Life is a Circle

I'd like to share one of my favorite poems which I also just posted on my
Animal Spirits Squidoo Lens. Take a look! It's ranked at 101 today in
the Animals and Nature category.


Life Is A Circle ~ By Black Elk ~ Oglala Sioux ~1863-1950

Everything the power of the world does,
is done in a circle.
The sky is round
and I have heard that the earth
is round like a ball,
and so are all the stars.
The wind in its' greatest power whirls.
Birds make their nests in circles;
for their's is the same religion as ours.
The sun comes forth and
goes down again in a circle.
The moon does the same
and both are round.
Even the seasons form a great circle
in their changing
and always come back
to where they were.
The life of a man is a circle,
from childhood to childhood.
and so it is with everything
where power moves.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spring In The Woods

The gnats are out! Oh no! They can make an otherwise beautiful day just miserable. I've got to go out and put Skin-So-Soft on the horses faces and ears. The migrating hummingbirds shouldn't be far behind! If possible, be sure to attend my hummingbird talk this Wednesday!

This painting is available at Rijks Family Gallery in Crested Butte, CO, where as I understand it, the snow is still falling!

See Sally Vennel's georgeos Colorado snow photos here!

OSPREY AT THE OLD FISH FACTORY

I just finished this painting today. It's another one of the small 5.5" x 7.5" original watercolors I started at the Tuckerton Seaport Museum on Sunday. The area around the old "Stink House" is legendary for being a great fishing spot. In the old days, the factory used to grind up fish for fertilizer, hence the name. Still a favorite spot with anglers, here one can see a wide variety of shore birds and maybe even nesting eagles.

A Serendipitous Day At The Seaport

It was an overcast drizzly day, but that didn't keep a few hearty individuals from venturing out to find inspiration at the Tuckerton Seaport Museum yesterday. It turned out to be a most rewarding and serendipitous experience for all. There definitely was an "other-worldly" connection and an unmistakable spirit present which could be felt by all in attendance. As I settled into my demonstration, I had an overwhelming feeling that I was truly in the moment. Coming from different locations, physically and mentally, I felt we were all exactly where we were meant to be.


This little 5.5" x 7.7" painting of the local "Fish Factory" was one of four "Stink House" paintings I demonstrated on. I sold one to new Spirit Art Member, Donna Felte, from PA. She like others among us, felt we were unequivocally there for a reason, brought together by spirit and fate.

UNDER THE WEATHER

I had to to take Tommy to the vets today. He's had some kind of an upper respiratory problem for two days now. I'm sure he got it from the new cat as Tig was sniffly last week. I can't tell if it's a cough or a sneeze, but with the weekend coming, I didn't want to take any chances that it would get worse. Murphy's law - your animal always gets worse on the weekend or after the veterinarian's regular hours. Two shots, some drops, pills and over $200.00 later, I hope he's soon feeling better and on the road to recovery!


I'm feeling a little punky today too. Betsy and I rode the horses yesterday. Afterwards I had a marathon shedding out session with both Rudy and Rita. Needless to say, I had a rough night with my sinuses stuffed up big time. Princess, our 13 year old house cat, is not taking to Tigger at all! We let her sleep with us last night and locked the new cat in my studio for the night. She's so miserable, restless and insecure that she kept waking us up all night with her complaining. My head felt like it was twice its size this morning, so I took a decongestant first thing. Between lack of sleep and the allergy pill, I'm spaced. I hope I'm not coming down with something. I need to be in good shape for Sunday! I'm going to drink my Echinacea tea, take Vitamin C and get plenty of rest tonight.

Shacks and Fishing Boats Have Spirit!

Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at Tuckerton Seaport

I'm getting ready for my painting demonstration this Sunday at the Tuckerton Seaport Museum, Tuckerton, NJ. Learn how I go from photo to drawing to painting from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Admission to the museum is only $3.00. The demo is free and will be loaded with insights and information. (Now is your chance to see me in action, artists! I'm not sure if or when it will ever happen again.)

Learn how I go from here:

To here:
To here:
A small collection of my originals and prints will be available for sale.

Also, view the Tuckerton Seaport 2008 Art Show "Come See, Come Sea”
in the Lighthouse Gallery - 10am -5pm.

