Thanks to the incredible reach of Facebook, I now have friends everywhere. They are from Europe, north and south America. Ok, I guess that’s not EVERYWHERE. This particular friend, who lives in the French Riviera on Rue Gioffredo shot this scene from his window. Thanks to Facebook I got to see this lovely scene and paint it and share it with you. He allowed me to use his photo as a reference for my painting, an 8.5″ x 11″ watercolor painting on fine Arches Paper.
Aggie was born in an alley somewhere, and was lucky enough to be trapped by some caring soul. She ended up at my house as a frightened little kitten, and after she became social enough to be a companion, my husband decided we should adopt her. She has since become a traveler, she flew from Seattle to Tallahassee recently and weathered it quite well.
Ok, that’s Aggie’s story. I love the colors that are included in this painting, and just wanted to dabble in them, so Aggie became the subject. I hope you like it. This painting measures about 6″ x 9″ and is for sale for $75.00. All proceeds go to Wild Cat Species Conservation. That’s right, every cent except for postage goes towards conservation of endangered species.
Searching for something to paint today, I came upon a book of J. M. W. Turner paintings. I used one of his studies for the composition for this painting, but turned it into my own. This painting depicts the reverence and awe of nature that I find so important in a good friend of mine. Surrounded by the majesty of our planet earth he greets the last rays from the setting sun. This measures 8.5″ x 11″ on fine Arches watercolor paper.
While wild mustangs or feral horses are considered pests by many, and by others, nothing more than weeds; their argument being that when Columbus arrived on our shores, there were no horses. Archaeological records show there were plenty of horses here, they were probably just hunted to extinction by hungry humans. I, for one welcome them and believe there is a place for them on our arid plains. Our Native American forefathers recognized them immediately for their utility and their beauty, incorporating them quickly into their own culture.
To me, there is not much more thrilling than the sight of wild mustangs on open range. Horses captured my heart when I was just a tiny girl and I will probably always enjoy painting them.
This painting, which measures 8.5″ x 11″ is for sale for $125.00. All proceeds go to nature conservation, specifically to endangered species conservation.
Another rare grey wolf was shot by a hunter. He thought it was a coyote, and shot before he noticed she had a radio collar (Link to article). Wolves are so very important for our ecosystem, and for that matter, so are coyotes. Bounties on predators might have been important during the days of Little House on the Prairie, but no more. These creatures are necessary to keep life in balance on the planet. They are beautiful children of God, and they have much to teach us.
Who speaks for wolf? I guess I do. As I mourn the loss of yet another wolf, another cougar, or bear, I shudder to think of a world where all our large wild animals are in zoos and that’s where we are heading. As the wicked witch of the west said, “what a world, what a world!” – I hope I am never a part of it.
This painting is for sale, the price is $175.00 and all of the proceeds goes to wildlife conservation. It measures 11″ x 14″
