Sketches Of The High Country by Chuck McLachlan

Sketches of the High Countr y: A Reference Book for Ar tists

by Chuck McLachlan

Sketches of the

by Chuck McLachlan

Published by JCM Enterprises

374 Industrial Park Drive Boone, NC 28607

© 2005 by Chuck McLachlan

Librar y of Congress Control Number: 2005925726 ISBN 1890052086

ISBN 1-890052-08-6

9 781890052089

4 90000

INTRODUCTION

Putting these pages together is as much a surprise to me as to anyone. It was suggested at first by Joe Miller and I’m thankful for the suggestion.

I’ve always sketched and doodled. It’s creative and relaxing. A s a youngster, a pad and pencil was the way my parents kept me occupied.

The following pages are of my wanderings through the beautiful and fascinating par t of Nor th Carolina, southern Virginia, and eastern Tennessee that the natives call the “High Countr y.” I’m engulfed with its rugged beauty and the constant changing of color and seasons.

My mind is completely absorbed by these old farms with their weathered outbuildings and empty homes. Who built them how did they live evening meals, around a big kitchen table festive holidays. Gone now, to where?

Here too, I see the beautiful slope of pastures alive in a lush green coat; the tree lines of distant hills changing color and new histor y with fresh painted farms and hungr y cattle. All this is ar t to me. It’s more than a few lines on paper or mingled pigment. It’s how I see ar t it’s the ver y soul of what we paint.

Many of the old barns and structures you see in these pages will soon be gone; a memor y to some and only imagined by new generations.

Please understand that the drawings and sketches in this book are all from locations found in the high countr y. The animals and “doodles” are of things I’ve seen and have been stored in this computer I call a “brain”. There is nothing original really, ever ything has been drawn or painted at one time or another.

If for some reason I’ve recorded something here that looks as if I’ve copied or reproduced someone’s work other than my own, it was cer tainly coincidental and without intention.

This book is complied for the purpose of the readers’ use and enjoyment. It can be used as a reference book for ar tists to stimulate your creativity and encourage you to realize the inviting world around you. You’re welcome to reproduce anything for your personal pleasure. I encourage ar tists to tr y their hand at any of these images. Send me a photo of your effor ts. I’d enjoy seeing them. These pages are also for the visitor to enjoy as a memento of their trip through the “High Countr y.”

I cer tainly hope that you enjoy this production as much as I have in putting it together. Ar t is a great journey, enjoy all of it.

CREDITS

So many people to thank and it is incredible how many people are involved in one’s development. I’ll do my best.

My wife Vel Marie whose encouragement and sacrifices have allowed me to pursue this journey.

My children: Sherie, Monty, David and Nina for much needed encouragement.

Joe Miller and his entire staff at Cheap Joe’s.

Carolyn and Tony Ewing for the first oppor tunity.

Gene Barber for constant guidance.

Carol Meetze Moates, Judi Wagner, John Lines, Lou and Por ter Wilson and the man whose thinking is a constant challenge Skip Lawrence.

Least of all this group are a host of workshop attendees that make this journe y called art so much fun.

Judi Kastner and Clyde Marr at TwoAr tChicks and Jenny Miller and Lstrice White for deciphering my writing.

Special thanks to Terr y Henr y and his staff at Cheap Joe’s.

I’m sure I’ve missed someone. If so, write or call me and I’ll thank you personally.

I love ar t and I love telling stories and making people laugh I always thought I was pretty good at both Then, I met Chuck McLachlan I loved his ar t, and in just minutes he had me laughing with his stories. And laughing. And laughing.

My friend, Chuck McLachlan, is the most unlikely ar tist he is a ver y big man, who played professional football for several teams including the original Boston Patriots, but he is really just a teddy bear! He teaches watercolor and oil workshops right here at Cheap Joe’s, and he paints with a passion. I have never met a student of Chuck’s who didn’t think he was the most gentle, loving guy AND a fabulous ar tist and teacher. When Chuck teaches at Cheap Joe’s, I love to sit in the back of the studio and watch him work. He makes these fabulous “quick as a wink” value sketches in pencil that will wow even the best ar tists. And the paintings that come from these sketches WOW again!

Chuck has lots of value sketches, many from around or near Cheap Joe’s. He offered them to me and I said, “Why don’t you do a book of your value sketches for up and coming ar tists to practice with?” I love making my own value sketches, but I know many ar tists who hate to make them or simply don’t know how.

Now, Chuck has written and drawn a long overdue and much needed book of value sketches all with his expressed consent for you to use. He invites you to use his sketches for your paintings, because he knows you’ll learn so much. Value sketches can positively change your ar t quickly and with less expense than any single thing I know of. Value sketches help the ar tist work out problems of composition, light direction, darks and lights and much more, all on a 5¢ piece of sketch paper. You’ll save so many sheets of more expensive watercolor paper or canvas this way. They are a great way to pause and think about your painting, before continuing down the road of ar t. I believe this book will quickly and greatly improve any would be ar tist’s skills.

I am proud to be the publisher of Chuck McLachlan’s book of value sketches and I am proud to be his friend. This book will have a dramatic effect of the direction your ar t takes. Once you see how much Chuck’s value sketches will help you, you will begin to do your own and your ar t will soar! Thanks, Chuck, for a great contribution to the world of ar t.

Your friend, Joe Miller

P.S. We encourage you to take a Chuck McLachlan workshop at Cheap Joe’s and become one of his beloved students. Come and experience one of the best weeks of your ar t journey! Call Cheap Joe’s at (800) 227-2788 for the dates of Chuck’s workshop and to sign up.

MEAT CAMP ROAD

I moved the barn back toward the trees. I like the warm color of foliage against the blues in the snow.