See my newest shack and fishing boat video here:

Be Kind To Cats ~ Neuter and Spay

Tigger The Shadow Cat

It's two weeks today since we took Tigger in. Jerry and I have adjusted nicely to having another house cat. He is so easy going and happy to be at my side and follow me around all day. Our other two house cats are not adjusting as easily, but things are getting better everyday. I sure wish people wouldn't dump their cats off on others! It's an emotional, physical and financial burden I don't wish to have thrown on me. It's not a nice thing to do to people or cats! I just want to scream sometimes, "Be responsible people! Get your animals neutered!
True animal lovers would not do this terrible nasty deed."

My New YouTube Slideshow

Images From The 2006
Spirit Art Blog

I have sent my twice-weekly Spirit Art letter out to Google Group Members since December 2005. My writing is accompanied with a new painting twice a week and is based on art, life and philosophy. The content is motivational, inspirational and uplifting. This slide show of all the images from my 2006 letters is set to the New Age music of Cusco. I encourage you to check out their wonderful music on their official web site. This song is titled Kokopelli's Dream - on Apurimac III - by Cusco.

Bobby Flay Steak at the Borgota Casino

We ate at the Bobby Flay Steak restaurant last night. It's located in the Borgota Casino complex in Atlantic City. I had the AC CHOPPED SALAD with lobster - 26. Jerry had the PHILADELPHIA STYLE STRIP STEAK with provolone cheese sauce and caramelized onions - 44. Both meals and a shrimp cocktail appetizer were awesome.

We were too full for dessert so we didn't even look at the menu. I just looked it up here online. I'm glad we didn't see it last night because I know I would have had to try at least one item (to share). If these taste half as good as they sound,
we're in big trouble!

Feeling Frisky

I ended up working on my horses for about four hours today. They are both shedding out their winter coats big time. It's not such a major chore with Rita, as she stays pretty sleek even in winter. Rudy looked like a big Shetland Pony fuzz ball though.

His white spots especially were really fluffed out where the hair grows really long. In some areas it is about six inches long! Between, brushes, combs, shedding blade and clippers, I finally got him looking more like a horse than a Yak! Now I'm all stuffed up and need to take an extra allergy pill. Frisky after shedding all that hair, Rudy showed off his new spring ensemble for the camera.

Spring Bathroom Art

I finally took my snowman paintings and decorations down in my studio bathroom today. I had just the right little original watercolors to make a fresh new butterfly theme take flight.



I've still got another space to deal with. I'll post that wall and painting when I get it hung. I love working with these little paintings in groupings like this. They go so well in small rooms as decorating accents. When I'm done, I'll have "La Bathroom Gallery".

First Day of Spring

When going out to get the mail today, I noticed that the daffodils have started to bloom here. Easter's early this year and so is spring! I had a guy over yesterday giving us an estimate for Gypsy Moth Control. I'm sure those miserably destructive caterpillars will also be out early this year.
Tiger is doing well after his operation yesterday. He is such a joy! When I gave him his antibiotic pill this morning he swallowed it right down and never stopped purring! Tommy the Terror on the other hand, bit my arm first thing this morning when I tried to pet him.

A Real Trooper

We just talked to our vet and he said Tigger came through his operation like a trooper. He also enthusiastically added that this little cat is one of the nicest animals he has ever worked with. I have to admit, Tigger is very special. I am so glad he came to us. In less than a week, we are already very attached to him and can't wait to get him back home here with us tonight.

Flash Cat

A new cat has moved in with us. This stray kitty showed up outside or home over the weekend. He quickly made his way into our house and hearts and has no intention of leaving either. Obviously not a feral, but an affectionate house cat, Tiger has happily moved in to stay. We trimmed his nails and cleaned his ears this morning and the whole time he just purred and smiled at us. I'm hoping he'll be a calming influence on Tommy the Terror once we can safely introduce them to each other. Tomorrow he gets his veterinary check up and shots, gonads snipped and ears treated for mites. I tried getting a good photo of him, but every time the flash goes off, he shuts his eyes.

St. Patrick's Day Recipe

This Corned Beef Dinner recipe was emailed to me from me dear 'ole Ma. I thought you might like to try it too. Everyone who has tasted it agrees, it's worth the extra effort. I like to make a double batch. It keeps well and makes great leftovers!


