"Bobwhite Aglow" by Rachelle, measures 2¾ x 2¾ inches.

        Wes and I each finished our current miniature paintings and are now getting things ready and packed to head to Easton, MD early Wednesday morning, for the Waterfowl Festival. I can’t believe it’s upon us already, time seems to fly anymore! We’re quite looking  forward to once again seeing all of our artist buddies and collector friends, while catching up on many great laughs and recent happenings. My miniature painting “Bobwhite Aglow”, above,  was finished a couple of days ago and will be one of our newest miniatures featured at the show. It was a delight to paint and I couldn’t resist the warm glow almost giving him an angelic look.

"Birdsong Bobwhite" by Wes, measures 3½ x 2½ inches.

        Wes’ miniature painting “Birdsong Bobwhite” was painted from a photo taken during our yearly visit to Thomasville, FL, last November while we were there for the Plantation Wildlife Art Festival. This is one of our favorite places to visit, as it is so beautiful and very peaceful. We love taking several artist friends there with us each year which all enjoy it as much as we do!
        We were quite delighted to learn this week, that our miniature paintings featured in the “American Art in Miniature” show at the beautiful Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK, both sold at the opening this past Thursday evening! I also learned this past week that my painting “The Trapper” sold at the Western Visions show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, WY. Moreover, It’s been a good week for awards as we learned that Wes won the Best of Show at the 25th Annual Cider Painters of America Miniature Show and I received the Aviary Award for the best painting of a bird. We also both won awards at the annual Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers of Washington, DC international. Indeed it has been a great week

Me, Judy and Gregg Murray on the Middle Prong trail.

        We’re still enjoying a touch of Fall, as there is still some nice color in spots that happily refuses to end. Our Burning Bush remains a pretty center piece in our front yard, as it’s still holding on to many of its beautiful red leaves. We also enjoyed a delightful trip into the Great Smoky Mountains, this past Saturday with dear artist friends Gregg and Judy Murray. We walked along the Middle Prong Trail for a couple of hours, that is just a few minutes from our house. The many falls and cascades along the trail were just beautiful as they rushed along, with the calm surfaced areas of the water reflecting the beautiful gold and sienna colored leaves still remaining on some of the surrounding trees. There were a few surviving mushrooms that were looked at and photographed, as well as the lush green moss growing happily with the abundant rains earlier this fall. After walking and just enjoying nature and chatting with each other, the four of us headed to Pizza Hut for a yummy pizza!

The beautiful Middle Prong in fall.

Myself with a few of the beautiful red trees gracing our neighborhood.

        We’re looking forward to seeing some of you this next week in Easton! Please visit our website for information on current exhibits of our miniatures: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

This week our paintings can be seen in person at the following shows:
- Miniature Artists of America Traveling Exhibition at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, TN.
- Paws and Reflect: Art of Canines at the Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, Salina, KS
- Small Works Show at the Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT
- The 49th Annual Art and the Animal Exhibition at the The Wildlife Experience, Parker, CO
- 25th Annual Cider Painters of America Miniature Art Show at the Vgogh Gallery, Kingston, PA.
- 39th Annual Waterfowl Festival at the Tidewater Gallery in Easton, MD

Until next time    ~      Rachelle   

Mr. Ed, myself, Judy and Gregg Murray in Cades Cove.

        We’re still enjoying a beautiful fall! The color is at its peak this week making even our daily walks around Townsend a sheer delight! moreover, the view out our living room window is quite beautiful with our Burning Bush serving as a stunning center piece in our front yard, since it’s completely fire-red. We also enjoyed a delightful trip into Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, this past Thursday with dear artist friends Gregg and Judy Murray.  The neatest part of the visit was two of the resident horses coming over to be petted and loved on, which I happily did! The one horse, whom I’m affectionately referring to as Mr. Ed, really wanted to be a part of our photo and patiently posed while Wes took several photos. I just couldn’t resist the bunny ears, and feel that made the photo complete!  Although it was completely cloudy when we first arrived, the clouds parted at intervals allowing the sunlight to penetrate which gave way to stunning views of the mountains appearing to have areas being spotlighted! It was absolutely beautiful! The one thing missing, however, is my little buddy Tyler and his precious excitement for my dropping piles of leaves on his head!!

