top of page
water color depiction of our red sky
hand drawn chiwara logo

  RED SKY

Creatif

located on red sky ranch, creatif red sky is where the raw beauty of the landscape
meets and inspires the precision of the lathe, brush and tool.
from raw rescued timber, to natural gems, every piece produced is a conversation
between the material and the maker.

our mission is to conceive & create one-of-a-kind statement pieces by hand through texture,
contrast & mixed media.

we encourage creativity via studio art retreats that are offered throughout the season.

 

shona stone sculpture titled "model"

Kaross is an embroidery collective started in 1988 by artist Irma Van Rooyen and a few female farmworkers sitting on a Kaross (blanket), hand-embroidering Tsonga-inspired images to create unique, functional artworks. Kaross now employs about 1400 embroiderers from the local community in the Limpopo province in the northern part of South Africa. It brings together valuable, creative hands to produce high-quality linen products, from placemats to cushion covers, handbags and wall hangings. The ongoing sustainable project explores African heritage, strengthening cultural awareness and celebrating diversity while bringing much needed employment to a large rural community.

Another inspirational sunrise on Red Sky Ranch

The constantly changing skies that often begin and end our days on Red Sky Ranch.   A compelling invitation to reach for the watercolors!

​

VISIT OUR STUDIO ART RETREATS PAGE TO VIEW THE OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN US IN OUR WORKSHOPS & STUDIOS

the embroiderers of Kaross Weavers

Reinhold Niebuhr is credited with the Serenity Prayer, that includes; "give me the courage to change the things that I can, the serenity to accept the things that I can't and the wisdom to know the difference"

 

Red Sky Ranch gives us the big skies and the breathing space, surrounded by nature, to embrace that philosophy.

​

Each day brings something new, a fresh discovery, a challenge that stretches us mentally or physically, sometimes both:) 

Yet another adventure, something to make us smile, often and regularly.

dramatic sunset at Red Sky ranch photograph

Another spectacular sunset that demands that I reach for my watercolors!

storm clouds over red sky ranch

A dramatic storm swept  over Red Sky Ranch last night, complete with thunder and lightening. It almost felt like being back in Africa:)

Not everyone was impressed, our elderly Goldie who has spent her whole life in the grey drizzle of Seattle had to sit on my lap until the drama was over!
 

Thunderstorm over Red Sky Ranch
impressive storm clouds over Red Sky Ranch
dramatic sunset over Red Sky Ranch

Red Sky Ranch lived up to it's name once again with this dramatic sunset!

Initially I was thinking a watercolor painting would be nice, but after studying the dynamic and rich textures in the clouds, I think this may have to be a nice, juicy oil painting.  It will be wonderful to work in oils again!

Impressive storm clouds add interest to our view and cause much running around with cameras to capture the beauty.

I am building up an impressive collection of potential painting subjects!

Large rich dark red Irises

Inheriting an unknown garden brings a wealth of joys, especially when totally unexpectedly a large clump if Irises open to divulge huge, richly colored blooms.

​

Our "Not being "birders" category is rapidly changing!  We have "Marvin" who appears to be "Lord of the Front Garden".  We have named him "Marvelous Marvin" as our first encounter with him was 3 attempts at picking up our 120lb Goldie for his breakfast.  Clearly he has a vastly exaggerated idea of his prowess! 

 

We have a pair of ducks that enjoy our ponds.  They are very tame so we are pretty sure that they belong to a neighbor and just come to visit to play in the ponds.

 

In addition to lots and lots of "regulars"  we have begun to notice the appearance of what we have tentatively identified as a Bullock's Oriel.  A pretty yellow, orange and black bird.  Thank you internet:)

 

We are intrigued by the appearance of tiny Hummingbirds enjoying our feeder.  We have been used to seeing their much larger cousins.   

Marvellous Marvin is a Northern Harrier and resident on our ranch.
dramatic swirled clouds over Red Sky Ranch

We had just re-watched Independence Day when these interesting clouds appeared!

Never a dull day here on Red Sky Ranch!

bottom of page