Delicious Corned Beef Hash

8 ounces thinly sliced lean deli corned beef (I used 3/4, could use a lb.)
1 lb. small red potatoes - about 8 potatoes,thinly sliced (I used regular potatoes)and 4 med. carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced leek or green onions (I used scallions)
1 10 oz bag angel hair slaw (I used a 16 oz. bag of precut/washed coleslaw)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 tablespoons red wine vinegar ( I adjusted all ingredients to taste.)
2 teaspoons. spicy brown mustard (I used Dijon.)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cut corned beef slices crosswise into thin strips; set aside Place potatoes and carrots in a large saucepan. cover with water, bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes. Add leek or green onion and cook an additional 2 min. Drain well. Combine potato mixture and slaw in a bowl, toss well, set aside. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over med. heat. Add corned beef, sauté 2 min. Add vinegar and next 5 ingredients. (vinegar through pepper) cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour vinaigrette over potato mixture, toss until well blended and wilted. Serve immediately. I like it served with mustard or vinegar. Hope you like it too!

Calories per serving - 218.

I've been making this for several years now and we like it better than cooking corned beef from scratch. Happy St. Patty's day to all you lassies and laddies!

Change Of Pace

Today I spent part of the day doing research and thinking about new shack paintings. Next month I will be doing a painting demonstration at the Tuckerton Seaport Museum and I plan to have some of my coastal shack paintings on display. After evaluating my inventory, seems like I've sold most of my smaller shack and fishing boat paintings! So now I'm headed off in a new direction again. I might even do a few small shack paintings situated in the mountains!
Here is a picture of a famous shack in our area which is located on the Long Beach Island causeway. It's one that I have painted many times. This photo is several years old. The the roof is pretty much nonexistent now. I like painting old buildings and often make them even shackier than they really are.

Signs Of Spring

Today is my fifth day home after my trip to Colorado. I can't seem to get into the swing of things yet, however I did manage to paint today for the first time all week. Spring is definitely in the air here. Flocks of male Red Wing Blackbirds sing their hearts out as they congregate in mass all around my yard; while the male turkeys are constantly strutting their stuff and displaying their finery, trying real hard to impress the ladies.

The Living Camera

Stephen Wiltshire from London is a young savant who can draw aerial views of cities with amazing accuracy. Stephen is autistic and did not speak his first words, "pencil" and "paper", until he was five years old. When he was eleven, he drew a perfect aerial view of London after only one helicopter ride. This film tests the "Living camera" in Rome. After a brief helicopter ride, Stephen drew an almost perfect blueprint of the historic city on five and a half yards of paper in only three days. His gift is simply astonishing. After watching this video, a friend, Carol Anderson writes, "God doesn't make mistakes. His mind is as God wanted it to be. It is up to the rest of us to accept who he is and learn from his presence among us. Thanks for sharing this amazing video." Watch this and eight other inspiring videos of Stephen using his gift here on YouTube: Stephen Wiltshire, The Living Camera.

Unexpected Travel Setbacks

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr said; "Unexpected travel situations are dancing lessons from God." Setbacks are common in today's modern world of air travel. Although I was sheduled to arrive in Philadelphia by 4:00 pm yesterday, It was almost 2:00 am by the time I finally arrived home. I decided it was no big deal and calmly went with the flow. I actually had a really good time. When I arrived in Denver with five hours to kill, I first visited Ben & Jerry's and had a double dip of Cherry Garcia. After loitering there with a new book for over an hour, I decided to go find my gate information. Since I didn't check my luggage, I felt like a refugee lugging around my coat, purse and heavy carry-ons. I didn't want to go far from my gate, so I decided to have a beer at a nearby lounge. I sat at the top center of the horseshoe shaped bar, had a beer and read my book. I noticed lots of guys on their laptops and asked if they had internet connection. Yes, they did, so I whipped out my Mac and ordered another beer and a plate of Nachos with the works. I was able to post my blog and check on my emails. When the order came out, I was overwhelmed by the size. Surely it was enough to feed a party of six! Not wanting to waste it, I asked the bartender for some small plates and proceeded to load up eight or ten snack sized plates and passed them around to folks sitting at the bar. Before I knew it, people were buying my drinks and I ended up with two free beers out of the deal. Needless to say, by the time we rolled out at 7:15, I was ready for a nap which was a good thing and made the final leg of my homebound journey a little easier. I took these two pictures while flying from Gunnison to the airport in Denver.