Cades Cove adorned in beautiful fall splendor.

Golden colored foliage lining the winding drive into Cades Cove.

        Secret garden has a new resident, a precious little Vole that is quite adorable looking. Ms. Vole enjoys eating peanut crunchies and sunflower seeds and has taken over Ms. Shrew’s front door to do so. Ms. Shrew now enjoys being served up her delicacies on top of a rock which she promptly, and quite cutely climbs upon, and takes her choice. She returns and carries on with this activity until all edible offerings are gone. It’s such a delight to watch them both for me!

Ms. Vole coming out to eat her treats in secret garden.

"Autumn Tom" by Wes measures 2½ x 4½ inches.

        Wes’ miniature painting “Autumn Tom” was painted from a photo taken on a lovely drive across Rich Mountain road as you are leaving Cades Cove in the Smokies. This is a pretty drive and affords some beautiful views of Cades Cove in a couple of spots. We spotted and watched this Turkey alongside the road as it casually searched and ate. We’ve also seen Ruffed Grouse and other great wildlife while enjoying this drive at different times.

"Long-eared Owl" by Rachelle, measures 2¾ x 2¾ inches.

         This week our paintings can be seen in person at the following shows:
- Miniature Artists of America Traveling Exhibition at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, TN. On Monday, November 2nd from 1-4PM Wes and Rachelle Siegrist will be providing a miniature painting demonstration for the public. That evening, MAA Historian, Wes Siegrist, will provide a lecture and program to the public at 7PM. We’ll have our books available in limited quantities.
- Paws and Reflect: Art of Canines at the Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, Salina, KS
- Small Works Show at the Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT
- The 49th Annual Art and the Animal Exhibition at the The Wildlife Experience, Parker, CO
- American Art in Miniature 2009 at the Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK. You can purchase our paintings online this year by visiting the Museum’s website: http://gilcrease.utulsa.edu/aaim2009/

Please visit our website for information on current exhibits of our miniatures: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

Until next time ~ Rachelle      :-)

A beautiful snowfall on fall leaves atop Newfound Gap.

        My family arrived later Saturday evening, a week ago, after a very strong cold front was just pushing through. Needless to say the temps here in the 40’s that night were a big change from the 90’s they left in Florida one day earlier! Sunday morning we woke up to beautiful sunshine, which to me was a welcome and beautiful sight after two weeks of grey skies and rain. After learning that it had snowed in the upper elevations in the Park, we loaded up with as many jackets as would cram into the back of the van and headed into the Smoky Mountain National Park. We ate a quick and cold picnic lunch in the van on the way up, which proved to be quite interesting with seven adults and a baby. The journey took a couple of hours to make since everybody seemed to be going up to see the snow as well.  On the positive side, only being able to drive eight to twelve miles an hour, due to traffic, you certainly have a chance to see everything around you.

Me, Hayley, Marshall and Tyler posing with Mr. cool shades snowman.

        Once we reached Newfound Gap it was time to get out and enjoy the snow while trying to keep warm. Being the first time my sister-n-law Alicia or nephew Tyler had ever seen or been in the snow, you can imagine it was pretty exciting for them as it was for us all. Tyler was way too adorable in his coat that Wes and I had got him that was a bit too big, but was very padded and warm! He was such a good sport as he walked along, periodically falling down and patiently lying there until someone came to his rescue and picked him back up, while the rest of us were all laughing at his precious misfortune. Tyler was also gracious enough to let his Aunt Rachelle gently throw an occasional snowball at him. We happily made the use of the quiet end of a trail to build a snowman and adorn him with my brother Marshall’s cool sunglasses and hat!

