Icelandic Pony with Legs!

Icelandic Pony oil on 11x14 board

Icelandic pony with legs !

I expect you have noticed that all the ponies have been close ups so this one for a change is a complete horse, the average height stands about 4 hands high. They are in their winter coat right now.
Our winter this year has been more than testing us to leave alone the Farmers looking after their animals. Lucky these little fellows are sturdy to stand the cold and snow. They must be grateful when feed time comes to refuel!
More snow and plenty of it, January 2014 and it is  beginning to feel like we are living in Iceland!

Babs

"The Two of Us"

"The Two of Us" Oil on 11x14 board

Onice  Farm.  https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

A few weeks ago the ponies were moved to different fields so they were all excited with the change but, these two decided to pay us a visit to check out if there might have been a treat. They stayed near by for a while John was able to get a shot as they waited looking a little contemplative, one of their Favourite snacks is black sun flower seeds, apparently very good for them better than carrots or apples. Luckily Wendy one of the owners had something for them. There is nothing sadder than a horse waiting for a treat!

P.S.  Treats for horses:   always ask an owner if you can give a treat  We were told that black sun flower seeds are good for the horses hair and they enjoy them a lot.
 
Babs

"Marsh Mallow Evening"

"Marsh Mallow Evening" Acrylic on wood by Darryl Rice

This piece is 60in long by 22in high, a lively woodwork painting of a Raccoon & a Skunk enjoying roasting marshmallows on the fire. Tap the picture to magnify!

Profile of the animals and fire etc has been cut out so it is part painting and part sculptor. The back ground in the photo is a sheet of plastic that is reflecting the light. that background won't be there when the piece is set up outdoors.

How Darryl makes these things is a mystery to me, the hours it must take to lay out the drawing, saw the profile and then sand and paint!

I'm glad I paint on framed canvases!
John

Here's Looking at You!

"Here's Looking at You!" oil on 11x14 board

A start to 2014

This picture is an experiment for a really good close up of An Icelandic pony in winter. The purpose was giving me the opportunity to work on horses eyes and dabble in working on their thick fur in the winter. They almost have a look of a cave man drawing.

Knowing a little about the Iceland ponies they are lucky their top coat is water proof and a thick underlay of soft fur protects them from severe winter weather, even so I will be relieved when the weather gets a little warmer.

I must admit right now being well below zero degrees and today a bone numbing freezing cold minus 26 degrees which has triggered Ice quakes over  the last few day's I have been thinking a lot about all animals outside in this weather.

This year we sure are having one heck of a winter!

The original photo was taken at Onice Horse Farm:

https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

Friday January 3rd

Babs