Coaching Point: Lighten the value of the mountain to the left (to keep it from competing with anything in the mid foreground)

ST. MAT THEW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH; TODD, NC

They still have ser vices there. I’m told this building was built in the 1920’s. Trees are great to paint and especially interesting in winter. We can see how they’re constructed

THE TODD HOTEL

The Todd Hotel is a pre 1900 structure and is now owned by the Burnside family. Apparently there are plans to refurbish the hotel hope so. In its hay day it must have been something. Todd is where the Virginia railroad stopped to turn around. The park beside the hotel is where all the pickin’ and stompin’ goes on. It’s amazing, this small little town rocks.

HARVEST TIME: BROOKSHIRE ROAD CURING TOBACCO

Light hits this “bacca” barn just right. It’s on Brookshire Road, just behind Joe Miller’s place. Ever ything was gold and red colors Hard to describe unless you’ve been there

“CHRISTMAS TREES”

Place has been there for years. Empty now, ‘cept for a couple of old trucks and the faded signs. This is down from Joe’s place on Hwy 421 Great subject to paint from all sides

OLD TIMER: CHESTNUT GROVE ROAD

Interesting old structure. Still occupied outhouse in back. I’ll put that in when I paint it. I really enjoyed sketching this. Coaching Point: Keep the foreground simple A few lights or light values in the road and the suggestion of vegetation are all you need

STILL STANDING

Hwy 194 and Bonanza Road on the way to Todd is the location of this old weathered shed. Someone had put a ver y large shiny brass lock on a door you could put your fingers through.

HARRY COOK’S HOMEPLACE IN BANNER ELK.

Empty now. I’m sure it was something in its day. I’m going to paint this structure from three or four different angles.

CRITZ, VA LANDMARK

This is the home of the former attorney general of the State of Virginia. It’s on Penn Abram Road, Critz, VA. We give a workshop at the Reynolds Homestead each year. What great people. I could tell you stories about that place.

HARRY COOK’S BARN, BANNER ELK, NC

One of Harr y Cook’s barns on the nor th side of the proper ty. This will be in several of my paintings. Coaching point: On the sides of these shapes let the various colors run together mingle, then add as much detail as you wish

PEACEFUL IN ANY SEASON: SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

I like this angle. There’s a lot to see and it can be painted in any season. Coaching Point: Perspective and placement in this painting can be tricky; one shape at a time and each shape has to fit properly Also please wipe your feet before entering the sanctuar y

KELLER’S FARM OFF HW Y 105, FOSCOE

Settled quietly in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. A housing sub division has replaced it. Coaching Point: Remove the front fence post, it will open up the entire picture

COUNTRY PATH: BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, NEAR AHO

You see a lot of these beautiful clusters of a variety of trees and stuff. This scene is along the parkway. I won’t paint asphalt probably a sandy lane I’ll have a lot of fun with color in this one

FRANK BEARD’S PLACE, VALLE CRUCIS

Ver y active horse farm. I left the large barn to the right out of the picture. On the weekend I sketched in this area, there were many horse riders. Valle Crucis is a great place for subject matter

THE OLD HOUSE ON DUTCH CREEK ROAD, VALLE CRUCIS

This place is turn of the centur y or even older; what a great subject. Chimneys, corn cobs, fences, cows. What a fabulous piece of proper ty. This is on Dutch Creek Road not far from Valle Crucis. I’ll paint this subject forever. Coaching Point: Whenever you can, familiarize yourself with the subject you are about to embark on Walk around the subject feel the trees, smell the air I don’t care what it is, know your subject completely Watch out for the cow dung, if it gets in your socks, you’ve got a major problem.

OLD FARM HOUSE #2 ON DUTCH CREEK ROAD, VALLE CRUCIS

Coaching Point: Change seasons, use a different color palette, different angle. You’ll get more than one painting out of the subject.

FARM ON HW Y 194 NEAR BROOKSHIRE RD.

I don’t know why I chose this scene. Perhaps the snow and I liked the soft slope of the land and the juxtaposition of the objects are interesting. Go ahead paint it your way

THE TIPPET T FARM, HW Y 194

Only the caretaker roams the cluster of these well cared for buildings. I understand it’s been featured in many national and international magazines. Neighboring farmers are given permission to cut the hay. Of course it’s in the prestigious town of Matney, directly across from the Matney mall.

Coaching Point: Remove the fence post and play up the ditch, but just enough to allow us into the painting.

SCULPTOR CLAUDIA HUDSON’S HOME, MATNEY, NC

This is Claudia Hudson’s Studio. She’s a fine sculptor and stained glass ar tist. Interesting proper ty. Nice coat of magenta red paint trimmed in white on the main house This is in the city of Shawannee on the corner of Hwy 194 and Romminger Road

PLEASANT HILL: A VIEW FROM ELK KNOB

Here’s a typical mountain scene rocks, trees and hills. This is another place on Seven Devils I would sometimes wander. Beautiful in any season.

Coaching Point: Don’t make the rocks all the same size Var y them in shape and color

ROMMINGER ROAD

This neat farm is in the Shawannee community on Romminger Road. See how the dark trees bring out the buildings. Coaching Point: Usually light structures read better when surrounded by dark values That’s not a rule, just an obser vation

CAT TLE CHUTE ON BROOKSHIRE ROAD

This old cattle chute makes a great abstract. We have a lot of them in the high countr y. This one’s on Brookshire Road, behind Joe Miller’s place. The ribbon of dark through the lighter boards of the chute create an interesting shape

ELK PARK

You could find this scene just about anywhere along a mountain range. I happened on this location near Elk Park. Lost again. Good strong dark trees against the lighter shade of the mountain. Coaching Point: Hold your pencil on the side, makes better shapes easier.

JANUARY TAPESTRY

Don’t ask me where this is somewhere is nor thwestern Nor th Carolina. The silence of fresh snow was awesome so I stopped and quickly drew the dark shapes of the trees against the white blanket of snow.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

The arch of stone coupled with the vegetation really makes a nice composition. The dark trees and stuff provide a great frame for the stone of the parkway near Blowing Rock. Coaching Point: If it’s dark, make it dark.

SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH; VALLE CRUCIS, NC

This is a classic structure. I’ve painted this many times. Light buildings usually look better when placed in a dark background. That doesn’t mean we can’t var y the darks. Just don’t have the dark shape all one value and temperature from one end to the other. Run the thin part of an eraser into the soft pencil strokes to indicate tree trunks and branches. I’d probably leave the monument out of the painting. Straighten the steeple out when you lay out your painting.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH; VALLEY CRUCIS, NC

The high horizon line gives this painting a more dramatic effect. I purposefully omitted the grave markers in order to take advantage of the beautiful slop ing hill at the rear of the structure. I ran the eraser end of my pencil through the soft lead of the tree mass to give the illusion of long pine trunks.

SOUTH FORK OF NEW RIVER AT TODD, NC, OCTOBER 2003

This was a beautiful crisp fall day. A warm, clear blue sky reflected in the river at the bend at downtown Todd. The leaves had just turned their warm colors and against the blue of the sky and river it provided the ar tist with a breath taking view

NEAR SEVEN DEVILS LAKE

We have lots of rocks in the high countr y. These were found up on Seven Devils Lake. It is an interesting cluster, all on the red side in color. The greens, of course, were a natural foil to compliment the painting.

WINTER PARADISE

This little creek is up around Shatley Springs. I have no idea how I got there or how I got out of there. It was so quiet and peaceful. The music of the bub bling creek seemed to be playing to the audience of trees. Coaching Point: Don’t just paint a picture feel the essence of what you’re painting.

NEAR SHATLEY SPRINGS

This is that same creek at Shatley Springs. I don’t know what kind of tree that is to the left Had leaves on it, though

PEACEFUL

This little gem was found over near the New River State Park. I do know that the next time I wander around that par t of the countr y I’m taking Dan Stillwell with me I didn’t know where I was and no one I asked knew where I was Gotta work on the southern accent, maybe that will help

OFF THE PARKWAY NEAR GALAX, VA

This beautiful scene was spotted from the parkway as I headed south from Galax. I’d never seen the varied sky color that softened ever ything it touched. The dark group of pines reflected the lavenders and oranges from the sky. The snow also made a soft inviting blanket.

T YLER’S PLACE

Tyler’s place is over around Elk Park. Believe me, I wasn’t headed to Tyler’s place. I had gotten of f Hwy 194 and found myself at Hump Mountain. Knowing that I needed to get back to the United States, I went back to Elk Park. So in my best souther n accent I asked at the f illing station how to get back to Rt. 194. “South then head east.” I did and it was.

“PATCHED UP”

This is a “bait and switch” job, meaning, I found the patched up structure in one location and moved it to another to make a pleasing composition. The large tree sets off the barn and gives depth to the painting The colorful patches and shape of the building is our major player

THE VIEW FROM SEVEN DEVILS, BESIDE CONDO B-2

This is a place I used to love to come to just sit and look over the rim of the hill into the hills across Hwy 105 in Foscoe It’s probably all grown up now

PASTURE PAT TERNS

The pastures of this old farm make a beautiful design. I ran across this scene late one afternoon on my way home rather, tr ying to find my way home. The last light of day cast a soft glow across the pastures. The mountain that looms in the background seemed to be protecting the pastures as they slept.

SO. VIRGINIA FARM

From the road I spotted this neat, well-kept farm. Again, I lucked up on a natural composition. All I had to do is move the house and garage a little far ther back and to the right.Coaching Point: It’s seldom we run across the perfect composition, so adjust whatever draws us to the scene. Add more elements to make your composition a pleasing design.

FALLEN PINE

I love these streams. They dance and bubble ever ywhere in the high countr y. Not only are these areas great to paint, but I often use the time I’m here to just contemplate and reflect on how for tunate all of us are to be surrounded with such beauty.

STRAIGHTEN UP

This is just downstream from the sketch on the previous page. I like the leaning pine and the various values add depth to the painting.

HARRY COOK’S PLACE; BANNER ELK, NC

I drew this as I thought it might look before the town grew.

RAYFIELD ROAD

This is a natural setting. The fresh greens of spring were just waking and the tired red barn showed signs of life especially against the new white structure adjacent to it. The tree to the right guarding the entrance was all but dead, but still a rather imposing shape.

“SLEEPY FIELDS”

The three major elements in this sketch were slightly rearranged to create a more interesting design. The cornfield was the interesting shape. I moved the house from the left to tie it into the field; dressed up the barns. I’m not sure where I found this scene; I recall being in Mathis Farm Road and did the thumbnail there. Great area for subject matter.

BARN ON WILSON BROWN ROAD

A beautiful natural composition Even though the day was overcast it seemed to bring out the lush amber, ochre, red, and violets of the nature of this scene

To secure this angle I had to climb a fence and walk about 200 yards. I ruined a brand new $19.95 pair of shoes.

Coaching Point: Be careful where you walk in a wet cow pasture.

“ALONG THE FENCE”

This is another one of those natural compositions you just come across without having to change a thing. Just sat in the car and made the thumbnail below. I really make these thumbnails a little larger. From this point I take a photo and refine the composition later. I don’t work from the photo. The photo only reminds me of the ambience of the location.

JANUARY – NEAR ELK MOUNTAIN

The dark cedar tree bothered me at first. I’ll see what it looks like when I paint it. You do the same thing.

ON THE WAY TO ELK MOUNTAIN

Remove the two fence posts to the right, it will open up the design.

STILL STANDING

I couldn’t pass this by. I was on my way to somewhere west of Norecrosse. With the fresh greens of spring giving this old shed a stunning backdrop, it’s a natural. The place seemed deser ted until I stopped to leave. Was asked by an old timer what I was doing here.

“Just lost,” I said and quickly found the main road.

