Just another shore bird you may be thinking…well if you watched the news at all yesterday this little bird made headlines. Weighing in no more then a pound in a half these tough little birds are now known to fly the pacific, non stop…as many as 7, 242 miles in their annual fall migration from Alaska to New Zealand. Amazing, so often we forget to marvel at such a thing. So in honor of this little bird I took a little bit of time to paint.

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Several of you have been asking why I am soooo very picky about the images you send to me for a painted portrait. It is all int he details my dear friends, if they are not there how can I paint your furry friend? So, the quality of the image is important. If you are trying to photograph more then one furry friend….it just may be easier for you to take a few of them alone and then I can put them all together when painting. The above image was taken and just as I pressed the shutter release a squirrel jumped from the house to a tree….they did manage to keep their stay ….good dogs!

Send several images showing your dogs personality, the above shows Gemma…on a nice day when we are out in the yard you will often find her over seeing her surroundings…she keeps an eye on all of her pack members. Get them playing, napping and just hanging out.

All of the above images flash was used, notice that there is no red eye….make sure your camera is set for red eye control if using flash…rather then photographing your furry friends inside…do it outside in natural light and if flash is used it will be fill flash (best if your flash is off). If, you must get a few inside images do so near a window (natural light is really the best).

Don’t be afraid to get close, or make use of your zoom lens. Get close ups of your pets face (making sure your in focus). Bend down, lie down….whatever it takes to get several great shots. Please note your dogs will be so very excited, or some may even be a little frightened of your camera…relax, make it fun. Have a few tasty morsels, a fun toy….an empty potato chip bag (the noise will help get them to look at you). For some dogs you just may need a helper….you Can also make use of your leash for better control….just make sure nothing important is blocked! Cats….a few fun toys should do the trick!!!

Rainy afternoon here in the Atlanta area…the dogs, knowing it is a rainy day are taking naps…Rocky at my feet, Gemma behind me and Niki curled up in the doggie bed to my left. They know there will be no fun adventures this afternoon. The weather of course is what inspired the above…”Dog Walk”. The fall weather is wonderful to get you up and doing something fun with your furry friends, even if it is raining out!

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As promised to a couple of students I agreed to post a painting from a couple of years ago. It almost looks as though it would glow in the dark:-) Pretty busy…you really have to start somewhere! Do not be afraid to show your work!!!

Today I spent several hours on the Internet looking for photo nightlights. I would prefer nice, decorative ones however time is short and these are needed for Goldenrama. In my search I came across two artists sites….both were selling plastic nightlights. Contacted both and I am so very appreciative for both having taken the time to respond, after all this is a pretty busy time of year for many of us. One would not share her source (I fully understood), the other shared. The artist that shared it was the very same type I had found during my search, however I found them for less….so I took the time to send a few sites to her that had them at better prices…Thanks Susan, your a doll (let me know if all right to post your site here on mine….your work is wonderful). After the Holidays I will have to visit the Mart in Atlanta during a few of the shows and see if I cannot find specialty items such as the decorative photo nightlights rather then the plastic. These make such wonderful little gifts, or sale promo…and rescues lovvve them.

To those in the Atlanta area…the gas prices have fallen…and we can actually get some….yippppeee

I love to paint the relationship we humans have with our four legged friends. Nothing better to view then the love and respect we have for them. While yes, we are the care givers to these magnificent creatures, they give so much themselves…and they teach us soooo much and of course….they listen…listen to all of our secrets.

Pumpkins in the cornfields
Gold among the brown
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down
Birds that travel southward
Lovely time to play
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

Sometimes it just all comes down to a balancing act

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I love the water….the sound, smells…so relaxing

I like to watch those that hang out with their furry friends. Just makes me smile. So often we just do not make the time for them….always saying tomorrow…sadly, their life spans are short…too short. Make every moment count, have some fun…play laugh enjoy the many moments you have to share together

In this day and age…we all are so very busy…still we must make time to just play…in my case  I love to scribble (for those more sensitive to my choice of wording…simply put…Doodle). With my memories of the beach, the dogs and of course the fun we had I took the opportunity during a short break this afternoon to just scribble. Not a care in the world, no worries about exact likeness….just scribbling away…all the while I was smiling. Like so many of my scribbles, this one is not yet completed for it was time to get back to work….still, I had fun

When was the last time you took a little break to just play?