Tag: Animal

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Seeking Fellowship – 2018.1203

"Seeking Fellowship"
Watercolor & Pastel on Blue Paper
11" x 14"
Dec. 03, 2018
NFS

Trying Despretly to Engrain this as a Holiday Tradition

I've managed to get these Xmas card fronts out in 2012, 2016, and now again in 2018. The fox speaks to me as a cheesy sort of spirit animal. Now that I have married and gained a bonus son + husband, I have included them too as the kit and sleeping fox in my winter journey. Just like in real life, I'm showing the little kit many of life's wonders as his dad snoozes away the morning hours, before sunrise. Early bird and worms I suppose.

The 2017 Card that went by the wayside

I started this one out back in 2017 and quickly became too wrapped up in my new job and married life so it sat in the guest bedroom for a whole year till I told myself it was going to get finished come hell or high water. Well, neither arrived but my butt was in gear and made it in time to send out 75 of these little 5x7s out to my closest friends and family. I hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoy seeing the little fox show a new adventure time and again.

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Just Ducky – 2017.0906

"Just Ducky"
Pastel on Paper
5"x7"
Sept. 6, 2017
$TBD

So Proud, So Indifferent

This summer, I enjoyed a few once-weekly walks around the Marine Creek Lake near our home, with a friend who was trying to lose some baby weight. Part of the fun of those walks is the surprise animal appearances. The day I photographed this rather proud leader of his mismatched duck squad, was incredibly hot and I'm sure he was hoping this goofy human approaching him was bringing him a snack. Once he realized I had nothing to offer, It was as if I did not exist. He went about his business for the most part and went I left, gave me the side-eye. Sassy little thing. 

What was I doing?

This little 5x7 sat on the dining room table for a week or more. I'd look at the underpainting and question myself, question my direction, and questioned my value as an artist. What was I doing? What is the point? Did anyone care about what I had to offer or was this just a waste of time and resources? I think time will tell with all those questions and I had to remind myself there is a reason they are called Starving artists and that Rome was not built in a day. Lucky for me, I have a husband that will pick up the slack when it comes to the food buying and friends and family cheering me on from the sidelines when I begin to doubt myself and the path I am currently traveling.  I'll try to do a few more small pieces next and I will definitely have it at the October 2017 Arts Goggle!

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Tenacious Moo – 2017.0821

"Tenacious Moo"
Pastel on Paper
5"x7"
Aug. 21, 2017
$TBD

Neighbourhood Entertainment

We spent this spring and summer enjoying watching and trying to feed the little group of calves (about 3-4) on the eight acres of land next to our house. The little calves grew up and the owner moved the fun little group somewhere else. We thought our entertainment had permanently departed for the year... unless you count Brownie and two other adult females of the group who happily eat my weeds I toss over the fence line. about a month ago, a tenacious little calf arrives and boy does he cause a stir. The little guy doesn't listen to any of the cows when called, bounces joyously around the pasture, and curiously approaches the fence-line when our little papillion dog, Mercedes, approaches to see who's around to greet. 

Last of the Little'uns

This little guy just needed to be drawn so in order to do it up right, I wanted the colors to invoke this little guy's lively spirit and tenacious demeanor. I will definitely have it at the October 2017 Arts Goggle!

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Life’s Perils: Death – 2011.0826

"Life's Perils: Death"
Pastel on Paper
16" x 21"
Aug. 26, 2011
NFS

Cute, but ... NOT

I took my three favorite animals and instead of going with a cutesie little animal portrait, I turned it into a tragedy. The owl and the crow (both predators) are nudging and examining the remains of a dead wren. I didn't want the dead wren to be immediately apparent. So I put a dramatic red burst above the owls head to draw the eye immediately there and then the viewer works their way down the page, guided by the head of the crow and the wing of the owl.

Why so Morbid?

I have my morbid moments and this was one of them. It usually comes on when I'm feeling sorry for myself. What better way to make use of that feeling than to put it into my art!

Accepted to Show

Excitingly enough, the Ft. Worth Community Arts Center accepted this into the show. I did a demo on the portrait of Mandy & Andy Meadows during the opening.