The unseasonably warm and bright weather Thursday brought customers to Fair Haven Hardware for all their lawn and painting needs. What they also got was the unexpected treat of seeing artwork take shape.

Rumson artist Jim Fitzmaurice who is the painter of the beloved store windows, was out front painting the store's latest installation - horses. Fitzmaurice, who is also a sculptur, operates an artist space in Long Branch called Cre8tive Sculpture, behind Miller's Luncheonette. He said it usually takes about eight hours to complete a window.

A steady stream of customers on their way to the hardware store stopped to chat up Fitzmaurice. He said he didn't mind the company, as he continued to bring a golden hued mare and her colt to life.

"Looks good bro," one man shouted from his truck as he made the left off Fair Haven Road.

Patch commented that the picture of the horses, with flowing mane, was every fourth grade girl's dream. "It's my dream too," he replied, saying that a bad hip kept him from riding, something he loves.

But painting the horses, in the sunshine and the fresh air, Fitzmaurice said, is therapeutic.

"Even though these are not fine art - it's temporary art - it's very rewarding."

Fitzmaurice told Patch that there are openings for artists in his Long Branch space with all the tools and ventilation systems an artist might need. If you are interested in joining, email him.