Water Dogs (Niki Up Date)

Last few days finds Nik-Nak very stiff and weak. We still have not found a pool so rather then wait Mike made a trip to Target and picked up two kiddie pools (not sure how long they will last even though the dogs nails are short....easy to puncture a hole).

First thing this morning filled it up and started introducing her to it.

She sure did think it was an evil....refused to go near it. In the end, she is such a chow hound and will work for food. I of course managed to photograph the process....take a few minutes to sit back and enjoy ;-)

Hopefully we can get her to feeling better, and help her to regain her strength once again....keep your fingers crossed for her!

A Day in the Life...

Bear and Rusty Proofs

Bear the rottie mix.

Rusty the Golden!

"Huh"

This is the Golden look for "Who Me???"

Day Lilies in bloom...

Despite the drought I still have a few lovely day lilies to enjoy and photograph.

I also have a few blooms on the Hosta plant.

Mikey

This is Michael with one of his best friends....Mikey. Mikey died a few years back, he was a rescue that was sent to me for evaluation...a bit on the aggressive side. During his time with us he turned into the dog that he should have always been....very sweet....loving.
This image was taken at the house we rented on the beach....I was actually a distance a way on the balcony....I pushed the lenses limit....then did a bit of work to it in Photoshop.....in other words....not the best photograph....but still...one of my most favorite. These two just adored one another and it so shows. Boy....we sure do miss our Mikey!
To those of you that do not make use of your camera....you will always have your memories, but to have a photograph...well what a smile it brings to my face. To capture a moment that just might have been forgotten...priceless!

The "Pack"

Rocky's first year went by way too quickly!

Nik-Naks most FAV toy!

Look at those ears....focused on Niki!

Phoenie, Gem Nik and Rocky....they posed themselves!

As you can see in the photo's Niki is not in her cart...still "wobbly" in the hind area, but the cart is used for those days when she seems very weak. I give her as much freedom as she can handle. In the house the play pen has been boxed up and put up, she runs free in the house and is very good at "Go to your Bed" which is her safe zone for when the goldens get a littel frisky, or when I am cleaning....not safe for her to be wandering around when I am busy (I could trip over her and hurt her).Still, not much improvement in the last couple of months, still I am very pleased with what she can do.

I have been looking at pools and hope by the end of the month we will be doing our physical therapy at home. I have been wondering about the pool for I have never had one before....my yard is always so full of wildlife because of the wooded area behind us....will I be finding animals in the pool...just a thought I had....really do not want to find "dead" critters :-(

The "Mart"

Just a few new items in at the "Mart"....if in the Atlanta area please stop by and visit with us. We are in the McDonough Peachtree Peddlers Mart every weekend. Drop off your photographs so Dee can create a lovely Painted Portrait for you, or set up a photography session.
We have original canvas prints for sale, 11x14 art prints, night lights , chimes and sport dog beds (my four dogs have given the "Paws" up on these...Baseball, Football and Soccer)....you can also order your furry friends dog food at the booth. Flint River Ranch food is one of the best higher end dog foods (all ingredients are US grown).
Please know we ship all items sold.
Come by and say Hi!

Turbo

Less scary looking once the eyes are painted in...oh and of course, the whiskers!

On the easel....will complete tomorrow morning....stay tuned ;-)

BBQ

Mom was wrong, go a head....play with your food!

"Peaches"

Starting to look good enough to eat!

Today's doodle, still very much a wip.
Will scribble here and there throughout the day, stay tuned!

Alex

Water Reflections

"Sail Boats"

"Sailing"

Had some free time so did a quick finish to this one.

On the easel this afternoon is a lovely ocean view painting. Dreary day here in the Atlanta area....would much rather have this view when looking out my window ;-)

Will finish it soon.

"The Shawl"

Had some time to finish this one up.

One the Easel this afternoon....

Chalks....still a ways to go on this one.

Time for a break....all the dogs are wanting to play....so time for some fun!!!

The Making of a Baby...

Last break of the day, almost there.

Had a few extra minutes in between other work to work on this a little.

Making some progress...but still very much a WIP.

On the easel for today is a charcoal of the baby I painted the other day. This is just a doodle and just needing to do something without having to worry about anything so in the end it

will be based very loosely on the original subject.

As you can tell, usually I have several sketches and paintings going at the same time
It is a very wise thing to take breaks and walk away....start a new with fresh eyes.

Sketch

I love using the chalks....while this is a B/W I added color to the eyes to draw more attention to them.

