2010 was the 75th anniversary for the construction of the

Blue Ridge Parkway.  My wonderful wife knows how much

I enjoy driving the road, and she arranged a long weekend trip

through North Carolina and into parts of Virginia.  I must admit

that I was excited about it, and she even accused me of acting

like a little boy as we started the trip.  I couldn't help it.  We were

going to some of my favorite places, plus I was sure I would find

some new painting ideas.  I wasn't disappointed.  The colors of

fall were just beginning to show.  The places we visited were

marvelous and I was able to take numerous photos.  But the

biggest surprise was this old and rather small pear tree growing

beside the road.  I probably wouldn't have stopped except it

struck me as strange that this tree was still laden with fruit while

most of the leaves had already fallen from it.  I actually took the

pictures out of curiosity, rather than viewing them as a painting

opportunity.  But after returning home, I found that the first

painting from the trip was of the pears.  Moreover, I will probably

do at least one more of the same subject.

26 " x 20" 140# hot press paper.  The original is for sale.