Parched

Parched 12x12 oil

During these hot summer days I can't help but think of my little feathered friends.  Every summer I put a few saucers of water on a table in the shade of a tree.  Of course, it's a great way to attract birds to the backyard, especially when I'm waiting a few feet away with my camera. 

Perfect Palette

Perfect Palette, 12x12 oil

Sometimes a burst of colour is good for the soul.  Yes, things are looking up!  Gradually the stores and businesses are coming back to life, at least the ones that were able to 'weather the storm'.  Things almost look normal.  I can now get most of what I need as long as I remember to follow all the precautions, (I think crossing my fingers also helps a little).  In fact, I have to remind myself that all is not normal.  The numbers of people getting sick are reducing every day, but there are probably people out there carrying the virus that don't get tested, so until there is a vaccine, my goal must remain to stay safe and protect the people around me.

Bird Brain - Sold

Bird Brain, 12x12 oil

The thing I love most about painting birds is their character and expressiveness in their posture.    Some birds seem to pause and think while others are little busy bodies, always flitting about.  This past spring there were always robins around the front porch; not surprising since they built a nest above the front door.  I was able to stand at the door with my camera while Mr. or Mrs. Robin would hop along the railing, seemingly wondering what I was up to.  Considering this, I was thinking what books would this robin choose to read.  Sometimes we choose books by their title, but other times it's the cover that grabs our attention.       

Luci

Luci, 12x12 oil

My husband and I made the decision to get a dog the same year our eldest daughter was heading off to university.  She jokes that it was her replacement.  Little did I know how that sweet little puppy would wind her way into the very depths of my heart.  She had an intelligence I have rarely seen in any animal.  Her instincts would drive her to chase squirrels, birds and anything else that caught her eye, but the chase was the fun of it.  When she got too close she would slow down and watch it 'get away'.  One day she dug up an old lacrosse ball in the backyard.  Despite the many toys and balls we brought home for her, that old ball was the only toy she would repeatedly ask us to throw for her.  The only thing better than chasing that old ball was chasing snowballs.  This year we had to say goodbye to Luci, but she will be in our hearts forever.