Spring Has Sprung ....Almost

"Spring Has Sprung ....Almost"  8x81 oil on board

Something I know is there is a shipment of baby trees  coming all the way from Oregon, how do I know?

A lady called Ellen she and her family own a Tree farm. Ellen has been in our lives for quite a while she has a blog that we follow called "growing Gills" she's a photographer and writes about all things in nature and goes along with her lifestyle.

She appreciates everything around her and Spring  I think  is one of her special times, lots going on with the Farm and surrounding areas.

She has the ability to see beauty from her family and where she lives.

She can write poetry so well it can bring you to tears or give you a big smile for the day. We enjoy our long distant friendship and treasure her as something special she even follows our blog!

Ellen this is to go with your afternoon tea I painted this a little while ago as it looks like a fine Spring morning.
Thank you for all you do.

Cheers have a fine day.
Growing Gills cab be seen here  : http://roaring-camp.blogspot.ca/


I had to show it on the blog, this little painting has been on my mind to do for a while and for some reason gave me a lot of problems but I like the feel of it it's bright and cheerful .

Babs

"Princess Pink and Redneck Rich"

"Princess Pink" Oil on 8x10 board

Princess Pink and Redneck Rich.

This American bulldog is part of a young family who happen to be my grandson Mitchell and his partner Courtney they live in the country on 9 acres of land which is ideal for three rambunctious dogs 2 American Bulldogs and Toby a great friendly  water dog,who has his own pond!


Courtney has a  love for her babies and Toby Mitchell's dog. They have a busy life with jobs, nine acres of land 2 trucks one a Ford and the other Courtney's a Chevy.


Even started a business Redneck Rich to add to an interesting mix of a very busy happy life.


They keep us in touch through Instagram pictures which gave me an idea after seeing this picture she posted.I thought it was a good opportunity to paint 'Princess Pink for Courtney
as a surprise, just hope she gets a kick out of it.


Babs

Redneck Rich can be seen here:

http://redneckrich.ca/

Flowers in a glass vase

"Flowers in a glass Vase" oil on 8x10 board

A repeat of an earlier study.

I wanted to paint a still life, last time I managed to make an effort that pleased me , but in the back if my mind I knew I could improve it.

Glass ware is always difficult with reflections and there were plenty! So the need for me was patience and determination.  

The dark background brought out the colours which I like.  

Babs

"Hay, What do you want?"

"Hay, what do you want?" Oil on 11x14 board

Dog Tales & Rescue Sanctuary.
They are located in King Township, a very interesting animal rescue place.

This latest painting of two retired horses attracted me, again  borrowing the picture from Barry Wallace our roving pro photographer of King Township. This year Barry has braved the exceptional  icy weather and taken some incredible photo's one of which has given me the opportunity to paint just one of them. He gives a story of our area in pictures from the past and what we were and what is happening for the future. We are fortunate to live in this area combining History and the future and some fun ones too.

I enjoyed the working on this painting (11 x 14) although it was a challenge
Thank you Barry for sharing.
Babs

Barry Wallace has a blog here:
http://cameraonking.blogspot.ca/

"I'm Watching You!"

"I'm Watching You!"" oil on 11x14 board

This Icelandic horse seems to be a little distracted so I managed to realize horses do seem to have some communication with each other, and figured out she obviously is talking to someone about the state of her mane and definitely needs a shampoo and a trim!

Icelandic horses are becoming very popular, their gate makes it easy to ride them and although small have a lot of stamina. This picture was taken at Onice Farm in Caledon it is surrounded  in lovely Countryside when the weather is cold they have a beautiful Arena where they give classes. In summer there is always a lot going on and worth a trip to meet the owners who will show you around and introduce you to these lovely horses up close, they own quite a large herd and know every one by name.

Owners Brian, Wendy ,Sydney ( she is the trainer) Horas are busy people but,they always have time to talk when it's about their passion for Icelandic horse.

This year is an exciting time because the PanAm games are going on close by at the Caledon Equine Centre.

Babs

OnIce Horse Farm

Two Puffers!

This was quite a challenge, a commission for a a constant client who is also a friend!

Two 11x14s to be given as gifts. Now I'm not a locomotive fan I like painting rough and ready wilderness and cloudy skies and shimmering water, so for this I had to borrow some fine brushes and find my gentle side!

But there was relief in the smoke I grabbed big brushes, lots of paint and let the right brain do what ever it wanted!

Now I can relax and enjoy the Season
Merry Christmas to all and a wonderful New year
John

"Scrapper" the cat

"Scrapper" oil on 8x10 board

A Commission

A rescue that just made it, they named her Scrapper 
They found this lovely cat, about 4 weeks old, in a Dump, she was making enough noise they were able to find her just in time, she was so small and fit in the rescuers hand. 
Now a very loving 2 year old lucky to find a good home and well loved too!

Not an easy creature to paint though, the photo was very monotone, so I had to interpret a bit.

Babs