Sunny Sunflowers - Sold

Sunny Sunflowers, 10x8 oil

'Sunny Sunflowers', even in a darkened room, they almost seem to have a light of their own.  Here is #19 out of 30 paintings, for the month of September.

Last night was the reception for the group show, 'Ordinary Beauty', at the Dundas Museum.  It was a wonderful evening, thank you for joining me.  If you couldn't make it out, the show will still be there until October 13th.

Rolling Country Roads - Sold

Rolling Country Roads, 10x8 oil

For my 18th painting I decided to use a plein air painting that I did a few weeks ago.  I just had to make a few minor adjustments to it and it's perfect for my letter 'r' painting.  After driving out west earlier this summer, and seeing the straight flat roads of the prairies, I've acquired more of an appreciation for the hilly winding roads of Ontario.

3 Quacks

3 Quacks, 10x8 oil

Here is painting #17.  One of the fun things about this challenge is that I have an excuse to paint some things I wouldn't normally be painting.

Today will be a busy day getting ready for the reception at the Dundas Museum.   The reception is from 5:30 to 8:30 tomorrow, Thursday evening.  It'll be a good break from this challenge, but I may have some catching up to do!

Peas and Pods - Sold

Peas and Pods, 12x6 oil

Here is painting #16.  I love how peas have little stems; you never see that when you buy a bag of frozen peas!  Unfortunately I can't grow peas in my garden.  Not because they can't grow, but because the rabbits just love them and eat them all up.

O for Olives - Sold

O for Olives, 6x4 oil

It seems to me, you either hate olives or you love them.  I've never met anyone who is indifferent to them.  For the record, I love them!  In fact I ate the ones I painted as soon as the painting was finished.

Painting #15, half way through the challenge and still going strong!  I must be doing something right this time, like planning my time better or making sure to take breaks between paintings.  Perhaps I'm keeping my paintings simpler, or maybe I'm painting faster, (maybe all of the above).  By this time, in the other painting challenges I've done, I would be exhausted by now!

As I make my way through the alphabet... I'm wondering... what shall I paint for the last 4 paintings?  No time to think about that now, on to the next painting... 'p'.

Oodles of Noodles - Sold

Oodles of Noodles, 24x12 oil

Here's painting #14 of the month, almost half way through the challenge!  I thought since I chose to keep this painting simple, it wouldn't take much time; therefore I should use a larger canvas.  Well I couldn't have been more wrong!  It took me forever to paint those noodles!  

Mmmm Margarita

Mmmm Margarita, 4x6 oil

For painting #13 I chose to paint a Blue Margarita.  When I started painting the first cocktail, 'Kir', I had no idea that I would be painting a series of primary coloured cocktails.  After I had painted 'Lemony Lemon Drop', I realized blue was my only choice for the next painting.  I love the way they look all together!

                              

Lemony Lemon Drop

Lemony Lemon Drop, 4x6 oil

Here is painting #12 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I was searching for a martini recipe for this next painting, and found this in allrecipes.com.  It's very lemony and not too sweet, you can adjust the sweetness to your own liking.  It also has a bit of mint, which is a nice little touch.

Kir Please

Kir Please, 4x6 oil

Here is painting #11.  Kir is a wonderful cocktail of black current liqueur and white wine, a ratio of 1 part liqueur and 9 parts wine.  It can be made with red wine, champagne, or even a different flavoured liqueur, but black current and white wine is my favourite combination.  Actually it's the only combination I've ever tried because I love the black current flavour!

Jam Jars - Sold

Jam Jars, 8x8 oil

Here's the 10th painting of the month.  Well I've made it through the first third of the challenge!  I'm starting to get behind a bit now.  These jam jars were a lot of fun to paint though, I actually had to force myself to stop painting.  There are still a couple of bits that I would like to get to, but sometimes when I leave a painting for a few days, I realize it doesn't need anything.  Most of my paintings this month will be for sale in the Burlington Studio Tour, www.artinaction.ca, (the first weekend in November), unless of course they are sold beforehand.   If something catches your eye, send me a message here or on Facebook and I'll answer your questions.  Now on to the next painting...