Tyler making friends with a resident meerkat at the Knoxville Zoo.

        Monday was spent at the Knoxville Zoo enjoying all of the local residents. The highlight of the visit was getting to watch the baby Chimpanzee exploring and playing in its enclosure, with it occasionally coming over to give a “high five” to the small children in front of the glass window. He was just too cute, and I could’ve stood there and watched him all day! I think Tyler got as excited about all of the decorated pumpkins that were displayed throughout the zoo as he did all of the different animals and birds. It was a perfect day filled with fun and excitement with the gorgeous fall weather and colors adding to the overall beauty. Of course I had to make a personal visit to the petting zoo to brush all of the goats and pet the sheep, which by obvious faces enjoyed it! I also had to take a ride down a long winding slide in the children’s section, which was great fun until halfway down I realized there was water on it! This brought my swift, fun ride almost to a complete halt and totally soaked my backside! Oh well, what is life if you don’t live it

Mom (Sally), Tyler, Dad (Larry) and me by the Beaver's home.

Me still enjoying the ride, dispite the surprise on the way down

        We enjoyed another wonderful day on Wednesday, driving up the Foothills Parkway and on up to the Cherohala Skyway. It was a gorgeous day with stunning views along the way showing off an array of beautiful fall colors. Wes and I enjoyed our return trip to Huckleberry Bald and sharing this gorgeous spot with my family. Most stayed on the lower bald, while my Dad, Hayley, Wes and I went on to the top bald. The view from the top was spectacular and afforded a 365 degree view of the surrounding mountains decked in fall color on the lower portions. It is the kind of place which I could take  lunch and a blanket and spend hours and never tire of the magnificent beauty and sounds of nature! My brother Marshall and Tyler enjoyed playing and rolling in the grassy field on top of the mountain deciding they too could’ve spent hours there.

My family feeling on top of the world on Huckleberry Bald.

        Friday it was time for them to say good-bye and head back to Florida, which was a sad departure for us all. Before they left however, we had a little more fall fun with me dropping piles of leaves on Tyler while he would stand in amazement and extreme excitement, and after the last leaf had fallen he would yell in a most adorable way “WOW”. I could’ve carried on this activity with him for hours. After they left I tried it with Wes, but somehow it wasn’t the same and I didn’t get the “WOW” response. Oh well, perhaps Tyler’s little sister, that’s on the way, will enjoy the same activity with me in a couple of years

Until next time    ~     Rachelle     :-)

Our beautiful Cardinal in the Burning Bush.

        As I sat one morning this past week, eating my breakfast and watching the falling rain outside the dining room window, I thought I could faintly hear a bird singing. Surprised at this possible occurrence with the present weather conditions, I listened more closely and decided that it was indeed a bird softly singing and a Cardinal at that. Listening more intently, I realized that I could actually make out what it was singing, and it went something like this, “I’m singing in the rain . . . just singing in the rain . . . since there isn’t any sunshine . . . I’m singing in the rain” Haha! I’ve decided one must find humor in weather like this to keep from going stir crazy.

Chippy looking precious and waiting for handouts.

        I know that I’ve shared photos of our Chippy before, but this one was just so precious with her looking immensely cute and waiting patiently for handouts. At times her cheeks are so fully packed upon leaving our top deck that I expect to see cheeks dragging the ground and a little rump up in the air as surely the front end must certainly be heavier than the back end! Such a sight to see indeed! They now have figured out to come when I’m feeding Dovecakes and I will toss them nice fresh peanuts which they promptly eat right up! Happily, today I had a little Titmouse join in on Dovecakes’ feast. The newcomer, Vole, that now lives in secret garden is continuing to enjoy her peanut treats in between rain showers. Excitedly, the weather forecast brings wonderful news for us this next week. After much rain and gray skies, it’s suppose to be mostly sunny and beautiful for several days!! This is great timing since all of my family are arriving this evening for a week long visit.

