My studio space

My studio currently is in one of the out-buildings on my parent's farm, which used to be a large tobacco farm and processing center. Originally 20 acres, it was purchased by my grandparents nearly 100 years ago. My grandfather grew broad-leaf tobacco, which is used for the wrapping on fine cigars. In fact... this area of CT, which includes South Windsor and East Windsor (along the CT river) is called Tobacco Valley. Back at the height of production, there were 4 tobacco sheds on the property (where it was cured and dried), and a warehouse where it was packed, crated and shipped from. This warehouse is now where my studio is, in a room towards the back. This room was the "Sweat Room"-- a room where the packed crates were literally 'sweated' in high heat to remove all the moisture from the leaves and wood. Even still, on humid days, you can smell the tobacco in the wood. Its very different from cigar or cigarette smoke-- it is distinctly sweet... and reminds me of my grandfather, who loved, and worked on, tobacco in some facet till the year he died.

The property was later divided (in the late 70s I think) between my mom and one of my uncles-- half was given to him when he got married to build his house on and farm (he also grew tobacco for many years), and my mom took over the homestead. Two years ago my uncle sold his house/property and moved to Florida, much to my mother's heartache-- she had hoped to unite the property again but it just didn't happen. So, things have changed a bit on the other half of the farm and it doesn't look like this anymore. My parents property, however, has evolved the original buildings, updating them and giving them new purpose and life.

This is a photo taken from a helicopter about 6-7 years ago, of the entire original farm. I drew a line where the property was split, and labeled the buildings. The biggest changes that have happened over the years: the tobacco shed in back was converted to a barn; the original 'barn' was converted into a beautiful 3 bedroom appt where my sister lives, and the processing warehouse is now used mostly for furniture storage. Well, except for the sweat room in the back-- my inner sanctum, of sorts.

The sweat room is actually a very large room, which can be closed off from the rest of the warehouse by a large sliding door. In order to save on heating/cooling costs, my dad and I decided it best that we section off a part to be my 'studio'. It was a little over a third of the original space, which we (well, mostly my dad) installed lights, electricity, fans, insulation, and built an amazing spray booth so I spray primer and finish right in the room without exfixiating myself. The spray booth has become an invaluable tool over the past few years.

Over time, the other part of the room started to get filled with 'stuff'. Other people's stuff, mostly-- you see, when you have a warehouse, people just assume you have room to store their stuff. So, everyone a friend/family member moved, their stuff would end up in the warehouse. Couches, matresses, entire bedroom and living room sets. This past season I made a big stink about needing room to expand my studio, and so my mom and I made a concentrated effort on removing all the crap in the "other half of my studio" so that I can have a sitting area/gallery area/larger open space to work in. With all the rain lately, and nothing drying, we actually made quite a bit of progress. This is what it looks like now (you can click on the images to blow them up bigger):

Still pretty cluttered... but if you saw it before, you'd be amazed. I labeled some of the stuff in there so you can get an idea of what it all is. My goal is by the end of July to get the rest of the other people's stuff out of there so I can perhaps have a clinic in this room in August or September. One of the things in this space is a curio where I keep my own horses, all of them unpainted, LOL. I keep my own pieces seperate from my client's pieces to prevent me getting temped to work on them. Out of site... out of mind... and they are safe there.

Next edition... perhaps I will be bold enough to take pictures of the "real" studio... that is, if I can get it clean enough!!!

What a week!

The crazy weathered continued at the beginning of this week... and on Tuesday we came home to quite a surprise... our house was hit by lightening!! Thank goodness that there wasn't a lot of exterior damage--just a few bricks off the chimney-- but the power surge toasted our cable wires, electricity on two circuits, and generally has wreaked havoc on our electronics that were plugged in at the time. Basically... we are without power in the kitchen/living room and no tv/internet.

Today our internet was restored (which is great, since I was going CRAZY over here!), but our electricity is still on the fritz in the kitchen. I don't need lights though... as long as I have email! LOL!

Because of all the chaos at home, I've been trying to put in some long hours at the studio. This week I was able to get quite a few horses detailed and shipped at the beginning of the week, but now on Friday... I am struggling to get the next round completed and packed up. Sometimes things do not go like you plan! Arg. I hope on Monday I will have another few boxes ready to head out to their expectant owners.

Here are some pics of the two horses who shipped out in the beginning of the week. First is the champagne Ravenhill, who got to go home for an in-person look-over. Second is a lovely Venator in my favorite shade of bay. I just love this guy... he looks like such a gentleman.

Enjoy the pics!

More rain... and a champagne

When we actually counted it up, we had 24 days of rain in June. July doesn't seem like its going to be much sunnier... this whole past week has had terrible humidity broken up by huge thunderstorms. I am continuing to get frustrated as nothing is drying, even with the air conditioner on full blast. I am taking a proactive approach this weekend and getting a second dehumidifier. Blarg!

