Lazy Days of Summer…

Did my best to finish a few things on the pc….the mind kept wandering mid afternoon. I was just not able to concentrate. So….looked around at the puppies….all napping…Niki kept looking up at me wanting to go swimming….which, by the way we eventually did. Picked up the sketch pad and found myself just scribbling away….I find this helps to un cloud the mind…and relax me. Never did get back to the PC so as to show that I just did not goof off all day going to share my scribbles….the good, bad and the ugly….if you look at the middle page, that is the view I have from my chair…picture my chair in the middle looking down. I am always surrounded by fur and love. I guess I was just tooooo relaxed for it seemed to me to be to much of an effort to go into the other room, turn the scanner on….grabbed the camera and just photographed instead….too lazy even for that….set the camera to auto (folks there are rules to follow when photographing in bad light, a white BG with a digital camera….I did not follow any). These images will be used in a class as an example of what Not to do (yeah, like that was really my intention…yep the lazy days of summer are upon us)…..maybe tomorrow I’ll show how to do it correctly…better yet, just maybe I’ll turn the scanner on 😉

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“Freedom”

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Water Reflections

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"Heron"

I have been working on a lovely portrait of this beautiful dog that has recently died. When I am given images of such beloved family members it is only natural that I also get to know the dog. Each has their own personality and their person is always so willing to tell me stories. During the course of painting I tend to get a little sad knowing the dog is no longer with us….so I take a break and work on something else for a little while.

This was today’s little break.

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Coyotes and Pets…

On the Easel….”The Coyote” a WIP.

In the news as of late have been reports of an increase in the number of coyotes…..pretty silly if you ask me. It is the fact that these animals have no where to set up dens for there is little land left in so many of the counties surrounding Atlanta. The spring is when these animals are looking for a safe den to raise thier pups….this is when you will have the most conflicts.
MOST of the counties in the Atlanta area have leash laws….that is right….leash laws. Do not allow your pets to roam….keep them on leash. Know the weight of a coyote is about 35 lbs. Many of the small breed dogs, and cats are considered prey….keep them on leash (yep, leash law applies to your kitties as well).
We can share what little land is left with these animals with safety in mind…

**Do not feed coyotes
**If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior – make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.
**Do not allow pets to run free.
**Do not feed pets outside.
**Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
**Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.
**Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.
**Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes
**Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
**Regulated hunting and trapping increases the “fear” coyotes have towards people.
**Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

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Swan Lake

Was “cleaning” house so to speak, discarding old files and ran across this. One of my first freehand paintings….thought I would post here to share!

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Beach Scene

This was created on the PC….was looking in a book for ideas for creating a painting a day, well a difficult task at best…I must remember to keep fruit in the house….makes great subject matter.

Niki’s Accident and Cart

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