"A Change of Heart" by Rachelle, measures 2 3/4 X 2 3/4 inches.

        My miniature painting shown above, was done from a photo we took while enjoying a ride on Wes’ brother, Greg’s boat, one day this past summer in southern Indiana. I thought it would make a great little miniature and particularly loved the bit of humor in the setting. For a little history on the subject, I was born and raised in the deep-south and Wes was born and raised in the North. As you may well suspect there’s always been a bit of humor pertaining to our coming from opposite sides of the Mason Dixon line. This being said, I just couldn’t resist this miniature, what with that name on the boat and the fact that it was being moored in Indiana. The ducks obviously living on the back and the “for sale” sign led to the title, which Wes gets the credit for coming up with, “A Change of Heart”. Humor is good, so one must find something in life to laugh about.
Well, we’re all ready for my family to arrive later this evening and are looking forward to spending a wonderful week with them! I will have photos to share from our adventures next post, especially of my nephew Tyler!

Until next time ~ Rachelle

A beautiful collection of fall leaves.

        Fall is certainly present as every day brings out a bit more color in the leaves of our surrounding trees,and we greatly enjoyed a couple of days this past week that graced us with some beautiful blue skies and sunshine to accompany the changing colors. One day this next week, we were hoping to admire the mountains cloaked in their splendid array of fall colors, as we made the exciting ascent up Mt. LeConte, but alas with the current forecast it doesn’t look like this wish will be granted . . . perhaps another time.

"Preening White Pelican" by Rachelle, measures 2 3/4 inches.

        We’ve continued to make progress in the studio with painting miniatures and getting things lined up for borrowing back the many paintings needed for our upcoming solo museum shows. My miniature painting, “Preening White Pelican”, was done form a photo that was taken at the San Diego Zoo in southern California. These are such pretty birds and the nice lighting added to the beauty and serenity of the scene.

"Barnyard Beau" by Wes, measures 1 3/4 inches.

        Wes’ miniature painting “Barnyard Beau” was done form a photo that we took on one of our visits to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and area that has a wonderful collection of old homesteads, barns and an assortment of other great, old buildings. This rooster was one of the regal local residents.

Amethyst Coral (Clavulina amethystina)

Sulphur Shelf; Chicken Mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus)

        I thought I’d share a couple more photos of some of the stunning types of Fungi that flourish in our area. It seems as if every hike we take we are treated with sightings of new Fungi or Mushroom species that we’ve not yet seen. These beautiful specimens cannot be seen or appreciated when hiking at a fast pace, so it’s another great reason to just slow down and enjoy the journey!

Please visit our website for information on current exhibits of our miniatures: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

Until next time ~ Rachelle  

"Grandpa Jackson" by Rachelle, measures 2 3/4 inches.

        My latest miniature portrait painting titled, “Grandpa Jackson”, was done from a photo I took of my very dear and much loved Grandpa many years ago, while we were taking a short break from fishing. He was one of my best buddies and taught me many of life’s greatest lessons. He also taught me how to do wood working among other things like building stud walls and how to frame windows. For awhile I was even quite proud to be able to drive a nail in two hammer hits, and contrary to what Wes says they were long nails! I was always as proud as a peach when grandpa would tell someone, “This is my number one granddaughter”! As one can well imagine it was a great honor and a joy for me to paint my late grandpa

"The California Coast" by Wes, measures 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches".

        Wes’ miniature painting “The California Coast”, was painted from a photo taken during a wonderful trip we took a year ago last spring, to southern California. The location is in the beautiful La Jolla Cove and was simply splendid with all of the gorgeous wildflowers! The many species of birds were quite happy to call this lovely spot home.

Jeanie, George and I on top of Huckleberry Bald.

