"The quiet creek" by Hilary J. England, oil on canvas, 8" x 11"
Here is a little study I did this week, down by the creek that splits off through town. The day was warm, and the kids were all playing by the edges of it, squishing their hands in the mud. It was such a timeless scene, one that could have vaulted back to the 1600's, and still, children would be enjoying their time in the creek. These four girls and little brother in tow, all towheaded and in their play clothes. It was very sweet to watch them enjoying the mud and without a care in the world.
The sunlight was so strong, and the shadows were alive. I had to try to work as quickly as possible, to try and catch that moment. I feel like I was cracking off "my shell" from winter, and trying to get the rust all gone from my mind and hand. It was a wonderful exercise, to be sure.
I am looking to start a new series -- I am officially shelving this summer's project that I was going to move forward with. I am moving in a new direction, and decided, I am not interested in such a big scale project, when in essence, my heart is still here among the local people, the forgotten people of America.
So, that's the direction I'm going to go in, and I will very much love exploring the little towns and people that reside in them.
