secret spots, Sanford Gifford, the muse

Artists always have special painting spots, ones we go back to time and time again  like homing pigeons. We set up our stuff in the exact same place time and time again. We intimately know this place, like a best friend or lover. It's a VERY personal connection.
During the break between workshops my muse, the field, was mowed. I had talked the mowers out of doing their job once and  the tractor broke once: the paintings gods had been with me. Then they mowed it. Sadness. I talked with Richard about it and he, in his very generous nature, shared his new favorite spot. A new love that I will add to my ever growing list of faves around the world. It's quiet and beautiful,  recipe for joy.
Still I struggled with this painting for a long time. Then I thought of Sanford Gifford. I remembered his gorgeous painting in the NGA.  To get the glassy feeling of water you need contrast. His sky was stimpled and his water was glazed and glassy. Taking that in mind I used my pastels differently.

our muses

Back at home I immediately returned to the lake. I never really noticed (till now) that my real muse is simply water and sky with bits of land. It probably is obvious to everyone else. It was the same in Florida...all that beauty, same muse. Have you thought about it? Other people have muses and I can guess what they are. Carolyn's muse is the sky of Scotland and Casey   loves his trees.
What's your muse? And why?