The Ice Cream Incident

The Ice Cream Incident, 6x8 oil

Painting #9, 'The Ice Cream Incident', or should it be called 'The I Scream Incident'.   Has this ever happened to you?  The last time I dropped my ice cream cone was actually this summer.  My husband and I had decided to treat ourselves and went to the gelato shop, downtown Burlington.  We waited in a long line, but knew it was worth it; we would be rewarded in the end.  So with our treasures in hand we chose to go for a stroll along the lakeside promenade.  How romantic is that.  We carefully crossed the street.  Not even 10 steps into our walk and oops!  There went my ice cream!  It even managed to hit my clothes on the way down.  I felt like a three year old child, in fact I wished at that moment that I was 3, then I could have screamed and cried my eyes out!  My husband shared his cone with me, which in the end, was sweeter than having my own, and much more romantic.

Hot, Hot, Hot - Sold

Hot, Hot, Hot 10x8 oil

For painting #8, I chose to paint some very hot peppers from my garden.  When I cut these peppers up I have to be careful not to rub my eyes for the rest of the day!  Wow, they are hot!  I grew some of these peppers a couple of years ago.  What I hadn't used fresh, I dried and put in a jar.  I am sure they have lost a lot of their potency judging from the strength of these fresh ones!   I will have to replace the older dried peppers with this year's batch for sure.  I had saved a couple of the little green boxes from some raspberries earlier in the season, with the intention of using them in a painting eventually.

I have no idea at this point what I will be painting next.  Hmmm, what starts with 'I'?

Gorgeous Grapefruit - Sold

Gorgeous Grapefruit, 10x8 oil

Day 7 already?  Here's my seventh painting of the month.  I've had this grapefruit sitting on the counter, waiting to be eaten.  Every morning my husband and I have gotten into making smoothies for breakfast, packed full of berries and other wonderful things.  This grapefruit just keeps sitting there, forgotten.  Since I was nearing the letter 'g' I thought what better day would there be to slice it open and paint it/eat it. 

Finch Food - Sold

Finch Food, 12x6 oil

September 6, my sixth painting of the month.  I had all sorts of plans for this painting, but in the end, I didn't want to labour over it too much.  I like how fresh the flowers look.  There was supposed to be a Goldfinch in the painting as well, but decided that it didn't really need it after all.  There may be a 'Finch Food II' painting in the works at a later date though. 

(Almost) Empty Egg Carton - Sold

(Almost) Empty Egg Carton, 8x8 oil

A little late posting painting #5 today, the internet had been down for quite a few hours.  I love painting every day items.  There are so many stories that they can tell.  It may be just a reminder of a moment in the day or time spent preparing something special.  An item that you see all the time, but have rarely ever looked at.  If you think about the egg carton, some one had to design the box to house the eggs, and keep them safe.  It doesn't always keep the eggs safe, but does a reasonably good job.  I wonder when the egg carton was first invented?  Years ago I did a painting of an egg carton that my eldest daughter (who was in preschool at the time), had painted to look like a caterpillar.  It was brightly coloured, had pipe cleaner antennae and Pink Fruit Loop eyes.  It was the first time a child of mine had brought home a project that she had created, plus I was afraid it wouldn't last, (and it didn't, the cat ate the eyes before the next day had arrived).
 

(Dubious Decision), Green Tea - Sold

Dubious Decision, 6x8 oil

Painting #4 in the 30 in 30 challenge. The cups were very unstable when stacked like this.  As I set this still life up, the thought of painting them in this precarious position didn't seem like a good idea.  One tiny bump and my painting would be called 'Disastrous Decision'!   In the end, while balancing the top cup with one finger, I took a photo.  I am pleased with the painting, disaster avoided!

Curious Cow - Sold

Curious Cow, 12x6 oil

Painting #3 in the painting a day challenge.  Have you ever noticed that when you stop to look at cows, they all stop grazing and look at you?  I'm sure they are curious as to what you are doing there.  This was a half painted plein air painting that I decided to finish off for this challenge.  It also fits into my scheme.  So far I have been naming my paintings alphabetically.  I have a feeling that there are going to be some very oddly named paintings!

Beautiful Boxes - Sold

Beautiful Boxes, 18x24 oil

Painting #2, The mystery of the box!  There is something intriguing about an unopened box.  The mystery of what could be inside.  These boxes are from a store in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  My husband and I went to Niagara-on-the-Lake to celebrate our anniversary this year.  We love touring the wineries and discovering new wines.  The downtown area is pretty, with some unique shops.  One shop that we stopped in sold all kinds of hats.  We both found hats that we fell in love with, and when purchasing them the sales girl asked if we would like them in boxes.  As soon as I saw the boxes I said yes to both of us having boxes, knowing that they will become part of a painting!  