THE FARM AT CLARK’S CREEK

This was a soft overcast day and had just stopped to stay hello to Kevin Beck the fine pastelist. This farm is near his studio. The soft hills and grazing cattle invited me to record this scene. I left the sky blank in order to paint it as I wish.

FARM AT JEFFERSON, NC

Look at the great lines in this scene. The hills that roll, the cur ved road. Where are cows? Don’t know – didn’t ask. Too busy enjoying the scener y.

“ONCE UPON A TIME”

Near Banner Elk off Silver Spring Road. I can’t pass these old barns up. I found this on one of those side roads I usually get lost on. I added the figure for interest

A

WEST JEFFERSON, NC; OFF HW Y 221

quiet farm home set among

vegetation

Bolin Road.

“SOFT MEADOW” WILKES COUNT Y

Again the abstract shapes and the winter color of grass make this a wor thwhile effor t. The overcast skies seem to bring out the various colors of Januar y.

MACK BROWN’S BARN

A beautiful well kept structure, this red barn is complimented by the surrounding greener y. In painting this subject I would probably consider rearranging the size of the road entrance. The dark green evergreens to the left balance the building mass to the right.

SOUTH FORK OF THE NEW RIVER AT FLEET WOOD FALLS

This is a great spot to be. I’ve been here at all four seasons. The Fleetwood Falls Inn is right at the bend and is so peaceful. This sketch was made in October, lots of color in the water.

NEAR JOHNSON CIT Y, TN

In painting this scene I would probably raise the horizon line up quite a bit to give us more foreground. Doing that would give us a more dramatic painting The dark shape on the upper right helps balance the dark shape to the left

GRAYSON COUNT Y, VA; OFF HW Y 58

Here the light emphasizes the pasture in the middle ground and the remainder of the painting, especially the foreground, is bathed in cloud cover enhancing our view of our stor y. A few strokes to suggest grazing stock and we’ve got a painting. I’ll probably do this in oil. This is another scene I lucked up on.

HEADIN’ SOUTH

An old corn field in nor thern Wilkes County. The soft cool hills make a nice foil for the warm winter red and yellow grasses.

SEPTEMBER, NEAR WARRENSVILLE, NC

This was another lucky find. I turned into what looked like a gravel road to change directions and came upon this beautiful pasture. Colors were beginning to change The slopes of the distant hills seemed so soft I stopped long enough to make a quick thumbnail and refined the sketch later

NORTH OF WARRENSVILLE, OFF HW Y 194.

This old place had to be the rage when it was built. It was still imposing among the colors of fall. The fields were freshly mowed but, no sign of life in the house It would be great if someone restored the place And my dreams go on That’s a great par t of ar t Who built the house? Who were they? Did they have electricity? What did they do on weekends? Etc., etc., etc. Good old days?

FEEDING TIME

This scene is nor th on 221 near Grayson County, VA. It’s typical of this area. The far pasture is our player, we’ll put some warm color here. Look at the beautiful likes of the hills and valleys. Coaching Point: Thank the Good Lord for clouds. I use them often to shade areas when needed.

WATSON’S BARN UP IN PATRICK COUNT Y, VA.

I’ve painted them many times in different scenarios. You can choose your own seasons and your own colors. Send me a picture of your paintings. I’d like to see what you come up with.

“PASTURE AT DUTCH CREEK”

I can already tell you how I’ll paint this scene. Big brushstrokes, loose soupy layers of color. This sketch could be rendered in any season. I’ll paint this in spring and fall The opening in the fence allows the viewer to enter the painting I love the fenceposts

“ALL GROWN UP” ON THE WAY TO WARRENSVILLE, NC.

I know these old abandoned houses can get depressing. Some painters don’t want to even fool with them. Places like these just get my interest going. I want to know all about the people that lived there and what happened to them, etc., etc. The power poles really caught my eye.

OFF THE SOUTH FORK RIVER AT CASTLEFORD ROAD, FLEET WOOD, NC

This beautiful home was found hidden in a cur ve on the south fork of the New River

Absolutely stunning Quiet, peaceful; only the melody of the river The fall colors will really enhance this subject. Coaching Point: The dark mass in the left foreground may or may not do anything for the painting. Tr y it with or without this mass.

HW Y 221 SOUTH OF WEST JEFFERSON, NC

The red building set against the lush green hills really make this scene. I added the cows and the small building to the left for interest. This could be painted in any season I’ll probably do just that; but the red barns against the green hill turned my head

HW Y 58, VA; NEAR NO BUSINESS MOUNTAIN.

This is another one of those paintings I can just get into with the big brush loose and soupy. The cluster of buildings make this a good composition. We’ll use fall colors here. Coaching Point: Again I’d leave the foreground simple. All the lights and darks and any detail should be saved for the area around the structures.

CHUCK’S PLACE

This is one of my own compositions.

I just put some things I’ve seen somewhere with some other things I’ve seen and added this and that. Tr y it sometime. It’s fun.

PEACEFUL LAGOON

The reflection in this pond was like glass. Unusual for this par t of the countr y. I found this by accident off Poplar Grove Road in Boone. The large dark tree mass at the end of the stream needs some interest. A few strokes here and there will take care of that.

FALL SPLENDOR

Another par t of the South Fork River. Ever y bend ever y turn along that river is a beautiful painting.

HORSE FARM - SNAKE MTN. AREA

Just a small cluster of buildings overpowered by trees and hills Handle this just as it looks simple shapes, dark against light. I’m going to paint this in fall colors. How will you paint this layout?

CARTER COUNT Y, TN

Two straight days of snow created this soft silent and absolutely beautiful scene along the Watauga River. My mind went immediately to neutral blues and purples. Stay soft soft and quiet, listen to the music of the water. Don’t forget your thermos of hot coffee.