Airport Blogging

We stopped at "Camp 4 Coffee" on our way to the airport this morning around 6am. My plane was supposed to depart Gunnison, CO at 8:00, but there were several problems and it never happened. It's 4:00 Mountain Time now and I'm sitting here laptopping you from a bar at the Denver airport. My flight doesn't leave here 'til 6:30 and I won't get into Philly until around midnight Eastern Time. Then it's another hour or so back home from there. I am fried, but it has all been worth it. Yesterday, after visiting the Rijks Gallery, I spent the afternoon wandering around the historic town of Crested Butte. I visited the galleries, shops and even a taco stand where I had a Margarita and a taco. I took pictures of some of the more unique structures like this one, "Camp 4 Coffee" covered with license plates.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

I took this picture yesterday on Crested Butte Mountain which has an elevation of 12,162 feet at the peak. Here there's a vertical drop of 2,775 feet, lift served and 3,062 feet for those who are willing to hike to the top. The mountain stats include 121 trails, the longest of which is 2.6 miles. All the beginner and intermediate trails are groomed every night. The conditions of the trails we skied yesterday were excellent.

A Wonderful Ski Day

It's been a great day! Sally and I hit the slopes and I had the most fun I've had in a long time. I had not skied in over ten years but was glad to find out that skiing is somewhat like riding a bike in that once you know how to do it, it all comes back in no time. It wasn't until I was sailing down the slopes that I realized just how much I have missed this sport! This picture is of Sally and me at the end of the day at the Ice Bar on the slopes, half way down the mountain, on our last run of the day.

Another Day In The Mountains

It was a beautiful morning here in Crested Butte Colorado. This picture was taken on a walk up the road from where I am staying. Tonight the winds are really whipping around the Vennel's house, blowing massive amounts of snow about and making the drifts and mountains of shoveled snow even more enormous than they already are. My meeting went very well with the folks at Rijks Family Gallery today. I am really looking forward to working with them. I am meeting with Teresa Rijks again on Thursday to firm up the details of our agreement.

Looking In The Window

I'm laptoping you from Sally and Chuck's beautiful windowed slope side home in Crested Butte Colorado. The view from each room is more breathtaking than the next. Hopefully I'll get some good shots tomorrow. I'm using a new little digital camera that I'm not familiar with yet, so it's going to take some getting use to. Here is a picture of one of Sally's fox babies, Sweet Pea, looking for a handout.

Crested Butte, Colorado

I'll be flying out to the mountains of Colorado tomorrow bright and early. I am really looking forward to the trip. I'll be staying with friends, Sally and Chuck Vennel. Below is a picture of the ski slopes on Crested Butte mountain taken by Sally, photographer extraordinaire. With over 24 feet of snow so far this year, lots of snow = lots of excitement!

They Grow Up So Fast

Today I'm posting pictures of Bear Hudson, a really cute Golden Retriever puppy who also happens to be one of my nephews! He came into the home and hearts of our good friends, the Hudson Family this Christmas. Every time I see Bear, he seems to have doubled in size. Here he enjoys his first real snow with his brother, Pluto. The old guy's really getting into great shape with his new intensive exercise program!

My Nieces, Sandy and Sandy

Today I'm posting pictures of my two nieces who were named after yours truly! They are just two of the cutest, most friendly and playful, people oriented kitties I've ever met. Their last name is Heil and they are the pride and joy of parents, Dorrie and Dave and siblings, Samantha and Conner. Their full names are Sandy I and Sandy II, but I always forget which is which.

New Addition To The Family

I just got pictures of my new nephew! He arrived over the weekend. Proud parents, sister Denise and brother in law, Brent have named him Augustus Bush, nickname, Augie Doggie. Denise writes;" Brought baby home on Sunday. He wanted to be held and slept the entire trip. He loves his new house and feels so lucky to have so many toys that already smell like ‘dog’! He was a little unsteady at first but got coordinated real quick with having the room to run and play. He went under the deck the other night when Dan had him out and it took some coaxing to get him to come back out. Now he wants to go under there all the time. I think he is anxious to kill something, or whatever is living under there. We have to put him on the leash now. He is brave, smart and funny! He is a Welsh Terrier and will look just like an Airedale only smaller; up to 22 lbs. Right now he is tiny at 7 1/2 weeks and probably only weighs a couple of pounds. He was the biggest of the 3. He was quick to gain confidence and can be a terror...I call him a Tasmanian Devil! Did I tell you he is smart? He watches TV and his ears wiggle while he listens! I am in love!"

Tree Gestures

I took this picture the other day when it snowed. I love the way the snow accentuates the gesture and silhouette of things. This tree couple looks as if they might be doing the tango or possibly the tree on the right is pleading for forgiveness. Also do you see the man's face in the trunk of the tree about a foot and a half above the ground?

