Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Eyes Have It

I have been working on a series of farm animal paintings from photos I took of cows and sheep in the Tomales area, also from chickens in my own backyard. When I paint an animal at a distance it ends up feeling more like a landscape to me.

Odessa

But when I zoom in close and get the feel of the animal through it's expression, I feel like I have captured something exciting! I especially love to capture the eyes looking straight at me because as I am watching this amazing animal, he is checking me out.

Charlie

Annie

He is trying to figure out if I am a threat or not. The little ones run close to their mother but the older animals usually stand their ground, stop eating, check out the situation, then resume whatever they were doing before I came along.

If I am patient, I usually get some good shots. In the last month, I have sold three of the "cropped close" paintings and I think it's because of the wonderful energy these little paintings exude.

"I would like to paint the way a bird sings." - Claude Monet

Monday, March 21, 2011

Intention in March

I am loving my OLW (www.bigpictureclasses.com) for this year. The word I have chosen is INTENTION. Mmmm....or did it choose me? For the first month or so, I wasn't sure it suited me but the more I explored the depths of this intriguing word, the more I have felt it resonates with me. I have found myself to be more mindful during my days in both action and thought. Once that happens, people interact differently with you. I feel more connected with myself, others and spirit.

“Then I remember, surprised

I could have ever forgotten,

that I am a part of everything

and everything is a part of me.

Our identities are inseparable.”

--Baxter Trautman “Spirit of the Valley”

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Daffodil Sunday

Today is a rainy day here in the Bay Area and since I am leaving for Paris in a few days, I figured it would be a good day to begin packing.

Wardrobe color - Black - check.....Chic boots - Black - check....Camera gear - check.....Passport - check.....Plane tickets - check....Restaurant recommendations - check....Sketching gear - check....oh my!

I have several lists scattered around the house. I think it may be time to pull those all together and cross reference them!

I have been asked by several friends and family as to why I keep returning to France, especially Paris and for me, there is something about the attention to detail that the French people have.