        The last day of Wes’ parents visit, we took a drive along the beautiful Cherohala Skyway and enjoyed a couple of hikes. My favorite was one in which you’re walking along a tree lined road for quite a distance, and then suddenly the woods opens up to a grassy field. When you first reach it, all you see is a sea of golden-colored grasses swaying to and fro in the breeze where it meets a seamlessly endless blue sky! As you continue up the small rise, your eyes are treated to a natural feast as the endless sea of grass gives way to a spectacular view of the many layers of mountain ranges in the distance. At this point I felt as if I were on top of the world with almost a 360 degree view all around. The weather was also gorgeous with plenty of sunshine and blue skies, topped with a splendid breeze, which made it all the better!!

Jeanie and I on the beautiful Huckleberry Bald.

        As you can see in the above photo, it was a bit on the cool side the day of our hike. Although I had on a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, insulated vest and gloves, I still did not succumb to long pants . . . . it must be a Florida thing, as I’m not quite ready to give up summer quite yet

Heritage Center Concert in Townsend, Tennessee.

        We enjoyed another wonderful concert at our local Heritage center during Wes’ parents visit as well. It was a great and  chilly evening as we listened to “rockabilly” music played by three very talented musicians!

        We’re really happy to announce that we now have two more solo museum exhibitions scheduled that will be featuring our miniature paintings! These will be different from our upcoming solo show at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery since these paintings will feature only our wildlife subjects. Wes and I are really looking forward to spending a week in Louisiana to attend the shows in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
The World of Nature in Miniature: Paintings by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist
Produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C.
David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director

Premiere:
The West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, LA, Sunday, May 16 through Saturday, July 31, 2010

Tour Venues:
Sept. 1 – Nov. 15, 2010: Open/Pending
December 11, 2010 – March 13, 2011: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ

This exhibition will feature 50 of the Siegrists’ miniature paintings of wildlife drawn from their book The World of Nature in Miniature: Paintings by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist.

Until next time ~ Rachelle

Mommy and baby Bandit enjoying their day time naps on our back porch.

        The Bandits are back and this past Friday, both mommy and baby enjoyed sleeping on our back deck during the day. Baby Bandit is still quite small and so very precious. Throughout the day I took breaks as I was painting, to look out our studio window and see baby Bandit stretching, yawning or pulling up his foot to play and bite on its toes . . . such a cutie!! I check first thing each morning to see if they’re going to spend the day with us. Dovecakes has continued to come for treats as well as Peedeepeeps. It’s a busy job keeping them all fed and happy, alas someone has to do it

Chippy being a peanut, piggy face and a beautiful Garter Snake.

        Wes’ parents arrived late Thursday in time to unpack and enjoy supper with us. Friday was spent watching the rain fall throughout the day, but ended with a lovely evening enjoying another wonderful concert at our local Heritage Center. Sunday afternoon we went on a nice hike and enjoyed absolutely gorgeous weather! It felt like a fall day with the crisp, cool air and a nice breeze bringing down the leaves in a swirling motion creating a ballet in the air.

A young Black Bear on little river trail in the Great Smokies.

Yellow Spindle Coral mushroom; Helvella mushroom, spotted alongside the trail.

        A highlight from this hike was obviously seeing the beautiful, young Black Bear. I was down by the river floating leaves and watching them go over the small waterfalls, when my childish pleasures were broken with Wes announcing to come slowly as there was a bear approaching where I was. Needless to say I bounded up the river bank in a mere four steps before realizing it was a young one. We watched for a bit as it went down the river edge and then slowly crossed the path before going in the woods on the other side. After all of the recent rain, the lush, green moss and several spices of mushrooms were in their prime. Of course I had to stop constantly to pet the moss.

Me as a tree.

Jean and George in front of Meigs Falls.

        From the photo above of “me as a tree”, you can tell I have a very active imagination, and had great fun with this piece of Sycamore bark that I found. The waterfall was flowing in full splendor, with the recent rains, and was beautiful! I’m sure they’ll find their way into a miniature painting in the near future. After the hike, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg and came home to peaceful Townsend afterwards.

George and I at the waterfall along the Little River Trail.

