Crown of Maine Balloon Fest 2012

Up Above the Clouds so High

 Yes I went back to Presque Isle yesterday afternoon -three days in a row this week I am pooped!

My daughter felt we should chase the balloons rather than just take pictures at the fairgrounds.  What a chase it proved to be.  We ended up just outside of Presque Isle on the Caribou Rd.

We had a great time and are looking forward to next year.

Sunset Silhouette

A Soft Landing

Crown of Maine Balloon Fest 2012

 Finally made it up to the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest after all these years.  I have always wanted to go but for some reason I always miss it. 
It was worth the wait! 

I took all three of my kids ages 8-18 and my daughter's boyfriend, they all took pictures it was absolutely crazy.  When we returned home we had roughly 600 images.

Planning on another trip today, this time with not so may children.

 These are just a few of the images taken yesterday afternoon at Balloon Fest.  I will be posting others on my online gallery for purchase http://www.carolynanderson.shootproof.com.

Balloon Fest

Going to Presque Isle later today to see the hot air balloons for the first time ever.  Each year I want to go but always miss it for one reason or another.
http://www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org/

Farm Fuel

Farm Fuel
This is a photograph of our neighbors old fuel pump which looks to be still in use. 

Sun Filled Field

Sun Filled Field                     
I went back to the sunflower field late yesterday afternoon to see if they were still there.

Paint Presque Isle

What an experience, my first Paint Presque Isle.  I had made a trip to Caribou a few weeks ago and spotted this beautiful barn on the Caribou Rd and wanted to stop and take pictures of it, but didn't.  Must have been a sign that I would be using it as my Paint Presque Isle location.

I checked in at 930 wearing my pink flamingo PJ's -one should be comfortable while painting.

I set up in a mowed field just off the main road which was quite nice considering the high traffic.  I stuck in my ear buds and didn't notice a thing.  I had a few visitors -one passer-by and a reporter from the Star Harold--maybe my flamingo pjs will make the paper, one can hope.

My painting was finished around 200 and I got back home in time to realize how tanned I got and to get ready for the auction (couldn't wear my pjs). 

It was pretty awesome to see my work on display with more well known local artists.  It was even more awesome when my painting sold.  It didn't sell for an extreme amount of money, only $60.00 but that's okay considering the more well known artists were selling for 100-200. 

I was a little surprised that more artists didn't get involved in the event, I think there were only around seven.  Compared to all the art students and working artists I would have thought more would have participated.

All in all it was a hot, tiring, yet very fun learning experience and I will definitely do it again next year.

What a Beautiful Site

The clouds were so gorgeous today I decided to go ride around the side roads to see what I could see.  Driving along I spotted a field of yellow as I got closer and realized what it was I literally slammed on my brakes looking for a spot to pull over.  I can honestly say I have never seen a field of sunflowers before, and what a beautiful site. 

Senior Pictures

I did these last weekend.  It was quite an adventure hiking down to this spot.  I learned a few things -I am not a mountain goat and closer is not always better.

Senior Pictures

 This has been my project for the last few days.  It took two sessions to complete these.  The first day we were fighting the rain and the ground was wet, but the atmosphere was a bit gloomy which was what we were after.  I thought it would be a bit creepy doing a shoot like this but actually the landscape was amazing. I snapped over 80 images and these are just a few of the final choices.