In order to keep myself from fussing too much on tacky horses (the more you fuss on them, the worse it gets)... I've started MANY horses to keep me occupied. So, I have various horses all in different stages of completion in the studio, including the Guest Artist Ravenhill that Stacey auctioned off a few weeks ago. His owner picked a color for him that I never would have expected... champagne tobiano!!! I must admit though, I am having a lot of fun with him. I love doing dilutes, especially unusual ones like perlino/cremello and champagne. He needs to go a bit lighter per her request, but I am pleased with how he is looking so far.

He still has a ways to go... lots of detaily type stuff. I will lighten up his body color a bit and then do deatils this weekend. I want to have him dry and ready to go on Monday, along with a few other pieces who are near completion. They aren't quite as exotic as this guy though! I left the pics big, so feel free to click on them to see the detailwork so far. :-)

Braggin' Rights!

I am so happy to post these... the Winners and Top 10 placers at NAN!

Rockefeller... NAN Top 10 in Morgen Breed


Prince Charles (Mork!):
NAN Top 10 in Appaloosa Breed, Top 10 in Appaloosa Workmanship


Mary Magdalene (owned by Gail S.): Reserve Champ Pure/Part/Heavy/Stock/ Spanish pony


Eleanor (owned by Betsy V): Reserve Champion Mule, Top 10 Appaloosa workmanship

(bottom 2 photos taken with the official NAN backdrop)

Crazy weather and an old friend

As I hover obsessively over the incoming NAN results (I sent out 3 horses for halter/workmanship, two of which got a top 10 so far! Now to watch the workmanship classes)... I also have been prepping horses with my old friend, Plastikote sandable primer. Plastikote is my all-time FAVORITE primer in the whole wide world. I cannot sing its praises enough; it creates an ideal painting surface and is just wonderful. Primer may seem like such a small thing, but since Michael's stopped carrying it (they switched over to Valspar, which is terrible) I have been experimenting with other primers, like Rustoleum and Krylon sandable primer... but nothing has that same ease of use. Plastikote has the most wonderful finish, with no burs, powder, dripping or mess. Just a super smooth, ultra velvety finish that nothing else can compete with. So, I've basially been searching high and low for it for MONTHS. I've tried craft stores, hobby shops, and every autobody shop I could find... all with no luck.

Last night Greg and I went out to dinner at our favorite Japanese restaurant (he was trying to make me feel better since I couldn't be at NAN), and I spied an autobody shop in the same plaza. I went in to get another can of Rustoleum, which what I have been using in this interum period, and GASP... sitting there on a shelf, in all its magnificent glory... was Plastikote sandable primer. Sure, it cost $7 a can, but I didn't care. I bought all 4 cans and triumphantly came squeeling out of the store. The guys there must have thought I was nuts. Greg understands though... he hears me swearing like a sailor every time the other primers have misbehaved. Plastikote though... it never lets me down.

So today I've been prepping away, enjoying it very much now that I have my trusy primer at my side. I've mostly been sitting outside, since its actually nice out today. Humid and hot, of course, but at least its not crazy outside like it has been the last few days. We actually had a tornado yesterday!!! Can you believe it?? In CT!!! First it was sunny and god-awful humid... then it was so windy it was unbelievable... and then we had quarter-sized hail. Greg actually took video of it, and we are trying to get it off his phone so I can post it here. The hail was coming down so hard it dented and took paint off my car. Poor Subaru. I feel terrible for the farmers in this area... I hope their crops are ok.

The only nice part about the freaky weather is that we did get a fantastic rainbow last night. So, it had a happy ending. Well, except for my car. :-(

if you don't like the weather in New England..

...then just wait a minute! That saying has never been more true... especially lately. Its been raining while the sun is shining, freezing cold one night and sweltering the next, and for the past few days the humidity has been just incredible. I looked at my humidity gauge today out of curiosity, and it read 68%! Blarg. No wonder nothing has been drying. And tomorrow the weatherman predicts temps in the 90s, with 80-90% humidity. And crazy heat lightening in the evening. Awesome!

The only things that seem to be enjoying this miserable dampness are the flowers. I took these pictures this afternoon... and get this... it was NOT raining. This is moisture that has just collected from so much water in the air!

Vistors this week!

This week my brother Kyle and my niece (Kaylynn) are visiting from Reno, NV. Last year Kyle came out with his two sons, and this year was the trip where Kaylynn got to come to grandma and grandpa's farm. Of course that means production here has come to a grinding halt. I'm fine with that , they only visit once a year! Above is Kaylynn with Daisy Mable.

The funniest part is that year after year, the best and favorite part of the visit for the kids--are the dogs. Lady loves to swim, Daisy loves to cuddle, and Hayden is all about fetch and running around. Swimming all day... riding the golf cart... playing in the grass.... as it turns out, the best playmates are the furry kind.

Kyle has been snapping pics like crazy for the past 48 hours. He is the one with the dark hair/beard; my dad is the one with the gray hair/glasses. Enjoy!!!