"Into Art" Class and Adorable Animals.....

Well, it has been an interesting day. Heather and I went to an antique sale at "Into Antiques" in Wurtemburg, PA a few weeks back. This nice lady, Jan, was informing everyone that she was going to have an art class in this tiny little house that sits next door to the antique shop. So, Heather and I decided to go ahead and give it a try. I have always had an interest in drawing, but got frustrated due to the lack of "necessary instruction" that I was lacking. So, to "dip my toes in the water", so to speak, this class was a wonderful start.

The table is all set for the 4 students. Pencils, rulers, paper, syllabus, etc. Off we go! We spent the morning drawing one of a few still life subjects. Mine, being a child's cowboy boot. It was freehand, with no instruction. During the course of the morning, Jan fed us tidbits of "artist knowledge", instruction, and stories of her own experiences. It was a delightful mix. The time just flew. Before you knew it, it was time for lunch. "Into Antiques" will provide lunch and on this day, we had a wonderful chicken salad croissant, sweet tea, and chocolate cake for dessert. Sorry, got so involved in the food, I forgot the pictures.

Jan brought a few books for us to study, and here is Heather and Jan deep in discussion about faces and eyes.

Here we all are, Me (on the right), Cindy, Patty, Heather and Jan. It was quite a nice group. Just the right size for all the attention we needed! And four hours later, here are the results of the boot and eye sketches. Now remember, I am a novice.

We are signed up for the next class, which is in about 3 weeks. Can't wait for it to get here. We are going outside to sketch! If you haven't tried this, it is great therapy. Thanks for a fun day, Jan!

I snapped a few pictures of the gardens while at the antique shop. Sitting between the shop and the little house is a small garden. Love how it is tucked in there. It leads to the back where the owner has her greenhouses.

Here's a few pictures of inside the antique shop. The owner has quite an eye for design and display. She actually lives here, with a kitchen in the back and all these wonderful finds! Love that green cupboard.

Looking from the front of the shop into where we had lunch.

The owner gives teas, and events. So, there are lots and lots of old tables set up awaiting a hungry brood! It is a vacation for the mind just to be here. Fairy lights surround the ceiling. A balcony at the top of the stairs surrounds the first floor.

Well, now I know this is a strange mix, but I had to get my animal pictures in a blog. I had promised some pictures of the "Wild Horses" at the Outer Banks, NC. So, here are a few pics. Notice how they feed right among the houses. There are no formal roads here, just all sand, and dunes. You have to have a four-wheel drive vehicle to live here. This is in the Corolla/Duck area.

Now the story goes that these Spanish Mustang horses swam ashore from a ship wreck. It is said that they drink sea water. They eat sea oats. Conservation groups keep a close eye on them and there are about 100 in the herd. The problem is they are not living in a protected area, like a national park. Living amongst people does cause issues. And from what I hear, there are struggles with developers. Note this little lady below. This is a back shot and notice how "pregnant" she is.

Such beauty! Look at those manes.

Well, I had to share "The Rest" of my animal pictures. I have been snapping up pictures all summer of local animals. This little fellow was strutting his stuff with his shaggy "leggings" and all. Just love him.

Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h............ Sweet little sheep....................

And these odd fellows are actually goats. I guess they are a special kind where they shear the wool which is similar to sheep wool. I think he was just as curious about me as I was about him.

And last but not least, a selection of local horse pictures. This sweet pony was very curious. He came over and put his head down and peaked at me through the fencing. He actually did let me pet his nose. He's a cutie.

I think he wanted me to get a little closer. But he was a big one. Wasn't sure how close I should get. He looks friendly enough.

And, look at these sweeties. Love their white coats. Are these mules? Their ears are bigger?

Well, I hope you enjoyed my "animal adventures" and thanks for sharing in my "Into Art" Class. Hope you all have a wonderful week....

Kitty

xox