Sunday, October 25, 2009

Clifford's New Watercolors - More Real "Equine Art"!


It took some coaxing to get him to work today. He just didn't have the muse. I think it was due in part to the humongous new round bale he has had his head jammed in since last night.

The textures on this one are from a new type of sponge, which Cliffy didn't seem to fancy. He did better when we reverted to the old, smaller square type. Anyway, I think this one looks rather springlike.

"Bear Foot" -- this is one of my favs.

This is the first and only painting (so far) where Clifford has used his hoof to move paint. Part of this was done with a sponge, but you can see the swipe marks from his hoof. I was going to offer this one for sale, but Dad pointed out that this looks like a horse! I can clearly see the head profile and flowing mane. So now, I have to keep it.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Clifford and the Haunting of Wellington


Clifford and I were asked to play the Headless Horseman for The Haunting of Wellington Park in Grayling. Aunt Vickie dressed me up in a black leather coat and ski mask and gloves. Clifford was waiting very impatiently tied to the trailer, and I came out in my Horseman garb, jumping around, shaking my fists at him and trying to look like the boogeyman. He wasn't scared. He was, however, interested and thinking something exciting was about to happen.

When we arrived at Wellington he remembered the place from last summer. He was feeling so good he even did his nice collected canter. He used to be able to canter almost in place, springing off his hindquarters like an upper level dressage horse. However, he has not been doing that over the past few years due to his knee problems.

I wasn't sure how I was going to carry a pumpkin successfully, as I have enough trouble just staying on. Anyway, Clifford as usual served up a couple of his vintage surprises, including rolling a Jack-O-Lantern. He was clearly having the time of his life. The Haunting didn't begin until nightfall. We had one small section of road to blast along and try to scare people who were walking through the woods.


To my surprise, once it got dark, Clifford refused to run at top speed. There were deep water puddles in the road, and it was overcast and dark, and I couldn't see. I knew he could. However, for once in his eighteen years, pragmatism took over and he just decided that it was safer to stay at a nice steady trot, despite my hysterical laughter and yelling like a banshee. With various groups of families coming toward us including little kids, I have to admit he was right.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Today's Project - Keeshonden



These lovely dogs were quite a pair. They belong to a friend of mine, Laurie, who also has Morgans. She wasn't sure about this photo as something to work from, but I just loved it. It is very natural and so unlike the "posed" photos so often used.

This is pastel, conte and oil pencil, 11 x 15", on black charcoal paper.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Today's Project - Bald Eagle



Bald eagle in pastel; this is also available as a giclee print in my online gallery.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Today's Equine Art - Laddie the Morgan



This is Laddie, a Morgan gelding with a fun personality. I took photos as this piece progressed so you can watch it grow.





Thursday, October 15, 2009

Today's Watercolor - German Shepherd and Westie


Dutchess and Becky in the morning glories; 12 x 15". To see a demo of my painting technique, visit my shop at http://www.e-junkie.com/cliffysmom

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Equine Watercolor Workshop


I'm trying something new! Here is a video I took while painting one of my commissions, a watercolor of Comanche. I turned it into an art lesson, revealing some of my secret watercolor techniques. If you like to paint, or just like watching the creative process, this might be for you.

Monday, October 5, 2009

New eBook About Dating


I finally finished my ebook. The Mental Obstacle Course - Dating a Narcissist “When your dog is less self centered than the man in your life.” This is a dog trainer’s perspective, explained as an amature behaviorist would view it. There are helpful hints for recovering from the painful experience of being with a narcissist.

I know there is plenty of good information online about narcissism, free of charge. I strongly encourage you to learn all you can about the disorder. Since part of this ebook is my own personal story, and I have been in a financial crisis due in part to a narcissist in my life, I will try to recoup some of what I have lost by sharing it.

I wish you peace, healthy relationships and happy tails. ~Nancy