Abandoned Apple Core

Abandoned Apple Core 6x6 oil 

The first day of September is here!  Tomorrow life will get back to 'normal' for those who have children at home.  They'll be sent off to school, wearing new outfits, ready to start a new year of challenges and accomplishments.  Shiny and new, just like the apples that will be left on the teacher's desks.  Do children bring apples to school for their teachers?  A Norman Rockwell sort of image comes to mind.  Happy Labour Day!

This month for me represents a month of paintings!  I have chosen to join the hundreds of artists and do a painting a day, for 30 days.  I can't believe this will be the fourth time doing the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 Challenge.  It's a lot of fun and hard work, and definitely a challenge!  I will be posting here every day, as well as on lesliesaeta.blogspot.ca. 

Grazers - Sold

Grazers 8x8 oil

A couple weeks back, on a beautiful summer day, I painted this painting (mostly 'en plein air').  It was the kind of day that if I had to go to an office I would have been late, taken an extra long lunch and left as early as possible.  I hopped into my car not knowing where or what I was going to paint.  As I was driving, I decided I needed a game plan, so I started with searching for sunflowers, imagining that that is what would inspire me on such a gorgeous day.  I found the sunflowers, only to find that there wasn't any way to get around them, with a 'NO TRESPASSING' sign at the only access point.  I drove around. seeking another sunflower farm.  On my way, I passed this field of cows.  The sun was getting lower in the sky, creating amazing intense colours, (my favourite time of day to paint outdoors!).  I stopped to take photos, knowing that they will probably move away soon...but they didn't.  I set up my easel and started painting as fast as I could.  Eventually, as the cows were grazing their way across the field they ended up way back at the other end of the pasture.  Not bad, I managed to get most of the painting done.  Back in my studio I added the black and white cow in the centre of the painting.  A few days later, painting barely dry, I inserted it into a frame and managed to get it into my current show at the Dundas Museum!  It sits nicely among my other paintings featuring cows. 

Urban Quagmire - Sold

Urban Quagmire 30x30 oil

This new painting, Urban Quagmire was completed a couple of weeks ago.  I usually paint much smaller paintings, but this one needed to be large.  The good thing about painting larger is that I can really get into the detail and play with it.  This was so much fun to paint!  I managed to get it done just in time to hang in my current show, (just hung yesterday). 

The Sentry

The Sentry, 10x8 oil

This majestic row of trees was painted on July 7, at Courtcliffe Park in Hamilton, Ontario.  I know ... over a month ago ... just a little behind with my postings.  The funny thing about painting 'en plein air' is that I remember everything about the time I spend on every painting.  I remember why I chose a certain view, as opposed to one in a different location and what the particular circumstances were while I was painting, as well as the decisions that I made during the painting.  It's almost as if time stands still, all that matters at that moment is the painting.  Sometimes it can take 3 to 4 hours to complete, but feels like only an hour had passed, while other times it may only take an hour and I can't believe it's completed because it felt like 10 minutes.  Either way, I'm always surprised when I look at a clock afterwards. 

When I painted 'The Sentry' it was a warm day with a bit of a breeze.  The trees looked so impressive with the sun behind them, creating a strong silhouette.  I chose to stand under the shade of a large tree in the open part of the park. I wanted to be away from the forest where the stream runs through because the mosquitos were particularly bad that day, (I forgot to pack sunscreen and bug spray).   

Dragon Boats, Bayfront Park - Sold

Dragon Boats, Bayfront Park

Last week my plein air group painted at Bayfront Park in Hamilton.  It was a busy day at the boat launch area, with people coming and going all afternoon.  A lot of people were out for a light stroll along the path and a family of swans swam by.  An idyllic summer afternoon.   The dragon boats are almost always moored alongside the dock by the boat launch ramp.  I thought since there were only two dragon boats, (usually there are a lot more), it would make a simple little painting.

Doing the Walk

Doing the Walk, 24x24 oil

I love visiting farmers markets and being able to get fresh picked fruits and vegetables.  The other day there was a local farm tour.  We were able to visit private farms and watch them at work and sample the produce.  One farm we visited was called ManoRun Organic Farm.  We were given a tour of the farm and an explanation of the goals for the farm etc.  I love that you can actually buy into the farm and get a share of what they have to offer.  Another farm was Lots'a Hostas and Jerry's Berries.  Of course I picked up a hosta, a staple in most gardens around here, so easy to care for and look great in any garden.  In the pouring rain we also managed to pick a few raspberries, yum!

