Being a professional artist and a heavy dabbler in writing, blogging and photography, I feel I must mention the wonderful opportunities for creative people up here. The views right off the front porch of the cottage are masterpieces waiting to happen, with lots of painting and photo possibilities. There's plenty of room to set up an easil right there!
The wildflowers, farmland, cottages and mountain views, not to mention the wonderful people and their animals, create a fertile environment for all kinds of artisans, both amateur and professional.
As for writing, it's wonderfully secluded (just one next door neighbor), and everyone you meet is a character of one sort or another who can lend inspiration to your work. (Or you can ignore them...)
Each season is distinctly different from the last,
presenting an ever changing canvas of opportunity.
This painting was made from a scene just outside of Boone.
"Closed Until Spring", a watercolor, was done from a photo made
on a snowy day in Blowing Rock.
A happy horse relaxes in his house on the river.
This photo is from last winter, and was taken about
1/2 mile down the road from the cottage.
I made notecards using this
and the following photograph.
This was taken on the same snowy day as the red barn photo.
Boy! What a wonderful opportunity that was!
Don't leave home without your camera!
Boone native Joe Miller's terrific store and warehouse is located right in Boone, offering workshops from a variety of artists, including Joe Miller, himself, and other events throughout the summer.
Cheap Joe's Art Stuff http://www.cheapjoes.com/
Hands Gallery is one of my favorite co-op galleries in the area, with unique, high quality arts and crafts.
http://www.handsgallery.org/
Artwalk, located on King Street in downtown Boone, is an art mall of sorts, where artists, jewelers and other crafters rent booths and keep them stocked with a huge variety of handmade items.
http://www.artwalkboone.com/catalog/
Carlton Gallery, run by artist Toni Carlton, an area native, is located along Hwy 105 toward Grandfather Mountain. It's a fabulous gallery with over 300 artisans.
http://www.carltonartgallery.com/index.htm
