We are still watching the daily coming and goings of our new friend the Raccoon. I have tried chasing her, but hunger and easy access to food wins out every time. The birds are so very accustomed to their daily seed that I cannot just stop feeding them, nor do I want to for it is such a joy to look out my window and watch them.

She has become a little too used to me and the dogs and I have noticed her coming when we are out. I am very FIRM  and with authority  I tell all to down. The effect is wonderful for all three down and the raccoon retreats back into the woods. This only happens when she approaches the fence from the ground….I believe when she comes this way she cannot see the dogs, only me. Sometimes she will come by way of tree branches and walk along the top of the fence to get to the feeder. As mentioned in a previous post it is common for them to forage during the day this time of year. A couple of years ago we had an entire family….Mom and several babies. Come summer things went back to normal and we really did not notice them, except at night. Hopefully the same will hold true in this case. Again, while they look very cute please remember these are wild animals that carry all kinds of nasty things….ticks, fleas, roundworm (a number of wormy things that your dogs can get and pass on too you)…not to mention rabies. Lastly, they can be very protective of their babies so best to not bother them if you see them.

For those of us that share our lives with these wonderful creatures….well you all know this look…as I am sure you have said “Leave It” more then once

11 x 14 Gallery wrap

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Something started the other day and completed this morning.  I love painting with just hints of lines…the colors are the detail in this painting.  The human form is truly amazing to paint.

Like many others, I too made a few of them for the new Year….the usual….organize, choose to live a healthier life (better food choices, more exercise)….be kinder, more generous…understanding…most importantly, Patient. Nothing crazy that I cannot at all attain. …well maybe the organizing part. I am an unorganized individual…big time. So, the last few days has found me in my office…a very small space with a lot of stuff. To organize….well difficult to do in a tiny space for usually as the mess gets bigger and bigger I usually give up….this time hanging in there….will get this done….so that is what I am doing for the next few days. Maybe in the next few weeks I will actually even paint the room….it needs a little something. I have actually found a few things that were purchased and forgotten about…hoping I find a few more surprises for that will keep me going

Over the weekend Michael managed some time to build a pvc ladder for little Niki’s rehab and exercise. It is 10 feet long, however separates into two 5 ft. sections….right now we are just using one section. I introduced it to her yesterday and worked with her until she could run out in front of me… run the ladder, turn around and come back towards me (wanted a few shots). Would have loved a few photo’s of her running across with me on the sidelines for I would have gotten a better view of just how high she is lifting those back paws. I hope by incorporating this into her daily routine it will improve muscle memory in the hind area. This can be used just for fun….Rocky did it a couple of times….helps to teach a big dog that there is a back end. With Gemma, it can help improve her confidence. Oh….might I also add the dogs think this is fun….and wonderful exercise. In one of our upcoming On Line Dog Training classes we will be teaching Agility in a bag and I will be offering info on how to build your own agility equipment, as will I be selling a small kit. Fun way to hang out with your dogs….teach a few tricks, commands and intro agility.

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Several times a week I get several e-mails in regards to my work. ..what software I use, etc.

Digital Art has come a lonnng way Baby!

There are so many things that can be done….the end result looking more like Traditional Art, and some more like Digital Art. Lots of wonderful artists producing amazing works. The above is the start of a simple sketch..it is being done in Corel Painter….I will be posting the complete sketch a little later today. So many brushes to choose from, paper and texture choices….once completed and printed onto fine art paper or canvas you can…if you prefer the look as I do, to go over with paint, pastels, chalks to add more colors and more texture for a Mixed Media Painting. The above sketch will be completed with a layer of pastels making ir pop with vibrant color and that wonderful look that pastels adds to it.

What a day….very loud explosion….then no power, no business phone and DSL. Must have been a transformer. Not sure what we did before DSL Completed my quick sketch hours ago…a few changes were made. Although the hair was originally behind the ear…it was decided to cover the ears….add bangs for that is how it is usually…or so I am told and a tighter crop.