Fowler Farms
Yesterday I went back to the farm that supports Farm Burger and Farm 255. I got to meet John and Holly Ivy, who own and live on the farm. They were super hospitable and I got to learn a lot about the place I've been painting lately.
The farm itself is Fowler Farms (become a fan of theirs on Facebook), and it has been in continuous operation since 1818. It was built by Holly's family from the beginning, and their children are the ninth generation to grow up there. The very spot I painted from last time is the highest point in Clarke County, Georgia. The settlers found the high ground and built a full farming community in the early 1800's. You feel so much more in tune with a landscape when you learn about the rich history around it.
There were a few ominous looking clouds on the horizon. If you read my last blog post, you'll see why that concerned me. I didn't want to be three for three on having my painting session cut short. The rain moved around me though. It moved over and about, so I got in a good couple of hours.
Due to the potential bad weather, I did stick close to the barns, and unfortunately the Fowler cows didn't oblige me. However, I did bring two models with me - our bluetick Illy and our new little terrier mutt Clyde! While I was painting, they were keeping cool in a shade by the fence. Toward the end, the clouds were much darker and I could tell Illy was paying them close attention. So I put them in at the end, and had the feeling of one of those old pastoral paintings that included dogs.
It was a great day, and the dogs loved it (both playing at the farm and being immortalized in art). Many thanks to the Ivys for letting us hang out in their pasture again.
Submitted by donthacker on Sun, 2010-07-18 09:40
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