My youngest daughter has taken up horseback riding lessons. I decided to take the opportunity to use the hour lesson time to work on some quick-draw plein air painting.

When we arrived this time, all of the horses were out in the field to graze and run around—which left the barn empty and quiet. I have always been fascinated by the value differences in this scene. The dark barn doorway contrasted by the bright, distant, atmospheric pasture makes me want to run out and play too.