This painting captures a memorable plein air experience during a Garden Walk event in Johns Creek, Georgia, where my wife Debra and I were invited as guest artists. We were assigned to the stunning residence of well-known attorney Robert (Bob) Cheeley—a truly special estate blessed with meticulous landscaping, ancient oaks, terraced grounds, horse pastures, barns, cows, a donkey, and other animals roaming the fenced pastures.
Debra and I set up our display of works under a large, grand gazebo by the pool, where I placed my easel for live painting as the garden tours passed by. A classical quartet played softly in the background, creating an atmosphere of elegance and inspiration. The host and his wife were wonderfully friendly, stopping to chat while we worked amid the beauty of their property.
I chose this sweeping view of the pastures: a gently curving drive way leading through lush green fields, framed by tall pines and oaks with dappled sunlight filtering through, black fences enclosing the space, a charming red barn in the distance, and a solitary horse grazing peacefully in the foreground. The composition draws the eye along the winding drive, evoking the quiet rhythm of estate life in North Georgia.
I finalized the piece in the studio for added depth and refinement. The Cheeleys loved it so much that they purchased it after completion—a wonderful compliment and a fitting end to a great experience.
This 20″ × 16″ acrylic on canvas, was started plein air and completed in studio in 2023.
