

For Mother’s Day every year, the family works with me on a project. Years ago it was to create an olde world fountain outside my studio. So I created the sculptural elements and the design, and we all built it.

Our home “Arcanum” was built in 1852, so this fountain blends very well with the history surrounding it.

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Day 5 October Sketches

Because I love Tennessee.

Because I love the rocks and stones here.

“Even the rocks would cry out…”

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Day 4 October Sketches

If you’re coming to WarTrace for the festival and saunter past the Well House, let me know if the spider’s web is still there!

“Had a dry summer…”

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Day 4 - October Sketches

It's like waiting for the TRAIN!

I saw this cut wee snail slowly making his way up the bell we use outside to call in the kids when they were younger.

Watching his SLOW progress reminded me of another SLOW progress that is often found in WarTrace......

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Day 6 October Sketches

Iron Rooster in my Garden

- my Nod to the French

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Day 3, October sketches

Yesterday I posted my Arcanum Lion Fountain, today it is the backdrop for an endless unfolding drama. (Not the pair of raccoons whom we’ve named Bonnie and Clyde because they were stealing the cat food and washing their hands in the fountain)

This story is about our outside studio kitty. We turn the fountain off at night and then she comes and waits patiently, ever hoping to catch the frog who has taken up residence in the fountain. Our fountain frog has striped hind legs, so we named him Jeremy Fisher as a nod to the book by Beatrix Potter. Our kitty’s name is Penwiper (hats off to anyone who recognizes that literary reference.). Though she has waited for hours and days, yea, even pounced into the fountain getting her front half soaked, she has yet to achieve her long dreamt of goal in catching Jeremy Fisher. But, as we all know…. Hope Springs Eternal…

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Day 8 October Sketches

“I’m ever Drawn to Sculpture”

Spending time in the cemetery at WarTrace is a joy to me; wandering and seeing the beautiful sculptures and memorials. I’ll probably be doing more sketches from this beautiful place.

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Day 7 October Sketched

“Autumn ‘Poking’ and ‘Creeping’ around the Corner”

Catch the reference???

Poke Berry!

Virginia Creeper!

Day 11 October Sketches.

From my meanderings in the beautiful cemetery. “Sentinel”.

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Day 10, October Sketches

“Stone Fox with Lantern at Dusk”

Years ago a friend gave me this fox but he was broken in several pieces. So I repaired him and placed him up on the hill under the trees where I can see him from the studio. The Ivy has grown up around him so it looks like he’s prancing among it. This spring in a bit of whimsy, I put a solar lantern suspended from his mouth.

The squirrels still sit on his back and when they face the right way, look like they are riding him like a forest steed!

The deer, however, weren’t too sure about the lantern addition and I was vastly amused at one Buck that came close to charging him!

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Day 12 - October Sketched

Again… with the cat! But her mix matched parentage of grey stripy and calico is just too fun to draw!

However, no fear, I will not fill the rest of this month with cat sketches!

“Autumn Kitty”

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Day 14 - October Sketches

Beauty Crystalized in Stone

WarTrace cemetery, such a beautiful place!

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Day 9 October Sketches

“I’m really more of a dog person. However. This cat…

Autumn Kitty”

Born in September 2019, under The Celtic Cup Coffee House, her mother was a calico, her daddy a grey striped tiger, she was the runt of the litter and abandoned during a fierce storm. Chris and Denise found her and needing a home, she came to us! A true mixed up palette of calico and grey stripes, her front legs striped in different colors! God must have really enjoyed creating her!

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Day 13 - October Sketches

Hidden Gem of Architecture in WarTrace

Does anyone know where this is at?

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Day 15 - October Sketches

Hewn in Stone

WarTrace Cemetery

I suppose being a sculptor myself I find that I really enjoy drawing sculptural elements. Even when I sketch at museums 95% of my sketches are of sculptures instead of paintings.

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