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| morning, looking down miranda meadow ~ by dawn chandler ~ oil and mixed media on panel (en plein air) 6″ x 12″ ~ copyright dawn chandler |
My second painting that glorious morning at Miranda. The vantage here is half way or so down the meadow. I’m on the north side, in the shadow of a small grove of trees, looking southeast. I can honestly say that this was the first time I have ever — EVER! — in my life painted with the sound of black-powder rifles in the background.
Why was there rifle shot in the background? Because Miranda is one of several “living history” backcountry camps at Philmont. The staff living at Miranda each summer live as though they are 19th century mountain men, demonstrating to the Scouts backpacking through the wily ways of trappers and fur-traders, including how to load and shoot a black-powder rifle.
I can hardly mention Miranda and black-powder rifles without mentioning that the last time I shot a black-powder rifle at Miranda (c.2003?), was my first time in decades shooting a rifle at all.
The gentleman offered me the rifle, I gave it a single shot…and — BAAAM! — I hit the target!
“Wanna shoot again?”
“Nope. I like my record just as it is!”
They don’t call me “Annie Oaklie” for nuthin’.
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| a sojourning artist’s paint kit, backpack …… and philmont trail meal |