My Big Babies

I'm changing the subject today as I need to stop thinking about my ongoing email issues which still have not been resolved. Today I'm posting photos of my two horses. The bottom one is Santa Margarita, my sixteen year old Thoroughbred/Oldenburg mare. The top picture is of Rembrant, my Thoroughbred/Paint. He just had his 28th birthday last week and is still going strong! I'm looking forward to the weather getting better for trail riding with my horses and my good buddy Betsy Hudson. She's the owner of  The Bright Side of Life, a Life Is good store located at 42 South Main Street in Medford, NJ. (609-654-5544) If you ever need a shot of positive energy, stop in her store and say Sandy sent you. I call her Ms. Sunshine and I guarantee she will brighten your day!

Comcast Still Blocking My Emails

Although I thought the problem I was having with Comcast blocking my emails had been cleared up, it has not. I am still not getting emails coming from my website. I unblock it and the next thing I know, they are being blocked again! The frustrating thing is I can't retrieve my blocked emails and often people get no warning that their message is not going through. If you need to get in touch with me, please use: ssandyssan@comcast.net temporarily until I can get this issue resolved once and for all. If any Comcast people are reading this: " What the *%$!!* is going on?!

We got a beautiful snowfall last night, but it's disappearing quickly as it's warming up. This is a picture I took this morning of Jerry's horseshoe art horse and saddle sculpture.

Why Do I Blog?

People often ask me why I blog. It seems I'm somewhat obsessed with it these days. Sometimes I wonder myself, then an email like this one arrives about my Spirit Art Blog that I posted today on Determination. This one really makes my day. "It still amazes me when you pull up sayings that so fit where I am at. It's like you are in my head. Yesterday was the worst day I have had in a long time. It took such effort to keep on top of myself and my angry attitude. I just could not wait for the day to be over and I could sleep. Today is better. I felt, a few times, that I just wanted to just "give up". I was tired of staying on top of my lifeisum, but then I thought; giving up is not what my life is about these days and for the past years. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and this too shall pass. I put my words into action and with those thoughts, my determination to get through the day sober was easier. I hope you had two beers after your ordeal with Comcast, one for you and one for me. LOL Thanks for your thoughts." ~ Lee

We had a light dusting of snow last night and I took a walk in the woods this morning with my camera. This picture is of a little stream that runs in the back of our property. I love the way the snow accents the landscape and changes our perspectives. Do you also see the hidden hummingbird silhouette in this picture?

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.

My Emails Were Blocked

Comcast was blocking my emails coming from my website today although they wouldn't admit it. I spent most of the day on the phone to Comcast, my internet provider and Verio, my web hosting company. After hours of being on hold and talking to eight different technical support people, Comcast finally came clean and lifted the block. So, I've lost all emails sent to sandy@sandysandy.com during the last 24 hrs. or more. If you emailed me at that address and I didn't respond that's probably why. I'm pretty sure it's all cleared up now. I'll post the picture of February the moose later. Right now I need a beer.

Smithville Mansion, Eastampton, NJ

Today I'm posting a picture of The Smithville Mansion, named after the second owner; H.B. Smith, inventor and entrepreneur. Smith's extraordinary accomplishments were clouded by personal controversy which I'll discuss more in detail later. The mansion is now owned by the County of Burlington, NJ and is open to tourists. Here one can tour Smith's "casino" annex, including card room, billiard room and bowling alley. Tourists can also view the site of Smith's zoo, the on site museum and wander through the grape arbors and rose garden courtyards. Next I'll post a picture of February the tame moose that Smith had trained to harness. You can find out more information about tours of the Smithville Mansion and Smithville Park here.

Tommy The Moose

Yesterday I got a book in the mail from the Smithville Mansion. It has a picture of February the Moose in it! I will scan the picture and post it here for the world to see within the next day or two. I found this picture of John Connell riding a moose on Google Images. According to a blog I found, Ruth wrote that Connell knew how to trap wild moose without harming them and was responsible for bringing moose to Newfoundland where they were not native. She said the animal in the picture was named Tommy. See my older posts for other vintage tame moose pictures!

Tommy's Routine

Here's a current picture of Tommy The Terror. He's got a morning routine of playing with the dripping kitchen faucet. First thing he does is run into the kitchen, hop up on the sink and start waiting for the drips to come out. It's sort of like his morning cup of coffee I guess.

Tommy Two Step

Today's picture is of Tommy Two Step , one of our two house cats. We got him at an art show two and a half years ago when he was just a handful of cuddly fun. Little did we know that he was a biter and that his name would soon change to Tommy The Terror. We have to keep him separated from Princess because he thinks it's his job to make her life miserable. Look how cute and innocent he looks here in this picture, just a few days after we adopted him.