        Now we’re off to dinner at Pizza Hut where we’ll be joining Fred and Barb as well as Gregg and Judy Murray.  It’s sure fun to have other wildlife artists as neighbors!

Until next time ~ Rachelle

"Rhapsody in Blue" by Rachelle, measures 3 X 2 inches.

        My latest miniature painting, “Rhapsody in Blue”, was painted from a photo of a still life that I set up earlier this summer. It features my “entire” collection of colbalt blue bottles and the beautiful vase given me by my Mother. The natural sunlight worked in my favor casting the perfect amount of light from the living room window. I enjoyed playing this up a bit, hence the warm glow.

"Tennessee Stream" by Wes, measures 3 1/2 X 2 1/2 inches.

        Wes’ miniature painting, “Tennessee Stream”, was painted from a photo taken on one of our hikes that starts at a trailhead not far from our home here in Townsend.

My beloved Dovecakes feeling pleasantly plump after a meal of sunflower seeds.

        My sweet and beautiful Dovecakes continues to visit our back deck several times each day to enjoy her handout of sunflower seeds. A couple of days ago while she sat by me eating and enjoying her treats, one of our resident baby Cardinals decided to get in on the action by walking over and snatching a few seeds. Dovecakes was not at all happy with this condition of sharing and began eating at a high rate of speed to try and prevent this precious little cardinal from eating “her” seeds. It was actually quite amusing watching them, with Dovecakes keeping an eye on him, while she continued consuming her loot,  with the baby snatching another seed here and there. Needless to say I personally was thrilled with being able to enjoy my baby Cardinal at such close proximity.

Bandit resting in his new favorite spot.

        Bandit the Raccoon, has been enjoying sleeping between the roof of our porch and the house. He now seems to have a favorite place that he can usually be found in during the day. He casts us a casual glance that seems to say “yes, do you need something?” when we step out on the porch and have a look up at him. He probably enjoys being out of what seems like endless rain these days. It’s staying so wet in Townsend that moss is actually growing on the cows! We’ve still been trying to take our daily walks, usually with umbrellas. Obviously, it’s going to be a very wet fall!

Vicious, the Black Snake in one of our Cedar Trees.

        Wes looked out our dining room window one day this past week and exclaimed “What is that?”.  Upon closer inspection with binoculars, we discovered it was indeed Vicious our resident Black Snake and not a bird or feathers high up in our Cedar Tree. It was quite an interesting location for him which he continued to enjoy for quite some time.
Well, at least as the rain continues to fall outside, we continue to get a lot more painting done on our current miniatures.

         This week our paintings can be seen in person at the following shows:
- Blossom Art of Flowers at the Canton Museum of Art, Canton, OH
- Small Works Show at the Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT
- The 49th Annual Art and the Animal Exhibition at the Rolling Hills Wildlife Museum, Salina, KS
- It’s a Small World Show at Elderstreet Gallery, Houston, TX
- Western Visions Miniatures & More Show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY

Please visit our website for the full schedule and more information on these exhibits: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

Until next time ~ Rachelle

"Rock Dove" by Rachelle, measures 1 3/4 X 1 3/4".

        After trying to get caught up on paperwork and all of the other “fun stuff” upon returning home this past week, most of our time is once again being spent at the easels. My painting shown above titled “Rock Dove” was painted from a photo that was taken in California, during our time spent there, last spring. It was almost a magical setting with all of the beautiful wildflowers blooming in pink everywhere, gracefully cascading down the sides of the stone cliff edges.

"As Good as it Gets" by Wes, measures 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches.

        Wes’ miniature painting “As Good As It Gets”, was done from a photo taken during our visit to Rolling Hills Wildlife adventure, in Salina, Kansas,  last weeks. We were fortunate to be there at the right time, and enjoyed watching this rhino taking great pleasure in rolling and wallowing in its mudhole. As we stood watching and photographing it, we stated what a great miniature painting this would make, and it did!

