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!

Gift Certificates available throughout the Holiday Season!

During our mid morning break the pups managed a good romping around the yard and then, just relaxed. Lovely, cool fall morning…leaves falling all around us, nice breeze…and the dogs just enjoying taking everything in. Then…as I turned, camera in hand I noticed Niki sharing a few secrets with Rocky It was soon time for us to head back inside for me to resume work…I did so with a smile, thinking about how the three dogs so enjoy one another’s company.

Lately I have been looking at a few dogs to add one to the pack, another Golden. I am not at all in any rush as I want the right dog that can fit into the pack….also, would like to get past Thanksgiving before adding. I have been visiting a couple of the local rescue organization….several wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Always tough when you have so many to choose from….so stay tuned to see if we actually find another pack member!

Only a few more photography days left so if interested in a photo session now is when you want to make your appointment. Also, those wanting a painted portrait…only another two weeks or so to get your orders in to me Please know gift certificates available throughout the holiday season (for photo sessions, painted portrait, online classes).

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.

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?

Today found me in front of the PC finishing off a few portraits. Then it was time to turn my attention to the dogs, out for some fun…yippee. I brought my camera with me for the hawk has been hanging around and I would love to get a decent shot of him. Today was not to be that day for it seems the dogs are camera hogs. I mean really….why oh why would I photograph anything else but them

No matter where I went, or how I positioned myself…there they were front and center….just waiting for me to photograph them.

It always amazes me just how easy the pups make me smile… a good laugh is always had when we are just hanging out. I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon…can you

Nikon D300 and Sigma wide angle lens.

As for the hawk…tomorrow is another day!

I saw a tee shirt the other day and simply fell in love with it so did a very quick scribble and used Rocky as the model….yes indeed, he earned a cookie for being a wonderful model I am now sipping my tea in style.

**Please know that I would be more then happy to design something for your mug, however this design is not for sale. I will search the web to find the artist who so cleverly came up with the original

What can I say about Jin…to look into her eyes you just fall in love with her. She is a beauty and so true to her breed…fun, lively and oh so very curious about everything. Just look at those legs….she just makes me smile Converted the above file to a B/W file for the family to view for tee shirts and coffee mugs (available in sepia, color and B/W).

Took a close look at my calender today…can you believe the Holiday season starts in just a couple of weeks. Well…mine does anyway….remember to all those that will be wanting a photo session and or a Painting….be it a gift for someone special, or a gift for yourself…now is the time you want to get this done. It takes about six weeks during this time…and if I am verrry busy it could be longer to get something for the Holidays…add to that an early cut off date (will post more on that a little later). Gift Certificates are always available.

This lovely portrait is of my sweet little Nik-Nak. I did a quick sketch (every once ina while they will actually let me do a live sketch) then quickly filled in with color….created in Painter X. Classes starting again in Sept.

I have so many images of the wild life found in our yard, especially the raccoons  Several weeks ago our raccoon stopped visiting us…I am not happy about that for I tend to get attached and worry about them.  Going by the past years it seems normal that we would stop seeing them….only the short period early summer are they really out and about during the day….and this one was. Oh well, maybe she will visit again with us next year….or I will happen to catch a glimpse of her for her favorite trees are right behind my home.