I find watching gate schooling fascinating. The gate guys generally seem to know the balance between insisting and convincing reluctant horses that they won't be eaten by the gate and it's ok to step closer.
The paddock is a treat to observe before a race. I met a jockey and asked him about 'last minute' instructions in the paddock. He said "They're not last minute. They're just the instructions." I assumed that's the trainer is on the right, talking with the jockey. I also loved the general composition of this scene. This will possibly become an oil painting.
I was at the track for the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2025. This race had a rough start that saw Irad Ortiz bumped off his (favored to win) mount and led to this horse - #8, Antiquarian - actually winning the race. I liked the image because of what it shows of the paddock scene and the pink saddle cloth and pinny of his groom.
Grandstand at Saratoga
It took me multiple attempts to find a good spot to catch the rider up moment. I didn't include the person who helps the jockey up via a hand under a knee. They're all very graceful.
Pony rider with a gray horse wearing an orange 7 cloth and a jocky in pink. That's the main reason I chose this image - the colors - as well as showing riders and horses at their work.
There's always guys out front of the smoke shop on Broadway, smoking cigars. Day and night.
Cooperstown Distillery is on the right. Love the bright green umbrellas along with the red begonias the city puts in on Broadway for the summer.
In front of the Frivolous Boutique, again - the sidewalk is wide and the boutique always has a rack of colorful clothes out front.
Salt and Char has a beautiful facade with inviting steps, if you're hot and tired from walking around all day.
I had to say goodbye to my beloved Westie in May. I've since included her in a few sketches, where I felt she'd fit in. She loved walking Broadway, meeting new people and getting treats from most of the stores.
I gave this couple window shopping at Spa Fine Arts my dog to keep them company.
The Gibson Aiken Center on Main Street in my hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont. It used to be known as the Rec Center and hosted a couple rock concerts by local kids and the annual Ski & Skate Sale.
Eliot Street in Brattleboro, from the fire station. Lawton's Cleaners building is on the left, still has the glass bricks I remember.
Castleton, Vermont has a beautiful town beach called Crystal Beach on Lake Bomoseen. This is a swampy creek that feeds into the lake. I was there on a summer evening and happy to see kids out trying to catch frogs instead of parked in their phones.
This farm is on Basin Harbor Road in Shoreham, Vermont. It's just another example of ordinary scenes in Vermont that are so harmonious that they look art-directed.