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Always glad to be outdoors in the fall when trees are glowing with color and the air is crisp and cool, I was delighted that our plein air group (PA Buds) had chosen Waxhaw, NC (about 20 miles south of Charlotte) for our week’s painting location.   There’s something enduring and special about these small towns where the train tracks pass through along the main streets, bringing plenty of noise and energy from far off places.   In the heart of Waxhaw, when the trains roar by, windows and doors shake and speech is all but drowned out by the noise.  On previous visits, I’ve dashed up to the wooden bridge over the tracks as soon as a distant rumble signaled an approaching train to watch the engines and the long line of cars loaded with coal pass by below.  It’s a thrill to be able to watch a train approaching straight on from such close vantage. 

I first walked around looking for fellow PA Buds and found only two, sitting cozy indoors having coffee and pastry at one of the charming little places on Main St. adjacent to the train tracks.  They weren’t feeling inspired to paint due to the damp chill and lack of sunshine. I, on the other hand, like cloudy conditions for colors are more vivid, and the light isn’t constantly changing from the movement of the sun.  So, it ended up just me painting on this cloudy November day, standing near the railroad, pleased as punch, eyes focused on the view before me—the iconic bridge from which locals and tourists alike can enjoy the view around Main St. and the train tracks stretching into the distance.