Author. Artist.
Thursday, May 11, 2017 Today I am working on a journal that will be a record of my time here at the battlefield. For this project, I started with an old book I found in an antique store. It was falling apart, but had good […]
As I reflect on my two weeks at the park, I remember the people, landscape, history, and animals that came together to make the experience so meaningful. Each day the park introduced me to something or someone new – the golden field of buttercups at […]
Monday, May 8, 2017
Mixed media day! I was excited to begin work on a fun new project that combines history and nature with images and words from the battlefield. I’ve been thinking about this idea for a while and was anxious to get all of my “stuff” out and get started. Mixed media is fun to work with as it gives the artist so much freedom to explore avenues of expression. I set up out on the back patio of the park headquarters building where the staff was kind enough to give me temporary studio space. 
For this project, I began with a blank canvas treated with gesso. Then I combined copies of old battlefield maps, diary extracts, bits from letters, and quotes – all layered on the canvas. After trying several layouts, I settled on the one that I felt gave a good representation of battlefield and nature. These words and images were gleaned from research at the park library. This is the first part of my final project to be donated to the park.
During my Artist-in-Residence time at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, I had every intention of writing and posting on this blog each day. But, that didn’t happen and though I missed some of those daily deadlines due to a creative struggle between writing and painting/drawing, […]
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 After a brief introduction to supplies on hand (including my favorite watercolor pencils) we dispersed a bit to find our own spot to reflect and record our impressions. The history of this place provides an interesting background for our journaling. Soldiers, […]
Sunday, September 20
Wow, that two weeks went by quickly. Today I leave Cabin 16 and Catoctin Mountain Park.
This morning as I reflect on the last two weeks here, I remember the people, creatures, and landscape that made the experience so meaningful. Each morning the forest introduced me to someone or something new. I met so many nice people at each of my programs and enjoyed sketching with them. I also “met” creatures new to me and expanded my knowledge of the insect world.
I have loved learning the sights and sounds of Catoctin. I was fortunate to learn more about the character of the area by hiking some of the trails. The history of the area is fascinating and shows how even after the tolls of the local furnace and charcoal making, the land has re-emerged with healthy ecosystems.
Cabin 16, well what can I say? I was privileged to stay in a place so wonderfully built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Work Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937 and later gave solace to soldiers from WWII. I am thankful to be a part of her sheltering story, even for a short time. She has served me well as studio, resting place, and Artist-in-Residence HQ.
Thank you to Ranger Peggie Gaul who coordinated my stay and programs, for her encouragement, support, and friendship. Thank you to Rangers Austin, Gary, John, and Dave who put up with me when I wanted to ask about trees or animals or just chat. My gratitude also to Barbara, the camp host, who brought me brownies, apple dumplings, and great conversation.
To Catoctin Forest Alliance, thank you for the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the rich history and nature of the area and encourage others to observe and record their thoughts about it.
Most importantly, thank you to my family who have always supported me in my ventures and adventures. My husband, Clay, hiked the Camino de Santiago this summer and I had my personal journey in Catoctin. Now we are off to hike together in Austria and the Czech Republic. This has been an exciting year, especially with the birth of our granddaughter, Quinn, who is already a hiker and lover of the outdoors.
Finally, thank you to those of you who were kind enough to read my posts about this fun episode in my life. I will be posting photos of the journals that I worked on as I complete them, along with other journaling tips.
Saturday, September 19, 2015 I hear so many different birds this morning – Maybe they flew in for the weekend. This is my favorite time to sit outside at the picnic table. The light is soft and the Catoctin Mountains slowly awaken. Sunlight glints off […]
Friday, September 18, 2015 Good morning Catoctin! Joining me at sunrise today are the usual suspects – bluejays, cardinals, woodpeckers and a few songbirds I have not heard here before. I love waking up with these wonderful creatures in this lovely neighborhood. Today I am […]
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Good Morning, Catoctin!
Being an artist and writer, I love noticing details. Even after sitting at my picnic table studio each day for almost two weeks, I continue to see new things. This is an important lesson – give everyday life and its contents a second or third look – and see the beauty therein.
Looking up from my work, I see the trees that keep me shaded. Near the table I see what looks like a little terrarium garden.
Cabin 16 awaits another visitor today. My dear friend Diane is driving up and bringing lunch. We have been friends since our children met at the bus stop on the first day of kindergarten – 26 years ago. I am looking forward to her visit and anxious to show her around.
Later-
Diane and I hiked, dined al fresco, and then sketched outside. Another wonderful gift of a day.
I completed another piece for the journal this afternoon.
Later-
Very noisy group in the campground tonight. Cannot hear anything but them. Wonder what the real night owls are thinking. . .
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 This morning drove down to the library to finish and post blogs. I am trying hard to update the blog every few days, though sometimes I don’t want to leave camp. I do enjoy writing about this wonderful experience and want […]
