New animals on the farm

The newest residents of the farm arrived a couple of weeks ago, and they have already made themselves right at home. A big black Highland cow with wide, sweeping horns leads the little group, and a cream-colored companion trails after her wherever she goes.

Highland cattle are built for this kind of country — thick coats, calm temperaments, and entirely unbothered by the wind that comes down off the mountain. They have spent these first weeks getting the measure of the pasture, the fence line, and the studio porch where people like to lean and watch them.

They fit right into the rhythm of the farm. The flock has already figured out that the cows stir up interesting things in the grass, and the two groups drift around the meadow together through the afternoon.

If you come out for a session this fall, you will likely spot them from the studio doors. Bring a sketchbook — they hold still just long enough, and the light out on the pasture this time of year is worth the walk.