I’ve been a bit distracted here with a myriad of assorted things, one of which is a new puppy. He is a border collie, which is a breed my husband and I have had and adored for many years. Puppies are a LOT of work. They are also a whole lot of FUN!
Here is a commissioned painting that I finished recently. It is entitled “The Edge of Autumn”, done in acrylic. The painting is 24″ x 32″. Enjoy!
This year celebrated 50 years for the Society of Animal Artists. The opening of the SAA’s landmark art exhibition was hosted by the San Diego Natural History Museum on Sept 4th. Artists from all over the world joined together to celebrate the occasion. I felt most honored have my painting “The King’s Dragon” juried into this benchmark show.
(Below) The art was displayed on three levels in the atrium of the museum. Visitors from the public came in good numbers for viewing.
(Below) My painting hung on the third and top level under the beautiful light of southern California. My dragon and Kingfisher hangs in the middle here.
One of the best parts of any show or exhibition is the convergence of many great wildlife artists. There is a special kinship among animal/bird painters. And of course there are a lot of laughs along the way too.
(Below L-R) Joni Johnson-Godsy, Morten Solberg, Andrew Denman, and Guy Combes.
For those who don’t follow the lives of wildlife artists, Robert Bateman has spent his life not only creating some of the most beautiful and compelling wildlife art in the world, but he also has been a tireless champion for the wild world and the heritage he and others in the SAA would like to leave behind for our grandchildren. Indeed, Bob is a remarkable man.
(Below) The annual Awards Dinner. You can dress us up…but you can’t take us out!
Here Andrew Denman assists Kelly Singleton with her “Stretch Armstrong” impersonation.
In the end the fancy clothes only cover the outside. We can’t seem to help ourselves…our clownish natures still emerge from within!
A collaborative cocktail of crazy chemistry indeed!
(L to R) Andrew Denman, Kelly Singleton, Sandra Blair, Joni Johnson-Godsy and Guy Combes
A collection of my original paintings and giclee prints are currently on exhibition at Garmin World Headquarters in Olathe, Kansas until July 1. Shown in the front of the photograph is “The King’s Dragon” which will be traveling to San Diego, CA this fall for the Society of Animal Artists 50 anniversary Art and the Animal exhibition.
There is no place where you will meet friendlier people than in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The annual NatureWorks show in Tulsa was a resounding success for Alan and me this year in every way; wonderful visits with our friends in the NatureWorks organization, sharing lots of laughs with artist friends, a booth neighbor whose dog shared the weekend with us, and very good sales. Indeed, Tulsa is a wonderful place!
The people of NatureWorks work incredibly hard to put on this stellar, world-class show. And they do it with continuous smiles on their faces. It is obvious that they enjoy doing this for the community of Tulsa, for conservation and for the artists who come from all over the country and even several countries across the globe to show their work at this special show. I feel most blessed to know these hard working, generous people and to be included in their show.
This year there was an extra bonus for me. My booth neighbor Lyn St. Clair brought her sweet border collie mix Newt with her to hang out all weekend. It made leaving my own dogs at home a wee bit easier. Thanks Newt, for warming the hearts of all! Below are Neut and Lyn.
I want to thank the many people who stopped by to say hello and who decided to take some of my art home with them. I am passionate about what I do and it is so very rewarding to know that others appreciate and share in this passion.
I am pleased to announce that my painting entitled “Humble Abode” was awarded Best of Show at the Artistic Designs Gallery’s annual miniature invitational. This was a fun little painting to create and any artist is most pleased to know that others enjoy and appreciate their work.
(Above) “Humble Abode” 8 ” x 10″ Acrylic on masonite
Although exotic travel is one way many artists including myself gather experiences from which to paint, we are also often inspired by nature that is right outside of our own windows. This painting features a Carolina Wren who is returning to her nest inside of whats left of an old shed that once stood on a relative’s farm. She has brought a meal back for her babies. Carolina Wrens are very common here at our house and nest in a variety of places, from planted pots, to our gas grill (it’s a good thing we prefer to cook in our charcoal grill instead!).
This little Wren sings just outside our window. Carolina Wrens are very gregarious and noisy, singing all throughout the day. They have become very numerous in woodland areas in this part of the country.
Another comical and noisy neighbor is this little family of Tufted Titmice. This was a large brood and they all successfully fledged. Their raspy cheerful calls could be heard all throughout the day.
A less numerous visitor, but one who arrives here to nest each summer is the Great Crested Flycatcher (below). These birds have a very unusual song and their enormous size makes them quite noticeable in the woods. Roger Tory Peterson best describes this bird’s call in his book as “a loud, whistled wheeeeep! Also a rolling prrrrrrrreeet.” Like many songbirds, the Great Crested Flycatcher sings less often when the summer temperatures get very hot.
