Thursday, December 29, 2011

Leading the Way


The coastal deer population is protected and familiar with people, so this doe was happy to lead us off the headland and into the interior forest.  The Washington wilderness coast is a favorite hiking destination any time of the year... albeit a bit soggy at the moment.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Winter Gallop


The rain is pounding down outside right now, but, it could be snowing... and if it was and then sunny tomorrow, horses and kids would be happy and run around flinging snow and generally wrecking havoc on the pristine whiteness :)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Renoir Santa


Of all the things I could wish for you, the best I can think of is peace.  With peace as your core you can weather any storm.  Peace to you this Christmas time.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Waiting for Winter


There are a few skiers still wondering where winter has gone.  The early snow has been well "used" by now in this very mild winter we are having so far.  Happy Solstice nonetheless!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Tears are good during Christmas time


I love to make people cry at Christmas.... and other times upon demand :)   Don't forget, Gift Certificates are special and easy to give.... anybody you'd like to see cry on your list?


Robin--
Randy and I had our Christmas last night.
I gave him the painting of Honey for his gift. He was so touched, and thought it looked so much like "his girl," that he cried.
Thank you!
Sheila

Friday, December 16, 2011

Leaping Greenly Spirits of the Trees


Ironically, the show that honored the trees recently cut in Kopachuck State Park is traveling to the Washington State History Museum in March of 2012.  I consider it good news that tree cutting has become a hot topic for KP residents.  Yes, it's my soapbox, read on if you dare :)


The topic of trees is a volatile one and it should be.  In our world they are a diminishing resource that is not accurately accounted for by our flawed socio-economic system.  After all, how "valuable" is a dollar bill when you're freezing in a snow storm?  It's difficult to apply a monetary figure to items of greater value than money.    

Land ownership is a treasured right, but with it comes responsibility.  With any luck, the land will remain long after we're gone.  I propose that we "land owners"  reframe our reference to identify ourselves as " land stewards" for the generations that follow us.  Hopefully the caretakers of the particular swath of mature trees in question considered the very real, but less clear value of a standing, mature small forest ecosystem against the merely monetary and short term profit from their demise.  Historically that has not been the case however, and I believe the community is justified in making the topic a "hot" one…. and requesting explanation for a deed that affects the entire community.  It's not enough to say "they'll grow back".   That mature stand is gone, forever, you cannot recapture the years it took to grow them.  At the end of the day, when the chain saws are quiet, it's your own children and theirs that you are accountable to.  Dear landowner, Is this the best you can do?  It's an honest question, is it?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Truth or Dare


New label for my green pepper jelly... you'll want some, better be nice :)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Working Girl


Not your average 9 to 5er, this girl has got it down.  The computer stays warm and that adding machine is tested regularly.  Good people skills are a bonus.  Gotta love a working girl :)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Winter Apples

sold

I got some very nice feedback on that last apple painting. (thank you)  I'm a bit hard pressed for a come back at the moment, so I decided to revisit this older apple painting done in an entirely different style, from a decidedly colder winter.  It's one that I also like quite a lot, much more impressionistic and "painterly".  When you are an illustrator you get to explore all kinds of expression, that's what I like best about my work :)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Fresh Apples


My apple orchard was productive this year... 2 out of 3 trees anyway.  These Akane apples are small but particularly good as sauce and pie.  Nothing better, with added bonus of no pesticides, hooray for the birds & the beasties.  This painting reminds me why I like a smooth surface to paint on, feels fresh and crispy!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Walking on Water


Just so you don't forget.... it was warm & sunny once, with time for beach combing with friends.   It will be again, after our friends down under enjoy the sun for awhile.  Amazing how far south that sunset has traveled and it's not even solstice yet.  There's plenty of beauty in the steely grey skies with slips of sunshine ducking under the clouds.  All four seasons are still the best :)