THE MOORE FARM IN DEEP GAP, NC

So many subjects to paint here. On either side of the barn are the family homes. One, the original, is still standing. Built at the turn of the centur y, it had to be an imposing structure. In spring, when I first saw the old home, the yellow daffodils were just blooming.

HIDDEN PLACE

This cool quiet pond gave me a chance to just sit and enjoy the ambience. That’s a great par t of ar t that many of us miss the sounds and smells of a loca tion really add to the familiarity of the subject. The feeling of the location is seen in your painting.

RUMPLE HOUSE

The Reverend Doctor Rumple lived in the home. This building was moved back on the lot and added to when it was later conver ted to an inn, but the original structure has been preser ved.

COOL, COOL WATER

On the south side of Grandfather Mountain are several great rock formations. This one streamed with a great gush of water. I’ll enjoy painting this one.

These trees and “stuff ” make great paintings. They’re ever ywhere and you can paint them in any season. Makes great watercolors. Let’s see what you can do with this sketch.

RAVEN ROCK OVERLOOK

View from the Parkway at Raven Rock Overlook. The view changes from day to day and hour by hour. All the cur ves and overlooks along the Parkway are fabulous.

COME ON IN

Door way to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. The church was dedicated on July 26, 1886.

A VIEW FROM CHEAP JOE’S ART STUFF’S PARKING LOT.

I could spend the rest of my life in and around Joe’s place and paint a different painting each day. Of course I don’t have a lot of time left.

LINVILLE, NC

I love the creeks and streams in the high countr y. They bounce and bubble along without any care or worr y. You can find them ever ywhere. This sketch may look confusing, but look at it carefully. You’ll find the separation line of rocks, leafy background and water.

LINVILLE, NC

Another look at these beautiful running waters that play tag with the rocks. I love to listen to the hymns the water seemed to sing as it moves downward from side to side

RED BARN AT ROUNDABOUT ROAD, NORTH OF CRESTON

Neat and clean. Spring just arriving fresh clean air, like an unforgettable fragrance.

AUTUMN WARMTH

The gentle slope of this pasture and the mountain in the distance makes this scene so pleasant. The warm light source absorbed by the pasture and the structures add to the serenity of this lovely farm. At first I was reluctant to paint the large evergreens in front of the house, but that’s where they belong adding distance to the house. Coaching Point: Tr y your sketch leaving the one tree out, see what you think.

WINTER MOTIF

Snow covered rocks toped with blue and violet Popsicle® trees. I’ll have fun painting this one. I would encourage you to tr y this, too. Send me a photo of your painting. I’d be interested to see how you handled this sketch.

Coaching Point: Cobalt blue, manganese violet and some royal amethyst make for great snowscapes.

ABANDON DREAMS

At one time a ver y imposing building. Family holidays big evening meals all gone If only the walls could talk

ROCK PILE

Rocks and fir trees we’ve got plenty. This arrangement was located near the Bluff Mountain. I can’t take you there unless I take Dan Stillwell.

DEEP GAP, NC

This grand old lady surely had to have been something. My mind just fills with days gone by. What memories. I can just imagine this stately home at Christmas.

STILL WORKING, DEEP GAP, NC

A beautiful old structure still in use. I widened the stream to enhance the composition. This can be found at Deep Gap at US 421. Coaching Point: Don’t be afraid to adjust the elements in your sketch to inspire a good design.

SHINING FACES, NEAR LINVILLE, NC

The morning sun set the buildings out beautifully; almost a brilliant orange. Surround this warm with cool dark blue greens and a little of this and that and, you’ve got a painting. It’s not often I come home so late. Glad I did though, or I’d have missed this one or maybe I was just getting in.

“WORN OUT”

New routing of US 421 has given us so many new views and different subject matter to enjoy and paint. This old farm is in Deep Gap at Old US 421 South. It looks so worn out, but I just have to paint it. What memories.

WATAUGA RIVER NEAR TENNESSEE

Along the Watauga River near the Tennessee line, US 421

COLD TODAY

A view from the Parkway on the way to Blowing Rock. Just a beautiful view, so peaceful. I love the snow, especially when I’m in the car.

SEPTEMBER GOLD

An old countr y home somewhere around Baldwin, NC. Just at sunset ever ything glowed with an orange tint It was so warm Indian summer, I think it’s called

THE CHEESE HOUSE IN BANNER ELK.

Neat little building. Makes a great painting from any angle.

ARCHIE CARROLL ROAD

This old farm on Archie Carroll Road at Deep Gap is so interesting. No matter time of year or the time of day I usually stop and see a fresh new painting. Notice how all the lines of the land mass point directly to the old barn. This is a natural.

GOING, GOING GOING.

These buildings are what’s left of a farm in Banner Elk. The development is called Deer Run. I’m sure that the new homes will be lovely.

I’m glad I caught this old set of buildings when I did. It’s on Gaultney Road.

DOWNTOWN TODD

All I can say is WOW, what a place. Each building drips with histor y. Can’t say enough about the people here. This is a must visit. Great ham and cheese sandwiches at the store, too. I love this place.

Coaching Point: In the mass of trees in the background be sure you change value and temperature. Same thing with the foreground.

MARCH 2004

Isn’t this a great layout! I really love the trees. This is off Big Plumtree Creek Road. I was here in late March. I’ll enjoy painting this. The colors are dancing around in my head even now.

SOMEWHERE ON HW Y. 88 SOUTH

Evening and I’m on my way back home. I took Hwy 88 South heading (I hoped) to Nor th Wilkesboro.

On the way through Laurel Springs I noticed these trees against a darkening sky. Stopped and made my thumbnail and some notes and headed toward Nor th Wilkesboro.

Route 88 heads in two directions. Yep. You guessed it took the wrong direction. Don’t want to talk about it.

Rocks make interesting studies of their own. Many farms and old homesteads have rock wall and foundations.

FOOTHILLS WINTER.