"Under Mother's Care" by Rachelle, measures 3 1/4 X 1 1/4 inches.

         “Under Mother’s Care” was done from a photo that I took at the Louisville Zoo several years ago. Even though these beautiful Doves weren’t part of the “official” exhibits, they caught my attention, as birds always do, and I enjoyed watching them in their little quiet secluded world for a bit. The nest was inside of a wooden fence with the space between the slats serving as the door. I thought this unusual composition would give the viewer the feeling of being afforded a personal glimpse into their private little world.

Mommy Bandit and babies enjoying the water.

        While Dove Cakes and the Wrens continue to enjoy their daily handout of treats, this week the mommy Raccoon brought her three very precious babies to the secret garden for leftover nuts and water. Since this took place in the afternoon, Wes and I enjoyed front row seats form our top deck and thoroughly enjoyed watching the family as they searched and occasionally took time for play. A younger Bandit has been enjoying the secluded spot, in between our house roof and porch roof, for daily naps.

Visiting the secret garden.

        We also enjoyed a lovely evening of music this past Thursday. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performed in an outdoor park in nearby Maryville. Wes and I met friends there and we all enjoyed the beautiful music while also taking in the pretty and lush surroundings. As the sun set, it reflected on the ornamental top of the courthouse which was behind the stage, providing a stunning backdrop. The Cicadas joined in with the symphony until darkness fell, getting louder when the music would get louder and quieter when the music became softer. It was almost as if they had practiced along with them earlier that afternoon. As evening fell and the air became heavy the music sounded wonderful and rich.  A favorite song of the evening was a stunning piece written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The experience  made for another great memory!

Until next time ~ Rachelle

Wes and I by our paintings featured in the SAA show.

        We arrived in Colorado a little over a week ago and were greeted by the smiling, friendly faces of our dear friends Diane and Bob Mason at the Denver airport. We enjoyed staying a couple of days with them, including a day trip into beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the vistas were spectacular, the highlights for me are always watching the little critters. The time passed all too quickly as several of us sat along a stone wall while being entertained by the Picas, Golden Mantled Squirrels and the little Chipmunks. The Pica was the busiest, as it darted quickly back and forth with bits of grass in its mouth which it was storing under various rocks to be used for food this winter. All of this took place with a most beautiful backdrop of the mountains behind.

Myself, Karryl, Diane and Bob curiously watch as the little Chipmunk entertains.

Me getting to enjoy holding and petting Diane's beloved Charlie.

        We left Colorado Wednesday and headed for Salina, Kansas and the Rolling Hills Wildlife Museum and Zoo, where the Annual Society of Animal Artists exhibition was being held. Thursday was spent entirely at the zoo enjoying watching and photographing the various animals. We were treated to a tour given by a nice and very informative volunteer, Debbie. The best part was getting to pet a gorgeous little Bearded Dragon, and getting up close and personal with an amazing Hissing Cockroach.

Getting a closer look at the Hissing Cockroach.

        It was great having full run of the zoo for three wonderful days! So many photos were taken which now have been added to our future miniature paintings list! While Wes was in a meeting and I was enjoying the zoo by myself, I enjoyed the pleasurable company of a resident Canada Goose named “Alfred” that decided I would make a good companion for a while. So he stayed by me the entire time I was photographing the Swans, talking and chatting and waiting for a hand out. About thirty minutes later we said our goodbyes and parted ways.

A resident Aardvark and myself exchange tips on the best way to slurp soup.

A group of wildlife artist enjoy a lunch at the zoo.

        As always, meals filled with wonderful conversation and laughter were scattered throughout our visit. We were treated to a nice brunch one morning and a lovely and delicious dinner one evening by the staff at Rolling Hills. The opening of the show was well attended and resulted in a wonderful evening. Sunday we headed back to Colorado and returned home late Monday night. Now it’s time to get caught up and back to painting!

Enjoying a wonderful dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

Until next time ~ Rachelle