'Doing the Walk' was inspired by my visit to The Royal Winter Fair last November.  I've always been captivated by farm life.  When I was a child my grandparents had a small farm outside of Toronto.  Being a city kid, it thrilled me to visit them.  Beside the chickens, cows and the vegetable garden was a pear orchard.  The ultimate playground for me was being able to climb the trees to get to the crunchy unripe fruit.  I still prefer my pears that way.  

The Two Sisters - Sold

Time flies when you're having fun!  I can't believe it's almost a month since my last blog post.  This past spring was a busy time for me.  One commission I had was to paint the portraits of two sisters.  Since I was going to be painting from photos, I chose ones where the girls were smiling.  It's funny how we're conditioned to smile when put in front of a camera.  I thought it would be nice to paint smiling portraits, although harder, it's a rare opportunity.  When painting from life a person can only hold a smile for so long before the cheeks start to quiver and the face loses it's expression.  I'm pleased with these portraits, I smile every time I see them.

A week ago, I got back from a road trip out to Alberta.  My husband and I drove through the northern states in the USA to Montana, then up to Canada, to visit some friends in Alberta.  We drove back across the prairies to Ontario.  I had prepared and packed my art supplies, ready to paint up a storm.  I knew we would spend a lot of time driving, but wow!  We saw a lot, did a bit of hiking and touristy stuff, and camped on the nicer days, but I only managed to do a few sketches.  I did take thousands of pictures though, and painted a couple of times with my friend in Alberta.  It was a fun trip!

A Quiet Day

A Quiet Day, 12x9 oil

Painting the boats in a marina can be like a lottery.   The constant fear that your subject matter will basically float away.  Strangely enough, on this amazingly beautiful day, all boats stayed put, at least the ones that I was painting.

I love being around water and boats, with the constant breeze and movement of the water.  It can be a bit mesmerizing at times.  I really had to pay attention while painting this...so much detail!  This was painted at the marina in Bronte on a beautiful June day, a couple of weeks ago.

Yarning Too - Sold

Yarning Too, 12x12 oil

This painting was a commissioned piece.  I had painted a similarly themed painting a few years ago, but had sold it earlier this year.  The fun thing about painting something that was previously done is that I get to play with the idea all over again.

Yarning for Food, 12x12 oil

Daydreaming - Sold

Daydreaming, 12x9 oil

Yesterday afternoon I painted along Lake Ontario, in Bronte.  It was a hot muggy day, but surprisingly cool by the lake.  In fact, it was so cool I had to wear a jacket.

As the afternoon went on and I was finishing this painting, a couple sail boats appeared on the lake.  I've had only a few opportunities to go sailing on days like this.  Pure and simple joy!  The carefree feeling of letting all thoughts go, and just living in the moment.  Wouldn't it be nice if every moment was like that!  Sailing through life, sounds wonderful!

Hmmm, back to reality now.

A May Morning, Spencer Smith Park

A May Morning, Spencer Smith Park, 10x8 oil

Thursday morning last week, I managed to get out to Spencer Smith Park to paint.  What a beautiful day!  While I was painting a couple of people stopped by to have a look and chat.  One person had two dogs with her.  One of her dogs obviously had an interest in art.  I hadn't pet the dog or give him any notice, but he had decided to stay.  He lay down beside me contentedly.  I believe he thought he had reached his destination, or perhaps he thought I would include him in my painting.

Nesting - Sold

Nesting, 24x12 oil

Happy Victoria Day!  Finally, the long weekend in May has arrived!  In Canadian terms it is the beginning of summer!  It doesn't matter that the temperature is barely over ten degrees C., and many of us still haven't switched our winter tires for the summer ones.  This is THE weekend!  Winter coats and sweaters get packed away in preparation for the hot summer days.  The temperature doesn't matter, the long weekend has arrived, we are ready!  Mother nature has guaranteed us that our plants will survive until the fall,  (or more specifically there will be no more frost).  It's the weekend that a lot of Canadians travel north to cottage country in preparation for the hot summer days ahead. I remember heading up to a friend's cottage on this long weekend, (in my college days), and all of us were spread out along the lake in our bathing suits, hoping to rid ourselves of our pale pallor, trying to stay out of the biting wind and ignoring the fact that we were covered in goose bumps from the cold.  This is probably my favourite long weekend of the year!  It was the thought of these rituals that inspired me to paint 'Nesting'.  I love the ritual of 'spring cleaning'; getting rid of the old worn items, packing away the winter clothes, and opening the windows to let in the fresh crisp spring air.