Overcast skies played up this dark stream. I wanted cold so arctic ice cobalt magnesium were the blues plus permanent rose and royal amethyst. Some raw sienna for warmth and, a painting. Only two other colors were used for darks. Yadkin County winter.

FARM SOUTH OF LINVILLE

I don’t know the exact location of this farm, but I liked it.

The barn had been painted various shades of blue and against the turning fall leaves made quite a contrast. Coaching Point: I’ll neutralize the blues on the barn by using its complement orange. You can make neutrals by using the three primaries and adjust them for warms or cools.

“MINIMAL HOUSING”

Isn’t this a find, “the chicken coop”! I found this near Crossnore. I admit that I added the white rooster who wouldn’t? How would you paint this? Please send me a photo of your rendition. I’d love to see it.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Near Grandfather Mountain. It hadn’t really snowed a lot but my imagination ran away from me. This looks like a great ski area. I skied once with a pine tree.

JANUARY, CLARK'S CREEK

This is over at Clark's Creek. Love it over that way. Just a pleasant scene to paint. I like the mountains in winter. Maybe I’m loony. Don’t answer that. It had snowed for two days when I got here. New snow to me is incredibly beautiful. Ever ything looks fresh and clean. The fresh sharp air and the total silence of this place whispered to me to stop.

THE TOOL SHED

I had to add this one. It’s kind of a sentimental piece. We did this old tool shed in a workshop with my friend Judi Wagner. She’s a hoot. It’s just a simple vignette. I like the shape of the entire unit.

Coaching Point: The side of pencil shapes out a nice tree, also gives you good texture for the side of a wooden structure.

SAINT MARY’S OF THE HILLS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Much histor y envelops this beautiful stone structure that has been the church home for some ver y well known ar tists, among them Elliot Daingerfield. Daingerfield’s painting, Madonna of the Hills, located in the church, is considered his masterpiece

“ANOTHER SPRING”ELK RIDGE, BALDWIN

This old structure is leaning in all directions. Bleached and patched, it still remains upright. However, the grass has been neatly trimmed as if the old barn had paid its dues and was being kept as a memorial for years of ser vice. Var y pressure with the side of the pencil, then the tip of the pencil to indicate boards.

AUTUMN COLOR AND CAT TAILS.

I found the beautiful line of trees turning warm; the pond was clear blue. The cattails were there but, no homeplace, so I added the house. The hills are over near Snake Mountain

“REBUILDING”

What a fabulous subject. At first I thought that the old home was abandoned. I took a chance and drove up the driveway. It became obvious that a young couple were working this old farm and rebuilding the beautiful old house

COBLE ROAD NEAR RAYFIELD ROAD

The fresh greens of late April caught my eye while passing this location Mixed with the lush dark greens of fir and hemlock was nothing less than stunning

MEAT CAMP ROAD, BAPTIST CHURCH

Just about all the churches I’ve seen in the high countr y are kept up so nicely. The members of these houses of worship cer tainly have much pride. This is really not the most interesting composition, but, the colors on this great expanse of grass and the wooded area to the left really made me stop get the travel kit out and just splash the various colors on a watercolor pad. Left out the tombstones.

SOUTH FORK ESTATE, “TODD ISLAND PARK”

I couldn’t begin to describe this simple but awesome location with the smell of fresh spring color. Dark blue greens meshed with new orange tipped oak and gum trees. Hidden under all this beauty, the well kept homestead listened to the South Fork River babble by as if greeting old friends.

PICTURE PERFECT, WEST JEFFERSON, NC

Over the hill in the rain, the old barn looked perfect sitting quietly on the side of the wet road. Even on a rainy day we can find a great painting

“WALKING THE DOG”, WEST JEFFERSON, NC

This composition star ted with the woman walking the dog up the driveway. The dead trees to the left were there I moved the house to the right and brought the barn for ward to make the composition work.

NIGHTFALL AT THE BACK 40

I found this spot while tr ying to find my way back to Boone. The overcast sky, combined with a crisp wind and the roll of the land and the gray distant mountains added to the composition.

COW PARSLEY AT SIMONS GATE

Old 421 from Winston Salem brings you through Yadkin County past Dobson and East Bend. On the way nor th outside these communities I spotted this cow parsley. Didn’t think it grew in this par t of the countr y. White bloom with strong dark green stems and it’s ever ywhere.

“STILL PROUD”

These old “Bacca” barns are disappearing fast. I’m always looking for them. This one is in fair shape. John Lines painted this one. I just had to put it in.

THE FARM ON DENNY VILLE ROAD, WILKES COUNT Y

This is a new subject area for me. New routing of US 421 from Winston Salem to Boone has given us a whole new world to paint.

WILKES COUNT Y SNOWFALL

I took the buildings and rearranged them to make a more pleasing composition. I’d loosen up the corn stalk rows they’re too defined and soldier like.

THE FOX WOOD COT TAGE OAK

This old oak tree hung in for a long time. It was really a landmark in front of the Foxwood Cottage on Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC. The power company trimmed and pruned it for years. It gave way in recent years to a sidewalk. Glad I got a chance to paint this. Coaching Point: Trees are great subject matter: a few minutes with a pad and pencil can help you understand how they’re constructed.

“BUSY CORNER”

Par t of the old Mar tin Home (I used to have a great breakfast there). Now shoppers and various boutiques inhabit the building. There are tons of paintings of this well known structure if you just walk around the proper ty.

SOUTH FORK

Another view of the colorful South Fork River near the Todd Island Park. The reflections of fall glimmer in the water.

JUST STUFF

These floral pieces are my recollection of the beautiful arrangement maintained at the Brookside Inn. Tony and Carolyn Ewing gave me a great oppor tunity here. Great inn beautiful grounds. Special people.

THE GRAINERY

This is the original grainer y at the Reynolds Homestead in Critz, VA.

I caught this late one October afternoon Can you imagine how warm this scene looked? I hope you’ll tr y this I’d like to see how you handle this subject

Coaching Point: Walk around your subject. Familiarize yourself with what you’re about to paint.

