Would You Want a World Without Dragons? ~ # 23 of 30 ~ SOLD

“No, I would not want to live in a world without dragons,

as I would not want to live in a world without magic,

for that is a world without mystery

and that is a world without faith.” 

~ R.A.Salvatore

The list of dragons in folklore and legends is extensive. Dragons are present in so many cultures, both Western and Eastern, dating as far back as antiquity. One has to wonder if there is any truth to this powerful being or if it is just a metaphor and a wonderful creature of the imagination. No matter where the stories started, they are here to stay and seem to strike some common cord among all the people of the world.

#23 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

The Dragon's Haunt 12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20" Signed and certified by the artist.

The Dragon's Haunt

12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

Do you believe in dragons?

Do you Believe in the Supernatural? ~ ~ # 10 of 30 ~ SOLD

"I definitely like a little bit of darkness, a little edge.

I tend to get bored when things are too simple

or too ... expected."

~ Deborah Ann Well

Jersey Devil on a Spooky Starry Night

14" x 20" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 18" x 24"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

Here's an in-progress (almost finished) shot.

My intentions were good, but I got so involved 

in painting, I forget to stop and take pictures.

☻

Only 50 Days 'til Halloween!

#10 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

Thanks for stopping by and have a good starry night!

A Beloved Local Legend ~ #7 of 30 ~ SOLD

“Does progress mean that we

dissolve our ancient myths?

If we forget our legends, 

I fear that we shall close

an important door

to the imagination.” 

~ James Christensen

Jersey Devil ~ Beloved Local Dragon

7.5" x 5.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 8" x 10"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

#7 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

Thanks for stopping by and have a starry starry night!

X ♥  O

Jersey Devil Flying on a Starry Night - #4 of 30 ~ SOLD

"When legends die,

there are no more dreams.

When there are no more dreams,

there is no greatness." 

Is the Jersey Devil real? Is it an alien, a mutation or a figment of the imagination?Without a doubt, the Jersey Devil is the most popular folklore legend in New Jersey. The earliest accounts of the creature go back to stories told by Native Americans prior to the White man's settlement here. The Lenape Indians called the Pine Barrens "Popuessing", meaning "place of the dragon".

Jersey Devil on a Starry Starry Night

7.5" x 5.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 8" x 10"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

#4 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

Thanks for stopping by and have a starry starry night!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP of SAND SCULPTING

I went to ATLANTIC CITY this week to check out the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION. It was awesome!! Check out MY SLIDE SHOW here! Can you guess which ones were my favorites? Which one(s) did you like the best? 

Chased Home By Hurricane Sandy

We got chased home from our SANDY Family Reunion in Virginia a day early by Hurricane Sandy! Quite ironic since the whole "Al SANDY Family" planned a Birthday / Halloween / Site Seeing /Reunion this past weekend in Williamsburg Virginia! It was the first time we were all together since 2008. Even though our trip was cut short, I am glad to be back safely in New Jersey! Many of the roads we traveled from Virginia last night are now closed. I just heard they are experiencing snow and blizzard conditions in North Carolina and Ohio. It's just crazy!
 

Jerry got everything secured on the home front over the weekend.

Rudy thinks it's great. He loves the rain.

I had to call him in at lunch time.

He is warm and dry under his waterproof blankie.

If it gets too nasty, I'll have to lock him in.

Jerry's making sure the paddocks are draining as well as possible.

No need to close the other horse  in!

Princess Rita remains high and dry in her stall.

We sprung a leak in the barn, but so far Hurricane Sandy has been very kind to us.

Emergency conditions prevail in our area and all along the Eastern and now central part of the U.S. We have heard from the township, cable company and the electric company to expect outages. I am trying to get this out as fast as possible. It is blowing and raining like a bear!
Wanted you all to know we are fine and I hope you all are too! I never thought I'd be living through a major hurricane named SANDY!

Stay safe! 

X ♥ O

Arr Ha Ha Har! (Or However JD Would Laugh/Snarl/Growl)

I just finished my 2011 Jersey Devil Series minutes ago. Woo Hoo! Pictured here in working mats, you can see the similar color scheme and value patterns.  I used Alizarin Crimson and Viridian Green mixed together for 90% of the painting. A list of my colors and painting supplies can be viewed at the bottom of my workshop page. Better photos are coming soon. Right now, I'm feeling the satisfaction of the completion of a project. Check it off the list, it's done, honey. It's a good feeling, isn't it? Just had to brag and pat myself on the back for finishing this set a month ahead of deadline.  I'm eager to keep the momentum going though, so on to the next project!

Summertime On Long Beach Island

Sally and I started out Thursday morning at the far north end

of Long Beach Island, at Barnegat Inlet.

Wanting to get some photos of various walkways to the beach, we headed south.

Fragrant bayberry grew wild at one entranceway.

It was still early and there weren't many people at the water's edge.

Although many flowers were past peak,

we didn't have to look far for beautiful colors.

An abundant variety of textures, smells, sounds and styles

 awakened our senses and got the creative juices flowing. 

People watching is always a big pastime on the island.

Spending quality time together, relaxing and just hanging out

is a large part of what a shore vacation is all about.

A solitary sentinel looks towards the ocean from Holgate

at the southern point of the island.

Dad's doing a really good job here.

Probably the first Family Portrait with their new addition.

Find out more about Long Beach Island

and see great photos from a long time resident, Sally Vennel.

February The Moose Of Smithville, NJ

This picture of February the moose was taken in 1886. Deer Parks were a popular feature on the estates of the wealthy at this time. By the early 1880's, H.B. Smith set about acquiring animals for his menagerie which included deer, moose, caribou and elk. His zoo was set apart from the main walled section of the manor but could be seen from a special viewing area. Plants and animals were not the only thing that Smith collected however. Although advanced in age, by 1885 he had an extensive entourage in residence including six attractive young ladies that many believed to be his harem. Tours of the Smithville Mansion Complex are filled with history, intrigue and visual delights. See the link posted in my previous blog for more information.