Friendship Lost

Last week in my Inspiration For Your Day Blog, my topic was friendship. It got me thinking a lot about my friends, the ones I have and about ones I've lost. There's a saying that the way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. Too often we take friendships for granted until it is too late. Having friends over for dinner always makes me think of my dear departed friend, Jim Rinier, who passed from this world unexpectedly fourteen months ago. Jim always made getting together special and often had themes when he put on a dinner party. We usually got together once a month, alternating between his place and ours. He had a way of making every occasion and every friend feel very special. Below are pictures from my Bon Voyage Party he and his partner, Tommy, threw for me a couple of years ago before my Alaska Cruise with Robert Genn's art group.

Dinner With Friends

Yesterday we had friends over for dinner. It was great to spend time with Donna, Dave and their thirteen year old daughter, Elena. Although we stay in touch via email, we hadn't gotten together in over six months. Wow, how time flies! Like many of our friends, Ordilles are also collectors and fans of my work, so it's always fun to show them what I've been working on. They did leave with a big, bright new 28" x 36" painting this time! It's one that Donna's been thinking about titled "The Sunny Side" for quite a while now. I am surprised it didn't sell before, but I guess this one was meant for them. I also enjoyed showing them some different slideshows I'v e created on my new Mac while Jerry put the finishing touches on dinner. For our main course, we had NJ caught Sea Bass and Dungeonous Crab. After dinner, the girls played games and the guys watched the tube. Donna, Elena and I had a blast playing Guesstures and then a short game of Pigmania. I laughed so hard I started wheezing.

Photographing Artwork

I was sitting here eating my DELICIOUS chocolate and caramel "JERSEY GIRL" candy bar (really - Jerry brought it from Nixon's General Store) and wondering what to blog about . I did six new paintings so far this week and I try to shoot pictures of them as I go along. That way it doesn't turn out to be such a big project. I shoot them outside my studio door (preferably in bright shade) on the north side of my house with my little Nikon Digital coolpix 880. I thought you might like to see the ones I just took. These two quarter sheet paintings are 11" x 15" - which frame up to 16" x 20" or larger. This is what the picture looks like before I tweak it in Photoshop. I always keep the painting next to me as I'm making adjustments to the image. I try to get is as close as I can to the original. As you can see, I never attach my paper to a board and the pigment comes right out to the deckle edges on all four sides. These watercolors would look great with some nice custom framing and floating mats.

Party Animals!

It was seventy degrees here today in the Northeast. The animals were loving it. Here's a picture of a party in progress!

Cross Country Skiman

I normally don't enter group art shows. For me it is just more effort than it's worth. The show I just entered is different though. Original artwork is hung at a local school for two weeks. During that time, the kids get to look at all the work and copy it or create something inspired by one of the pieces. At the end of the two weeks, there is a reception for the artists, kids and parents. The children's art is hung next to the art they copied. It is just so much fun to see what the kids come up with and to see which pieces were the most popular. And the kids really make the artists feel like celebrities! My friend, Lee Gates, told me she volunteered Monday and took a group of kindergarteners around to look at the artwork. I entered four little snowman pictures and two larger spirit animal paintings. She said my work was a real hit. One little girl especially liked this cross country skiman. In another twenty or so years, I should have quite a good market for my work!

February The Moose

I called the Smithville Mansion today and inquired about that moose that pulled a cart. I spoke to a girl by the name of Carrie who said that the moose's name was February. How serendipitous is that! Anyway, she said they would get back to me as to whether or not they could email me a photo of him. Hopefully they can and I'll post it here!

Moose In Harness

This weekend, I forwarded a photo of a guy supposedly from Alaska who had a tame moose that he used in harness for lumbering and hauling tasks. Well, it seems that picture had been Photoshoped, however I do know that moose have been used in harness before. We have a museum near us with pictures of a prominent business owner who had a tame bull moose that he used to pull a buggy. I looked on Google Images and found these two pictures that certainly appear to be real.

Raining Cats And Dogs

It's really been coming down in buckets off and on all day. I had to go out to drop off paintings at a group show I'm participating in. The rain had let up, so I stopped off at the grocery store. By the time I got out, with my $100. plus purchases, it was pouring again. The fifteen minute drive home took almost a half an hour. I just kept thinking about that saying , " it's raining cats and dogs". What a fun painting it would be to create! It also got me wondering what the origins of the saying might actually be. Any ideas anyone?