Blog

Although the Collector's Party has yet to happen, I wanted to drop this quick note of thanks for the greatest gift we will take home with us.

As I write Kathie is painting on this, morning seven, at John Kemp's Anchorage Farm near the Unionville Bridge. As usual, she awoke early and allowed me to tag along for the first light hunt, which is always an adventure!

But when we pulled onto Kemp's farm, an emotion quietly landed on us that is hard to explain… something close to reverence. Dual silos anchored the land as barns, sheds and outbuildings sat quietly within working distance of their parents. Dwarves by today's standards, the 35-footers were wrapped in chocolate and caramel tiles, slightly curved to consider the tubed walls to which they clung. An eight-foot wide cascade of trumpet vine split the cute couple.

Every sound heard and angle seen hinted at a long-past story still in gentle process. “Where do I begin?” Kathie whispered, as a century of sweat and harvest traced the breeze. This was a place ever so softly living in remembrance.

It is this that both plein air painting and you give to each artist here on the Eastern Shore… the chance to have an unhindered dialogue with a place. Yes, paintings will sell at the party. And yes, artists, collectors and the Avalon Foundation will enjoy a win-win-win evening. But nothing will replace the gentle process that does an inaudible work within us. That gentle process of hunt, dialogue, work and rest.

For working your ass off that this may be accomplished, Kathie and I are thankful.

Buddy