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Memories of Addo National Park
Last year we had the wonderful opportunity to travel to South Africa. And what would a trip to SA be without going on a safari? We were very fortunate to be able to go to Addo Elephant National Park and spend a couple of days there. I think this needs experience needs to be captured in a series of painting – both with poured watercolour and large oils. Safari We were so excited to be on safari in an open jeep that for the first few hours we did not even mind the rain! We knew South Africa had been in a long draught so we would not dare to…
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Striking Visitor
Almost always when I am working on a painting the title just comes to me. They literally name themselves. This painting was no exception however, I did’t feel right about using it as it was on the naughty side. It took me a long the time to come up with the alternative Striking Visitor. Yet, that is exactly the type of title I wanted. Draws attention to the pileated woodpecker and sound a bit regal or impressive. When you are fortunate enough to see one – it is is a big deal. They stop you in your tracks. The winding painting process This painting was a long time in the…
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A nice story
I love a nice story. And I have one to share with you. Awhile back I offered to donate a pet portrait as a fundraiser for a group (Red Head Strays helping cats strut) that works tirelessly to rescue and foster cats. I thought I would have completed the painting in January,but Mother Nature had other ideas. I think you know the story. Snow. Rain. Flash freezing. Flash flooding! inside my studio unfortunately. And of course, pretty sure you know how this went – the basement and studio mess as a result. Back to the story Once upon a time there were two little girls who liked to swing on…
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Nut Case
Once upon a rainy day this Eastern Grey Squirrel was perched on our deck railing under our bird feeders. Happy and proud. Perching just for me waiting to be photographed. Earlier we had decided we wanted to feed the blue jays…but the squirrels had a different idea. Omigoodness the melie Blue jays tend to loudly announce their arrival. Shrieking in their arrival. The squirrels are aggressively willing to defend their stash. There were a number of interesting clashes of wit and will of feathers VS fur that provided us with endless hours of entertainment. It may be a rather selfish thing to feed the birds. This fella was perched just…
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Spring Scentsation
Spring Scentsation is a relatively large oil painting of a soft and fragrant while lilac that grows on our property line in the back yard. There is quite a story getting the painting to this point. Inspiration is everywhere A few years back when visiting my daughter, we went for many walks around her area in Vancouver. It seemed to me that almost every property we walked by had a tree line border framing in their yard. They were really well designed. Tall trees with shrubs at their base. There really was no need for weeding as the growth from the shrubs kept them in check. Everything grows uber…
