Splash!

Clifford is enjoying another summer up on Drummond Island. Here is his "oops" moment where he rolled too close to the water's edge when enjoying a sand bath. Cliffy is on tour this summer visiting libraries. He goes right in the library and is a big hit with the kids. He's promoting our summer reading program, "Horse Tales From Around the World". We are teaching a little bit about the history of the horse and kicking some ideas around about how to make the world a better place. You can see Clifford's tour schedule on my website.

Today's Project - Elephants

Wouldn't it be nice if all families cared for and honored each other like this? "Family Columns" a pastel on charcoal paper, about 9x12". I wanted to show the bond between a baby elephant and the adults in the group. I love elephants and have had a couple of interesting interactions with them over the years. It would be cool to see them in the wild. I expect they are getting lots of attention now that "Water for Elephants" is in theatres -- which by the way is a film definitely worth seeing, especially if you love animals.

Today's Equine Art - Zenyatta

When I started researching Zenyatta I was struck by the length and beauty of her neck. I decided to portray her with neck arched as if during warmup. This is oil pencil, 9 x 12". She is listed in my Etsy shop.

Today's Project - Weimeraner

Beau is a sweet rescued Weimeraner who lives in Tennessee. His mom Dana is a wonderful mosaic artist. I was lucky enough to trade one of her beautiful plates for this portrait of Beau. This piece is 9 x 12", pastel.

Today's Equine Art

Here's an Andalusian concentrating hard on what is probably a sidepass. I like the colors in this; subtle shades of blue, yellow and rust. Oil pencil and conte on black. I listed it on eBay.

Today's Equine Art

Clifford inspires yet another new piece. This is oil pencil and conte, about 12 x 12". It is listed on eBay.

Today's Project: Horses

Dad took one look at this and started laughing. I'd tried to disguise him by changing the blaze, but couldn't. Here are two Cliffords! I did this to donate to the Michigan Morgan Horse Futurity Gala silent auction fund raiser. This is oil pencil, approx 9x12"

A Whole New Year

We welcome 2011 after bidding a sad farewell to my Mom who passed away on New Year's Eve. Clifford managed to make her last days memorable by not only performing for the nursing home, but by visiting her in her room on Christmas Eve! I will never forget these moments and will always be grateful to Clifford for such a unique and wonderful memory.