Horse Plowing with Chickens

 

I’m excited to share my latest digital painting, *Horse Plowing with Chickens*, a vibrant homage deeply inspired by the beloved folk artist Maude Lewis. This 8 by 10-inch piece invites viewers into a lively pastoral scene that balances warmth and movement through its carefully composed elements and textured brushwork—qualities that echo Lewis’s joyful and heartfelt style.

At the heart of the artwork, a farmer guides two white horses along a dirt path. The farmer’s yellow shirt and blue pants stand out subtly against the natural backdrop, offering a human presence grounded in the rural setting. Scattered around are several yellow chicks and a solitary white hen, adding life and a gentle sense of motion to the composition.The surrounding environment captures the spirit of autumn—a tree to the left displays rich orange and yellow leaves, while a field of golden-yellow foliage stretches beneath the animals and the farmer. Beyond, a yellow house with a red roof punctuates the green rolling landscape, providing a focal point that contrasts with the dynamic, swirling blues of the sky overhead.

The expressive brushstrokes throughout the piece give texture and energy to the scene, blending warm sunlight tones with cooler sky hues. This approach creates a harmonious interplay between the elements, evoking a rural rhythm that feels both timeless and immediate.

My inspiration for this work is firmly rooted in the art of Maude Lewis, whose unpretentious yet vivid depictions of everyday rural life have long resonated with me. In *Horse Plowing with Chickens*, I sought not only to echo her distinctive style but to celebrate the joyful simplicity and vibrant connection between people, animals, and their surroundings that define her legacy.

This piece was a rewarding challenge in digital painting, where I endeavored to capture the tactile quality of traditional brushwork while exploring color and texture in a fresh way. The process deepened my appreciation for how layering and stroke variation can bring an otherwise simple scene to life.

I hope *Horse Plowing with Chickens* offers a glimpse into the rich rhythms of country life, inspired by Maude Lewis’s timeless voice, and encourages reflection on the understated beauty found in everyday moments. Thank you for taking the time to experience this new addition to my collection.

Digby Ferry Passing Point Prim Lighthouse,

I’m pleased to share my newest piece, *Digby Ferry Passing Point Prim Lighthouse, 1950s-*, a digital artwork sized 8 by 10 inches. This work captures a lively coastal scene centered on a distinctive lighthouse—its red roof and white walls standing firmly atop a grassy, yellow-green cliff.

The cliff itself is alive with texture, rendered through thick, swirling brushstrokes that suggest both movement and the presence of small wildflowers scattered through the grass. Below, jagged dark rocks meet restless ocean waves, portrayed with bold, energetic strokes of blue, green, and white. The water’s motion feels palpable, as the waves push and curl against the shore.

Above this dynamic scene, the sky offers a subtle contrast. Layers of blue, punctuated with textured, wispy clouds, create a sense of depth and atmosphere. On the horizon, a red and white ship sails steadily, providing a point of balance within the composition and inviting the eye to wander beyond the immediate scene.

This work is deeply inspired by Maude Lewis, whose vibrant and heartfelt approach to art has long resonated with me. In creating this piece, I sought to channel that same expressive energy, employing thick, impressionistic brushwork throughout to build texture, movement, and life into the scene.

*Digby Ferry Passing Point Prim Lighthouse* aims to offer more than just a representation of a coastal landmark—it’s an invitation to experience the rhythm and vitality of the sea and land meeting, a place both invigorating and contemplative. I hope this piece encourages you to reflect on the stories and sensations held within such timeless views.