Talking Budgie

 Oil on Cradled Board  6x6

I know he looks like a chick, but he is a lutino budgie. He was like a fluffy yellow cream puff. Also the most prolific talker I have ever known!

Wise Old Tree

 Oil on Canvas  8x10

I love this old tree. It lives in my neighborhood, and I have known it a long time. The trunk is so thick it would take three people to encircle it with their arms. When you stand near, you can feel it's sturdy energy. For me it brings comfort. I tried to capture the morning light of a late winter day. Small patches of snow still clung to the grasses, but Spring would not be far behind.

Smiling Sheltie

Oil on Cradled Board   6x6

 

Snow Storm Trooper

 

Acrylic on Cradled Board  8x8    SOLD

Many people hate winter. Me, I like the change of seasons, and love a pretty snow storm. Mostly I love a snowstorm when I am inside by the fire looking out the window. Cardinals seem to be a most hardy winter bird and maybe they don't mind a little snow either.

Shetland Sheepdog Puppy

 Oil on Cradled Board   8x10

I'm lucky to have this little imp as my model. I believe the white marking on his forehead is where the angels kissed him before sending him to earth to be my constant companion. It faded over time, and finally disappeared as he became a part of my world. Where did it go? I think into my heart where I can feel the kiss of angels every time I see my sheltie's face.

Lone Pine

 Acrylic on Canvas  5x7

Part of my tree series. A lone pine tree can show its character more clearly than if it is standing amid the forest. I love the different shapes and personalities these trees take on, especially when gnarled and misshapen. They remind me of people who have lived through hard times and endured.

Hopeful Sheltie Puppy

Oil on Cradled Board 6x7

Shetland Sheepdogs have a sweet nature and a puppy of this breed can talk you into anything. Here the puppy is gazing upwards expecting a treat for being so good. Although not without their naughty side, most shelties are eager to please and can be trained to do many tricks and jobs.

 

Misty Morning Bear

Oil on Cradled Board  8x8

This painting started out completely different. There were purplish mountains in the background and the mood was much brighter. I put it aside for awhile because I wasn't happy with it. I figured I had nothing to lose, and recalling artist Robert Bateman's remark to "not be afraid of your painting," I set about reworking it. I believe what he was talking about is the importance of taking chances. I'm glad I took the chance here because I am much happier with this result.

W Family Crow

 Acrylic on Canvas 3x2     SOLD

I paint a lot of crows because I love them. I studied them for a number of years, and wrote a book about their behavior. I did it out of a passion to understand them, and I didn't care if I even sold one copy of the book. As it turned out, "Caw of the Wild," sold many, many copies! In fact it shocks me that people are still buying it every day! Many people have contacted me to relate how much the book meant to them, and tell stories of crows they have known. This became an unexpected bonus of the love I had for the families of crows I detailed in the book. This small painting is a study based on spending so much time around crows, and looking at every detail of their feathering.

Working Border Collie

 Oil on Canvas  8x16    SOLD

Being owned by a herding dog is like being managed by someone with with four legs, and a cold nose. I have had shelties most of my life. Border Collies are like shelties times infinity. To me they seem more intense, and workaholics. I love the herding breeds for their willingness to please, intelligence, and devotion. I let this painting be a bit loose because I wanted to show the motion and energy of the moment. 

Her Majesty

 Acrylic on Cradled Board   8x10

Tropical plants are used as decorations, sometimes they find themselves in situations where even with expert care they will deteriorate and eventually die. This lovely plant unfortunately was unlucky enough to land in an impossible situation. It broke my heart knowing it could never survive, so I painted this as tribute to the beautiful palm

A Walk in the Woods

 

Acrylic on Cradled Board 8x10    SOLD

One of the most memorable hikes I have been on is to an apparently little known tree farm donated as a public space after the owner passed away. It was early spring, and the paths were moss and fern, very soft underfoot. There was no trash, not one piece of candy wrapper, bottle top, much less a can or cigarette butt. I can't recall any bugs that were bothersome. Did I somehow slip out of my body and take an unearthly stroll in heaven? This painting reminds me of that day.

That'll Do Pig

 

Acrylic on Cradled Board   8x8   SOLD

Two of my favorite children's characters are the pigs Wilbur from Charlotte's Web, and Babe from the movie. I will most likely be painting more of them in the future. There is nothing cuter than a piglet, except maybe a sheltie puppy!