RED ROOF

A new red roof on this house turned my head right away. I was on Hwy 194 on the way to Jefferson, NC. Against the varied greens of late summer, and some of the foliage beginning to turn to autumn, this made a lovely picture.

DENNY VILLE FARM

Odd looking building. I don’t know what it was constructed for, but I liked the colors that encased the barn. The mingling of cool greens and warm fall shapes made a nice setting. Give it a tr y. How would you treat this subject?

Can’t possibly describe this magnificent estate near Banner Elk. Actually it’s in Matney on Hwy 194. The Casenda Farm. The matriarch still lives there. It’s manicured grounds and buildings are really something to see. I hope I can do it justice.

THE REFLECTION CAUGHT MY EYE.

It’s on Archie Carroll Road in Deep Gap, NC.

Coaching Point: Puddles are great additions to landscapes. Study them; check the distance between what is being reflected and the reflection itself.

STILL STANDING

Another side of the old barn in Banner Elk, NC on Old Turnpike Road It seems to just grow out of the foliage

BLAIR HOUSE

Here’s a proud old lady in Boone, NC I’ll have several sketches of this Fellow ar tist Susanne Wilson can tell us all kinds of stories of this place The farm goes back to the turn of the centur y. It’s on Deerfield Road, built in 1884 by Mr. Blair.

“RAIN AT HEATON CHURCH”, BANNER ELK, NC

This was one of those fresh spring rains that makes ever ything shine and sparkle. The two figures in the street seemed to be enjoying the sudden shower.

THE OLD STORE

Don’t really know what this old shack was. Looks like an old store. It’s on Shawannee Road in Banner Elk. Maybe I’ll ask around see what I can find out.

Coaching Point: This subject can be moved anywhere. It’s interesting. When I say moved, I mean placed in various locations.

BROOKSIDE POND

This is evening at the Brookside Inn, Blowing Rock, NC. Carolyn and Tony Ewing kept this proper ty in such immaculate shape. The warm glow of a fall evening always produced such beautiful reflections.

“THE STUMP”

These old tree stumps make interesting subject matter. I found this one near Hawk’s Nest. Ate my lunch here while I sketched this out. Baloney and cheese on whole wheat bread and an iced tea I had sat on the lunch bag earlier in the trip, but I ate the sandwich anyway The cup cake didn’t sur vive

RAINY DAY

Patrick County, VA

Overcast, rainy, misty what a great subject.

FRESH SNOW

Fresh snow stopped me here up US 321 in Car ter County, Tennessee. On my way to Lake Watauga, I think.

RUMPLE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BLOWING ROCK, NC

A constant sight in the town of Blowing Rock Rich in heritage I love this place when it’s been touched with a fresh blanket of snow

ASHBURY CHURCH

The open gate was inviting. November afternoon was cold, but the least bit of color remained so I chose to sketch the scene and I’ll probably add enough color to make it interesting. You’ll find this in the A sbur y Church community off US 421.

EMPT Y

I found this abandoned farm over in east Tennessee. Near Bear Mountain. Must have been something in its day. Lost again.

SPRING REFLECTIONS

Spring along the Watauga River. This is one of those ver y still par ts of this beautiful rambling river near the Tennessee border. Crisp colors of spring in the calm water caught my eye.

WILSON CREEK

This was a foggy morning at Wilson Creek just south of Grayson State Park. I liked the twist of the creek as it faded into the distant fog.

THE GREENE’S PLACE

The Greene’s outbuildings on their farm at Chestnut Grove Road and Hwy 194 over in the Meat Camp area Whoever keeps the flowers and the grounds cer tainly does a great job. The area around the mailbox would make a great greeting card.

DRIPPIN’

On the backside of Grandfather Mountain you’ll find the water seeps down from places on top of this famous landmark and creates these beautiful water falls. The colors of the rocks and water change from morning till night and season to season. Coaching Point: Don’t bring the darks that run down beside the lights of the water from top to bottom. Watch to see where water and the light source turn both the rocks and water one light value.

AUTUMN NEAR JEFFERSON, NC

The old oak tree spread out to frame this lovely old barn. This would look good in any season Coaching Point: Not too much of the tree just enough to frame the structure

STEEP DRIVEWAY

When I went back to revisit this location all the trees had been cut and were just laying where they fell I liked it better with the trees. Coaching Point: A s ar tists, we adjust what we see, by what we know.

COLD AND WET

The south side of Grandfather Mountain on a ver y cold and drear y day. It was ver y windy and just star ted snowing. Ever ything seemed almost surreal, so, this is the way I recorded the feelings I saw before me.

PEACEFUL

Late afternoon spread warm oranges and reds across the sky and gently touched the grasses and buildings on this farm near Crossnore. I could feel the softness and warmth of afternoon sun and the fragrances of fresh mowed fescue. I’ll come back again soon if only to comfor t my mind and renew the creative juices.

RAYFIELD RD.

This is the view from the side of the homeplace on Rayfield Road and King’s Way.

I really like the composition. Can’t wait to come back and see this old home completed.

Coaching Point: Be sure to check all the angles and possibilities of your subject. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find.

WELL KEPT

The Ford family farm at the end of Rayfield Road. Even the buildings are hard working. Kept up neatly with each road and path fresh with the tracks and the subtle sound of equipment doing its job.

CHEESE HOUSE

Reflections always catch my eye. This pond behind the Cheese House in Banner Elk is a natural. I’ll paint this in all four seasons.

MORNING SHADOWS

Cool shadows across this warm roadway are a beautiful lead in to the “garage” that stored the farm equipment. It’s on Brookshire Road that runs behind Cheap Joe’s Ar t Stuff You should see this around 10 a m

LUNCH TIME

Over around Phoenix Mountain are some beautiful pastures. The changing colors from one season to another make returning to these places so necessar y to me. This area of the countr y is another world, each visit is completely different. Each season is a new stor y.