"Gerber Baby"

I get soooo many inquires as to if I work with people...most artists become known for photographing, or painting particular subjects. I happen to work very well with animals....interesting for it is something not all can do very well.

Photographing and painting children is another "subject" that one must develop a talent for. For me, when working on a portrait it is all about the eyes. One must have the ability to tell the story, capture the true personality.....all through the eyes.

The high key image to the right was completed using chalks and will be placed on a tee shirt and coffee mug for "Mother's Day".

This second version...a colorful background was added, along with a bit more color through out. This has been printed on canvas and stretched over a wood frame (Gallery Wrapped Canvas).

Coming Soon....Paw Prints "Raising Canine" DVD

Yeah....I have been working on putting together a training DVD that covers not only teaching commands but also demonstrates applying them to every day situations (such as sitting at the door, remaining in a down position during dogs food preparation, when family is eating, how grooming will go so much easier while incorporating commands such as sit, down, stand, etc).
You will be able to purchase the DVD alone, or with the training package that includes DVD, canvas bag, martingale style collar, 20 ft. long line and treats.

Dog Food Safety

As many of you know in recent months many of the dogs foods available on the market have been recalled. I have since gotten numerous questions about just what food I am feeding my dogs....I feed them Flint River and have done so for many years. Phoenix at the moment is being fed the Fish and Potato food, Rocky and the "girls" are being fed Lamb Meal, Millet and Rice. Please know that I am also a distributor so if any of you have any interests in feeding this food just contact me and I will send further info.

Thanks!!!

Support your local artists and small businesses!

On the Easel... "Care Free"

This afternoon after an agility session and good play with the dogs I sat in the yard and just watched them for a little while as I was sketching a cardinal at the Bird feeder.

All were resting comfortably when along comes a lovely Butterfly. It fluttered around so very care free....the adult dogs all noticed it....no interest. Rocky suddenly spied it and he took off after it....big goofy grin...running and jumping in the air.....the butterfly fluttered here and there and when s/he was gone....poor Rocky looked as though he lost his best friend. Still very much a puppy regardless of his size.

Only had a few minutes to do something quick so did a quick muck up and will continue with this during the course of the week in between the other paintings. He will be a year old next week and soon, like the other it will not be as much fun to have a little dance with a butterfly.

Tiffany Night Lights & Windchimes

Starting this weekend we will have at the flea market lovely hand crafted Tiffany night lights....a beautiful parrot, kittie, sailboat. Along with beautiful hand crafted Tiffany night lights are the wind chimes in large and small sizes. ...these will make great little gifts for Mom. Don't forget, Mothers Day is Sunday May 13th.
I ordered a small quantity only....so if interested come visit us, or contact me. I will be more then happy to ship.

Also....anyone wanting to order Pampered Chef items I will be posting a website a little later to do so....lets have the first virtual party.








Above right: Parrot Night Light $15.99 (Several fun and lovely designs)
Left: Small Wind Chimes $19.99
Below....my favorite: Cat Bird Feeder $34.99
Questions??? Contact me @ dee59@aol.com

"Happy"

"Bandit"

"The Butterfly"

Took a few minutes to paint something colorful and cheerful.

"Heron"

I have been working on a lovely portrait of this beautiful dog that has recently died. When I am given images of such beloved family members it is only natural that I also get to know the dog. Each has their own personality and their person is always so willing to tell me stories. During the course of painting I tend to get a little sad knowing the dog is no longer with us....so I take a break and work on something else for a little while.

This was today's little break.

Coyotes and Pets...

On the Easel...."The Coyote" a WIP.


In the news as of late have been reports of an increase in the number of coyotes.....pretty silly if you ask me. It is the fact that these animals have no where to set up dens for there is little land left in so many of the counties surrounding Atlanta. The spring is when these animals are looking for a safe den to raise thier pups....this is when you will have the most conflicts.
MOST of the counties in the Atlanta area have leash laws....that is right....leash laws. Do not allow your pets to roam....keep them on leash. Know the weight of a coyote is about 35 lbs. Many of the small breed dogs, and cats are considered prey....keep them on leash (yep, leash law applies to your kitties as well).
We can share what little land is left with these animals with safety in mind...

**Do not feed coyotes
**If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.
**Do not allow pets to run free.
**Do not feed pets outside.
**Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
**Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.
**Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.
**Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes
**Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
**Regulated hunting and trapping increases the "fear" coyotes have towards people.
**Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Mother's Day Tee Shirt....

Best Friends

How lucky these two are to have one another!

A very quick sketch created without them knowing what I was doing....loved working on this for them!!