New England Scenes Studio 

Scenes

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I wonder about my refuge . . . . the clear day, the open space. That time may not settle, yet with the mist that rests above the meadow --race to the river stream. Would not draw upon the flight or chance, but sometimes I am amazed . . . . that spaces between shapes of leaves waving --tumble . . . . . . . . . . I do not take for granted those brief instances of great beauty --that the day is so clear, or the dear finch so briefly flits about the branches along the stone terrace --or, for the moment the sky has such breadth and a warm light close to evening . . . . . . . . . . Certainly it is common sense to know the quick passage of those fine clouds leaving much behind in broad shadowed clarity upon the open fields . . . . . . . . . . So the hen and its three chicks --cluck cluck --peck about the pen --seeds and weeds and the dewy grass about the wooden rails --misty morning racing fast to the still bank. Waking the folk in the spare kitchen back of the weathered shingles. Dull clunk of the iron pots of porridge --stir stir --before the heavy noonday, in summer. Still, there is the labor back of the shed for the sheep --and tall stalks and husks. In lazy drawl the tale for the neighbor's share --bag of grain, the soup, the pot, the hoe, the rail. "Come'n?" he'd say and drag the chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . That clear cold day, when the children were all bundled up -- the boys in their new shirts (hanging out) and jackets -- well padded against the air in coats and overalls . . . . The good spirits welcoming a chatter in the hall . . . . . or bustling about the roast in the kitchen --and potatoes peeled and browned in the oven . . . . the squash, the onions, the fresh olives, celery sticks . . . . cheese and chestnuts and bright ribbons of candy. The ground so hard, and the clouds frozen in time. The pinto very fluffy in its thick winter coat nudging the children out of the way and welcoming warm water in the frozen pail in the corner of the barn stall.. Sparkling lights, crystal and silver, the china . . . sweaters and tweads. Everybody in the family for dinner that afternoon. The other side of the family for supper. . . . . . . . . . . It is fine for the earth to breathe in December, now -- for the pond to evaporate. For the rich sienna floor of old leaves to carpet the forest floor. The young pine trees are fresh with sparkling drops of water after the night of rain. The moss so green. And silence. . . . . . . . . . . . . A still and quiet evening, all the perpendicular lines of the open porches --wide flat yards --no cars on the streets --parallel to the sandy beach. Absolutely clear sky. Dressed, now --the suits on the line --what game or play, now? Quickly, running to the side yard --the back steps. Not a cloud in the deep blue sky --the summer homes in a patchwork clear and spare set back from the dunes, the grass fresh from the sandy paths where the flat of yard and street settle squarely --in the calm before the children meet --before the party starts --and, in the dimming of the light, laughter and delight. At dusk --the lines are set, and in hide or seek, there is the unexpected rush to the sea --into the sea? Wet. Chilling! Who is swimming? No - not me! It is barely possible to make out the paths through the cool damp dunes to the street -- following the shadow of figures running in the dark about the sea grass - not a breeze, in the stillness of the night --sounding up the wooden planks of the porch to the house with windows and warm lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . For the light is lovely at the end of days, which get longer now --and when the ice melts --the earth suggests the spring. Just to linger --with a longer day --is promising. There is no doubt.



'Along the Fence' a view of Orchard House in Concord -- 'Distance' along the shore in Sandwich, MA --'Swan Boat Ride' in Boston Garden -- 'Waiting' by The Toy Shop in Concord (1980s) -- 'Cows in the Farmyard' along the Road to Groton, MA -- 'Morning Ride' in the field by the Old Manse -- 'Winter Walk' along the Historic Mile on Lexington Road -- 'Morning Walk' along Lexington Road at Heyward Corner -- 'Skating' at Macone's Pond -- 'On an Errand' in downtown Concord -- 'Christmas Shopping' by the Colonial Inn -- 'Old House' on Lowell Road in Concord -- 'Welcome' to the Alcott House in Concord - 'Snow Plowing' on Walden Street in Winter -- A Walk along 'Newbury Street' in Boston -- 'Autumn Walk' along the Historic Mile

Signed 5" x 7" prints or a Portfolio may be purchased at views.bz







    NOTE - These oil paintings are presented here in B&W photo
    reproductions at a uniform small size.



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