Coaching Point: Ar t has many rewards. Awards, sales, admiration, etc. Let’s not forget our ability as ar tists to absorb and appreciate the beauty in ever ything around us; the emotions of what we see and ingest.

THE BLAIR HOUSE.

Another view of this beautiful old homeplace. Pay attention to the large oak at the left.

I sure hope that this estate is kept alive and doesn’t become victim to the bulldozer

CARROLL’S GAP

A view from the Parkway at Carroll’s Gap. The goldenrod along the front was in brilliant color. All the sights from the Blue Ridge Parkway are just amazing. Amazing what the hand of God can do.

JIM’S PLACE

“Yesterday’s Convenience Store” Stella, VA.

Places like these bring back so many memories. My friend Jim McIntosh worked here before he became a famous college professor. I think he still cuts the grass.

“BESSY”

A s much of the landscape here in the “High Countr y” as fences and rocks and church steeples. These beautiful animals are fascinating to watch and paint. Dair y farms are disappearing rapidly in this area. Enjoy them while you can.

FUNNY LOOKING BARN

I moved this shed from the bottom right up to where it could become a more prominent par t of our composition.

Coaching Point: Again as ar tists we are making a painting, not a record of what we see. Take the liber ty to rearrange elements to make a pleasing design.

TOP OF THE HILL

I can’t quite remember exactly where this beautiful scene is.

I think it’s nor th of Jefferson, NC. See the flow of the land almost as if a conductor with a baton were leading the lines.

SOFTLY

From Bambo Road you can see this building. The slope of the land was a natural compliment to the structure. My imagination took the liber ty to make this my personal painting. I removed ever ything from the location trucks, trees, trash; all the vegetation save for the one tree and moved that to the right. The background wash is a series of blues and violets and some ver tical suggestions. Coaching Point: I had fun doing this. Let’s see what you can do.

“OLD TIMER” HENRY COUNT Y, VA

The changing colors of the tree and the texture of the stone and stucco chimney caught my eye right away. Again I wondered who had lived here and how did they live. Oh, the memories. The foreground needs ver y little attention. A few strokes of soft neutral color. The sky just a wash behind the tree Nothing fancy

GOOD FOOD

This well known inn and restaurant was a huge well kept building set on the side of a hill in Blowing Rock. I had only been on the proper ty once in the spring before it opened for summer guests. I talked briefly with a man trimming these hedges. Some job. Indescribable view. Gone now. Progress you know.

“SONNY’S GRILL”

Popular eater y in Blowing Rock. I’ve eaten here a few times. Good coffee.

FEBRUARY – LONG HILL FARM

This is over in Grayson County, Virginia near Highland State Park. I think that’s Mt. Rogers in the background. I’ll ask Dan. Coaching Point: Tr y moving the building fur ther to the right It may or may not improve the design Tr y it

HOME PLACE

This old homeplace is gone now It was just south of Deep Gap A new two stor y contemporar y house has been built on the location I added the creek for interest.

ANOTHER GRAYSON COUNT Y HOMEPLACE

The quiet and stillness of this place added to its beauty. Coaching Point: Keep the foreground simple. A few strokes of neutral cools What intensity you add should remain up around the structures

FLEET WOOD ESTATE

This old homeplace sat on a knoll facing the South Fork River near Fleetwood.

A crew of men were cutting brush and cleaning the proper ty. Straighten the porch railing when you go to paint this. Let’s see what you can do with this subject. Send me a photo.

BROYHILL PARK

Beautiful in all seasons. The variety of vegetation here is fabulous and the reflections are awesome. Coaching Point: I looked at this gazebo from ever y angle. I hope you do the same with all your subjects.

TRANQUILLE

I stopped at this still creek to take a break.

Listened to the stillness and watched the fish pop up. The colors of spring are awesome.

Coaching Point: More than half of ar t is understanding and appreciating the ambience around our subject.

Sitting and absorbing what’s around us is priceless. Tr y it.

BLOWING ROCK LANDMARK

I’m sure that this is a recognizable site to ever yone that’s been through the “High Countr y.” It’s on Main Street at Shulls Mill Road (Rt 221). It’s been a gift shop and galler y for some time.

Bob Timberlake has it now and he’s done a great job with it. A must stop in.

Animals are par t of the high countr y. They’re ever ywhere. My dog Pepper and me sit in the car and just watch them. Animals and people add life and interest to your painting. Tr y putting them in your paintings.

FROM PHOTO’S

I don’t paint from photo’s. I use them only to remind me of the ambience of the subject or location. I do my sketching on site and paint from my sketch.

I am looking for good shapes and interesting lines.

Don’t be a slave to the photo. Remember, we’re after a good design.

There are so many things to paint. Make discovering subject matter fun!

Bamboo Road My wife is a mail box nut. Ever ything’s paintable. Let your creative juices take over. It’s your painting paint it however you like.

Change seasons Leave out or add to your design Whatever it takes.

Hills valleys rocks roads up down. It’s all in the high countr y. This is the road from Seven Devils.

Leaving things out is as impor tant as what you put in. Get several paintings from this subject.

Keep it simple. This bell tower is all I need to let you know what and where this subject is.

Less is better. Exaggerate whenever it helps your painting.

Simple Keep things simple. This is where Carolyn lets me stay when I go to Reynolds Homestead.

This sketch is a little stiff. I’ll loosen it u when I paint it.

Simple Simple Simple. This makes a great vignette.

Get three or four paintings out of this location.

I didn’t do a good job on the barn shape. See if you can do better.

In other paintings I kept the white house and water. There was a man fishing when I was here. talked to him for a while. Found out he was sound asleep.

Find the great lines in your subject. Tree lines cur ved roads anything to create interest.

Sketches of the High Countr y: A Reference Book for Ar tists by Chuck McLachlan

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