"Belgian Horse Heads" © J. Phillips

Richmond Farms, Newbury, hosted "Horse Days" so the public could see how farmers tilled the soil amd planted crops before the gasoline engine tractors came into use. Dave and I felt like we were transported back in time. Everyone talked about the "good Old days" but from what I observed, the Good Old Days" were filled with hard work.

Oxen and later heavy draught horses helped lighten the load for the piioneer farmers. Horses like these beautiful Belgians. I've always been partial to Belgians because my father plowed at matches with them. My grandfather called sorrel Belgians 'the showgirls' because of their glitzy platinum manes and burnished copper well muscled bodies accented by their white blazes and stockiings. Show girls or not . . . I love them!
- Jenny        
#001 "8.5X11"     $10.00 includes HST

“Sheep Judging” © J. Phillips

“Sheep Judging” Wallacetown Fair Grounds One of my favourite places to find potential painting subjects is Wallacetown Fair. This wonderful historic country fair is full of colour, history, people and excitement. When my kids were teenagers they would argue about the excitement because they thought it was hokey. However, as adults they love to come back and connect with their roots, meet old friends and talk over old times. The children all love I the fair because Mom and Dad can afford to treat them to all of the rides, there aren’t that many and . . the kids love to see all the animals up close. This painting came about because their was a handy parking spot right near the sheep judging area and I had mobility problems. That year I didn’t get to see the heavy horses or a whole lot. Some times the weather was threatening and there was a chill in the air but you could smell the fried onions from the Lions booth and now and then a whiff of horse manure. Don’t laugh, I like all those scents because they trigger memories.
I like the shape and texture of the sheeps’ fleece and the way the shepherd’s control their sheep to show the best lines.
What do you like about the fair? Do you have special childhood memories of Wallacetown Fair? I do.
   #007 8.5"X11" $10.00 includes HST

“Lumley's Store. Iona, Ontario” © J. Phillips

       #010   8.5"X11" $10.00 includes HST

“Three Tobacco Kilns – East Elgin” © J. Phillips

Whether you are a user or grower of tobacco or not, it doesn’t matter. These old colourful tobacco kilns have been a part of our rural landscape since the beginning of the twentieth century. They are an important part of our agricultural landscape and these old insul-brick covered kilns are being replaced with high tech metal boxes or in most cases, the farmer as got out of growing tobacco and looked for alternative crops. Our scenery is changing rapidly and you know me, I want to preserve these images of Elgin County before they are all gone. I want my grandchildren to see Elgin as it was.
       #011   8.5"X11" $10.00 includes HST

“Hay Loader” © J. Phillips

I meet some of the most interesting people at shows and functions we attend when Dave is in his role of Town Crier for the County of Elgin. One such friend is Bob Moore retired from the County of Elgin. Bob was kind enough to share some of his photo collection of antique farm equipment with me. He was generous enough to allow me to sketch them. This detailed drawing is from one of those photos. I think bob told me this was his father’s but I might be mistaken. It is like the one in the drawing of my grandfather, Dad, Uncle Earl and Grandma. I love these bits of nostalgia and the memories they evoke. Thanks Bob! – Jenny
       #012   8.5"X11" $10.00 includes HST