Spring Arrival - Sold

Spring Arrival, 6x8 oil

When the bulbs in the gardens bloom, there is a sense of promise that warmer weather is on it's way; but when the shrubs and trees start blooming, we know that that time has arrived.  Walking outside wearing a sweater or light jacket, and seeing the bright green buds opening on the trees... makes my eyes water and itch and my nose becomes a faucet, as the allergies take hold... I mean... makes me glad that winter is over and I can now pack my winter gear away, for at least a couple of months.  As I start thinking about cleaning up the garden and planting vegetables and perhaps something new in the flower bed.  Then it becomes a race to get the gardening done before the weather gets too hot, and my desire for a lush and beautiful garden wanes as do the plants in the summer heat.

Tomorrow evening is the opening reception for the '2nd Annual Oakville Artists Spring Show and Sale'.  The reception is Friday May 9th, 7-10 pm, free admission and a cash bar.  Saturday it will start at 10 am and close at 4 pm.  It's going to be a good show with 25 artists.   There will be no show on Sunday, since we will all be enjoying Mother's Day.

Something Blue

Something Blue, 6x8 oil

A couple of weekends ago I went to a vintage marketplace in Hamilton.  What a treasure trove of wonderful (and not so wonderful), stuff.  You really had to have a good look to find the good stuff...which is half the fun.  I think, just because it's from the past doesn't make it wonderful.  Some of the clothes were quite hideous and in bad condition, and there were some well worn boots and shoes, among the gems.  I was lucky to find this set of pink cups.  They were sort of hidden behind another display, as if the owner didn't really want to sell them, but were certainly priced to sell.  I totally fell in love with them.

By the way, if you're wondering, that is a robin's egg, not an Easter chocolate, (as my husband thought as soon as he saw the painting).

The Back Stairs

The Back Stairs, 8x10 oil

I'm a bit behind in posting my paintings.  There just isn't enough time in a day!  This is a plein air painting that I did on April 21, in Hamilton.  Painted on one of those beautiful spring days, that you wish every day would be like.

Speaking of plein air paintings... I found out yesterday that I sold another painting from the store/gallery, Art Etc., (in the Burlington Art Centre).  It was a plein air painting of the Oakville Marina, painted last summer.

I would also like to thank the people who supported me, (and the school),  by bidding on and purchasing the paintings that I submitted in the Dundas Valley School of Art annual spring auction.  I submitted four paintings, and all of them sold!

Nothing in the Pantry - Sold

Nothing in the Pantry, 12x18 oil

How unlikely would it be to find a chipmunk in the cupboard?  I've always thought chipmunks were fairly timid little creatures, but the last time I went for a hike they were everywhere.  They were acting more like squirrels than chipmunks.  A few years ago we were renovating our house, (not done yet), and before our home was clad in siding, we had a few squirrels taking the opportunity to venture in and try to make a nest.  I have yet to see a chipmunk indoors, except for in my imagination.

Zorro

Zorro, 8x8 oil

Here is my final and favourite of the 8x8 horse paintings.  I couldn't resist painting this one.  I love the foreshortening of the neck and the huge nose of the horse.  I smile every time I look at it.

In the future, (sometime), I would love to do larger paintings of horses.  It would be a lot of fun to head out to a farm with my paints and camera and spend time with these amazing creatures.  It's really hard to do them justice on a small canvas like this. 

The Work Horse

The Work Horse, 8x8 oil

Seeing the strength and beauty of a horse hard at work, alongside a bustling street of shoppers and sightseers, makes me wonder why we chose the car over the horse.  The answer is obvious, but just imagine how life would be if all the garages were stables.  The air would certainly be cleaner and we would have beautiful gardens with all the fertilizer available...just a thought.        

Elsewhere

Elsewhere, 8x10 oil

This week's model was Norah.  She's an excellent model, whom I've had the pleasure of painting a few times.  This painting resembles her, but isn't an exact representation.  I really liked painting the beautiful red coat and the way her somber expression is in such contrast to it. 

