"Pheasant"

"Pheasant" 3.5" x 5" oil Miniature

We occasionally have these beautiful, stately birds show up around our home but mostly, because we live in a wooded area, we see them in the fields a short ways from here. I'm doing a few studies such as this one to familiarize myself with them and would then like to do a large painting. I have some great reference of one with all of his gorgeous plumage. I'd love to get started on it but there are so many images on my plate that I'm not sure when I'll be able to begin.
The day is rainy today and looks to stay that way for a time. I have almost finished my taxes and have about another 2 weeks before I finish the illustrations for the chidren's book. Then a workshop in Wickenburg and a quick trip to Hawaii to visit my daughter. She's so much fun and I don't see her often enough so I can hardly wait. I'll try and come back refreshed (tough to do on the islands) and ready to get to work painting . I should get smart and make these trips in the winter when we're freezing here.
This is a miniature and sells for $225 including S&H. To purchase click here

Zebra

"Zebra" miniature oil painting, 5" x 3.5"

I got to travel to Africa last year and what an incredible trip it was. I'm going again as soon as I can fund another trip. I have had the good fortune both through my first job as a flight attendant (I was a stewardess and the job lated 21 years instead of the 2 years I had planned on) and my husband's job and penchant for travel. Anyway, I saw three species of Zebra and each was stuningly beautiful. I am just starting a large painting of them against one of the Kenya backgrounds. Right now I've got to get back to finishing the illustrations for a 4th book of children's poetry written by Linda Chambers. The morning is damp and foggy, just perfect for doing indoor things.

This is a framed miniature and sells for $225 includes s&h. To purchase click here

Prickly Pair

"Pickly Pair" Miniature Oil Painting - 3.5" x 5"

The name came from the love of this porcupine for his favorite food, wild roses. I got to watch this lady with her pup at a photo workshop at the Wild Eyes wild animal ranch. A painting of the two of them was featured in the book Best of Wildlife Artists II. Wild Eyes is a resort set up for photographers of wild animals. I took a workshop and then went, several times, on my own to photograph a great variety of animals. The animals come to them as orphans or injuries and I'm allowed several hours with them, in their natural settings.

The miniature is priced higher than the sketches for the obvious reason that they take 3 to 4 days not a couple of hours to paint.
Price is $225 which includes frame and S&H. Click here to Purchase

Dove & Juniper

"Dove & Juniper" oil, 2.5" x 5"

When we lived in Southern California we were surrounded by large Juniper trees. They were a favorite roost for many birds but especially the doves. We kept fresh water and bird feed along with a great amount of shelter to encourage the bird life to stay around. We still do that here in Minnesota and I still have the pleasure of doves. This little painting is more of a miniature than a sketch, meaning it is more finished. I paint these in layers of transparent paint which gives them a nice depth. There is far more than 1 to 2 hours invloved in it.

You can purchase this work unframed for $125 or framed for $160. Purchase

'Snow Leopard' 2.5" x 5" oil

I volunteered at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound (affectionaly called 'the cat house'), in Rosemond, California, for 2 years. I gave tours a couple of times a week plus helped with the feeding and cleaning. To feed we would prepare the meals - each had a specific diet and private feed pan. I was allowed to go into the cages to photograph, I had to have one person in the cage with me carrying a rake and another at the cage door. This being the same precautions we used for cleaning the cages every day. They had a great variety of big cats including Snow, Amur, African, Asian Leopards to Bobcats, Cougar. This Snow Leopard was one that I had the pleasure of knowing. They have the softest fur I've ever felt, which is the main reason they are on the endangered list. I've never understood why humans would think the fur would look better on them than on the animal, to the point they would condone the slaughter for their personal vanity. I was so lucky to have had the pleasure of serving them in the compound's attempt to save these gorgeous felines.

The price is $100 unframed or #135 framed. Click here to purchase.