Two Old Buddies - pet portrait

 I finished the "Two Old Buddies" pet portrait. I like the way they are never apart.

It was a pleasure getting to know these two trough this painting.
10x8 soft pastel & pastel pencil on blue Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Old buddies - pet portrait

Working on a pet portrait on this gray day - 2 old goldens, BFFs

10x8 soft pastel on canson paper

Ever try Ukrainian Egg Decorating?

Today I participated in a workshop on Ukrainian Easter egg decorating. I've never tried this before, but a friend of mine heard about it and we decided to give it a whirl. 
The workshop took place at  The Little Fork Episcopal Church in Rixeyville, VA. www.littleforkchurch.net
It is a lovely colonial historical church. We had a wonderful time, I learned something new, met some nice people and had a great time. 
Here is my attempt - I got 2 eggs done, unfortunately one has a crack, but I guess now it matches me :)
Since we had to purchase a kit for the class, I may try to do a few more.

Spring is coming early

Spring is coming early to my little neck of the woods, I took these photos today. I neglected my garden last year, but I miss it, so I'll be out among my flowers this year for sure.

crocus

this shot makes me think of photos of the crowd at a baseball game

I forgot I planted this little hyacinth

I don't know what these little weeds are, but they're cute

this looks like lace and pom poms to me.

Sleepless in... plus some ATC

Sleepless in....   fill in the blank - we've all had those nights that sleep just never comes, like he lost our address or something. Well last night was one of those nights for me, now I'm operating on 2 hours sleep for the past 39 hours. After lying awake in bed for several hours, I got up and made these little artist's trading cards (ATC) I guess it helped because I was asleep 45 min after these were done, and my alarm went off less than 2 hours later  

 

why does a chicken coop have 2 doors?

why does a chicken coop have 2 doors? because if it had 4 doors it would be a chicken sedan!

culinary creation - matzo ball soup

I didn't get any artwork done, in spite of my intensions when I woke this am - but I did create some home made chicken matzo ball soup for dinner  mmmmmmmmm.

Inspiration Heartbreak - a poem

bookmark-crows / Watercolor

Inspiration Heartbreak
Inspiration you are a fickle lover. 
There was a time you made me feel special, 
            lovely, talented. 
Now when I need you and look so desperately for you, 
           you are no where to be found. 
Are you peering at me from the dark, 
         watching me suffer? 
Was it real, or was I always fooling myself? 
Have you moved on to someone else? Some other bright-eyed hopeful? 
Leaving me with a piece missing, trying desperately to grasp onto something wonderful, but leaving me with mediocrity. 

Ok, that concludes the melodrama portion of our show, now onto our regularly scheduled program.

This image is available in my Etsy Shop

www.etsy.com/listing/38373883/crows-bookmark-ooak-original-watercolor

Good Morning Moon

Just before the sun came up this morning, I awoke to moon light streaming into my bedroom window painting silver streaks across the floor. I got up without turning on the lights and looked out the window and was greeted by a huge silvery moon hanging low in the sky, peaking through the bare tree branches. Frost and a dusting of snow covered everything and the moon turned it all to sterling. The air was calm, serene, and cool. This is a lovely morning gift to start my day.

Good bye

The internet is a funny thing — I am saddened today by the news of death of someone I've never met in person, but have interacted with online. She is an artist in CA and we are members of an internet Artist's Trading Cards (ATC) group. She was always positive, friendly, encouraging, and funny… her art reflects that. I have several tiny artworks of hers that I've traded over the years, and I cherish them. Being a visual artist is kind of a solitary endeavor, and having the opportunity to interact and share with other artists, even if they are across the country is something I am grateful for. Marta died from cancer on Tuesday and I will miss her, along with the other members of the group, I'm sure, and she will always be in our hearts.

Washington Auto Show - Freedom Behind the Wheel

Went to the Washington Auto Show today to spend some time with family at Freedom Behind the Wheel. They have the most awesome simulation setup showing how their pedal-less driving works using the steering wheel they've developed. All controls, including pedal controls are at the drivers fingertips on the steering wheel. I am so impressed and proud of them. Their goal is to help wounded vets be able to drive, including to drive a race car. The Downey's passion for this is wonderful  :)
For more information click this Freedom Behind the Wheel

Amanda & I with the car

driving simulation

Amanda manning the table ready to provide you with info and accept your donations :)
She designed the logo and the printed material by the way.

I'm missing the little birds

Painted this little ATC tonight in watercolor 3.5 in x 2.5 in. Even though I've been working mainly in pastel in the past few years, I'm getting a yearning for some watercolor - gotta practice though, its a tricky medium to control. It's almost like trying to train a cat to do tricks. I'm going to try to do a few bird pictures, I kinda miss my birdfeeders, which we had to take down do to the appearance of bears in the area. Hopefully I'll have more to share in the next few days.

An apple a day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I must need to eat more apples. A very hectic holiday a combination of visits with family & friends, and hospital visits & fighting sickness, I'm trying to catch my breath. I hope everyone has a safe and healthy new year.

holy crape - the year is almost over

My husband's hospital stay the week after Thanksgiving certainly has put a bit of a snag in my holidays, but I am infinitely grateful to have him better and at home now. Blog has been put aside while I try to catch up on my holiday projects. Of course, since I like to complicate things, I plan a get-together for New Years day. I also managed to get a pet portrait fit in there too - here is a glimpse of the little cutie-pie kitten - Muffin.

I hope everyone is having Happy Holidays and I hope the New Year brings you opportunity, peace & happiness.

Santa's Village Craft Fair

Santa's Village Arts & Craft Fair at Fauquier High School on Saturday Nov 19 will be my last show for the year, then its turkey & family & pet portraits & evergreens & sparkle & cookies & makin' stuff & santa & then in January - I'll rest