It's officially spring now, yay!  It's been such a long, cold winter.  We even had rain instead of snow the other day.  I don't doubt that it will snow again, so my snow tires will stay a little longer on my car.  I am really, really looking forward to getting outside with my painting gear soon, without having to worry about frostbitten toes and fingers! Happy spring!

Kim - Sold

 

Once in a while, not quite often enough, I paint with a group on Tuesday evenings.  A model is hired and we paint portraits.  Painting people is something I enjoy probably the most out of all subject matter.  I can't say why, but I'm guessing it's because I really like a good challenge.  Kim Koren is a local singer/songwriter with an amazing voice and beautiful songs.  It was a pleasure to have her as a model.

Living in Paradise

Living in Paradise, 20x16 oil

A painting of one of the vast array of wildlife that I have been lucky to see while visiting Cootes Paradise.  I am thrilled to say that this painting has been selected to be in the upcoming juried show and auction at McMaster University called 'Naturally Connected'.   It's to create support and awareness for the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. 

"Naturally Connected" McMaster Art Exhibit and Auction

March 21, 22 and 23

Togo Salmon Hall

McMaster University

for more information visit the 'upcoming events' page at:

www.cootestoescarpment.ca

Running Errands - Sold

Running Errands, 20x16 oil

I can't believe this winter!  All this snow!  In the past I've painted a few landscapes with snow, but this is my first cityscape with snow.  I chose to paint the pretty town of Dundas, although snow makes everything look nice.  The blanket of white hides everything below until a path is made.  The sound of the tires on the road becomes muted, at least until the heat from the cars melts the snow and turns it to a dirty slush, (that's the part I don't like).  My mind is starting to think about those beautiful warm days, when boots and warm jackets are a thing of the past; when the days are long, and all you have to worry about is ... sunscreen and mosquito repellent, (oh well, nothing is perfect).  Looking outside, the snow has been falling all afternoon, I'm wondering will spring arrive by the calendar date, or does 'mother nature' have another plan.  On the bright side, maybe I can get a few more snow paintings done before it all melts away.

Bottomless - Sold

Bottomless, 8x8 oil

I recently purchased a really nice set of cups and saucers. I had put them aside while I was working on a larger painting.  Even though that painting isn't quite done, (hopefully it will be by the end of today), I decided to paint this while it was in my head.  I have a lot of plans for these cups, (that sounds strange).  I can't believe that February is coming to a close soon.  This month has flown by.

Last weekend I went to The Artist Project in Toronto.  I have been visiting this annual show for the past few years.  It's an excellent show, and the quality of art is generally top notch.  The one thing I have learned from visiting amazing art shows is to trust myself and to keep moving forward!  When I come home I can't wait to paint!  As far as shows locally, I have been finding out about group shows, as my peers are sending out invitations regularly, but clearly I have not been invited to be part of.  This only makes me stronger and forces me to work harder to find my own way in this dog eat dog world of art where everyone is vying for attention. 

A Cold Day

A Cold Day, 7x5 oil

On Monday this week I went out to paint at Hidden Valley Park, here in Burlington.  The temperature was -8 C.  I really didn't want to head outside to paint, but the sun was beckoning me and out I went.  I found myself trudging through knee deep snow, only to find the lace on my boot had caught on some twigs and instead of keeping out the snow I was scooping it up into my now gaping boot.  Well with my pant leg soaking wet I stood in the snow and painted as fast as I could before I became too cold.  I lasted an hour and a half, (not bad). 

Friday February 7 was the big art auction at the Burlington Art Centre.  What a fun and exciting evening!  I had never been to any kind of live auction before.  The experience was a little nerve racking since I really didn't know what kind of reaction my artwork would have.  There was an excellent show of people, with the gallery absolutely packed, (over 350 people).  To my relief, the auctioneer was wonderful; friendly and comical.  Happily my painting did sell, with a little competition between a couple of interested buyers, which made it even nicer. 

Making Tracks - Sold

Making Tracks, 7x5 oil

I went painting 'en plein air' yesterday.  It was a beautiful day.  The snow had a crisp top layer that crumbled in chunks as I walked through it.  Unless you were a small animal, the stream nearby was not safe to cross.  I saw some small tracks across it but was too far away to get a good view, (wish I had my camera with me!)   I heard a couple of guys walking along the path with a dog further down the stream.  Clearly one had tried to cross the stream.  He was soon shouting that he had a soaker and that the water had gone over the top of his boot.  Live and learn.