Still Enjoying a Glorious Fall

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      🙂