This past weekend I spent a relaxing and creative weekend on Millstone Mountain in northern Georgia with my new artist friends I met at the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational last month.

Between rain showers, we took full advantage of the sunshine and painted en plein air at Sally's Pond.

And during the rain and evenings, we painted still life inside.
And in between, we sneaked down to tour Rome, GA, and Berry College.
Berry College is amazing! A picturesque institution of higher learning with a blend of historic and contemporary architecture wrapped in some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll find in the south. And don't forget the furbabies...


We even discovered a very special place...

Rome, Georgia, is a beautiful town. It reminded me of my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee, only larger and "undiscovered." As much as I love Franklin, it's so crowded and congested, I pine for the days when they rolled up the sidewalks at 5pm.
Rome is still a working small town with more history, more historic architecture, and lovely quaintness. It's situated between two rivers with spectacular landscapes and views. And I love the wide space between the buildings and a divided Main Street with a grassy and tree-lined median.
While downtown we visited the studio of an artist whose work has absolutely enchanted me, Kathleen Smithson.
Yummy, yummy colors, soft edges and beautiful compositions. Excellent work, Kathleen!!

Thank you ladies, for a lovely weekend!!!