Stare Down

Stare Down

8x8, pastel

This guy seems to be communicating something.  What, I don't know.  Probably something like "what are you looking at?".  I've never painted a sheep before...especially a "black" one.  He has a lot of dark colors in him...but black isn't used much.  There's actually a lot of dark purple and eggplant.  He was a lot of fun to paint.

Cooling Off

 Cooling Off

10x8, pastel

A sheep herder's dog is one of the hardest working dogs around.  They spend hours on end watching over the herd and seem to love moving them from one location to another, dodging here and there, watching for strays and bringing them back into the fold.  After a long day on the range, this guy is cooling off in a nearby stream. 

Sheep Herder's Wagon

Sheep Herder's Wagon

8x10, soft pastel

This painting is in preparation for the annual Trailing of the Sheep festival in the Hailey/Sun Valley area.  I'm looking forward to painting outside (plein air) with friends.  I'm also looking forward to learning more about the custom of bringing herds of sheep down from the hillsides through the center of the town (presumably for auctions and/or slaughter but we won't think about that!). 

We'll go out Friday morning to locate the herd...hoping for good weather and beautiful scenes to paint....or at least to take reference photos.

Aloha!

Aloha!

6x8, soft pastel

Day 30 of 30

The final day!  This 30 in 30 challenge has in fact been challenging (as they all are).  It's not easy to commit a full month to produce a painting each day especially when life events and household chores are calling your name.  But, it was well worth it.  The past month has been a blast.  I've painted in my studio, at Ste. Chapelle Winery, Redfish Lake and at Thousand Springs State Park.  It was all good.

For my final 30in30 painting I just had to paint this little RV.  I spotted it while we were driving down the interstate in Montana this summer.  It just says it all!!!   Thanks for reading my blog and taking this journey with me!   Until next time.....Aloha!

Bygone Days

By Gone Days

6x8, soft pastel

Day 29 of 30

Today's painting is a nod to the past.  The vintage RVs we see on the road, in RV parks or parked along the way remind me of simpler times.  Plus...they're just so darn cute!!!

Little Buddy Too

Little Buddy Too

8x8, soft pastel

Day 28 of 30

It seemed only fitting to do another dog from the terrier family...which is often chosen as a companion to (or at least confused with) a West Highland Terrier.....the Scottish Terrier (aka Scottie).   Together, the Westie and Scottie were mascots for the Black and White Scotch Whisky Company.  I'm not sure this company is still in existence but I did come across a cool little pitcher in an antique store years ago.  Of course I had to purchase it since it had a Westie on it.  In any event, here's today's painting....number 28 of 30.  Only two more days in the challenge.  HURRAY!!!

Studio In The Trees

Studio In The Trees

8x10, soft pastel

Day 27 of 30

Today was the last day of the Thousand Springs Festival and it was absolutely beautiful! The weather couldn't have been better and the music and food were fantastic. I was able to spend a little time strolling through a few of the booths today. The warm sunny day was tempered with light cool breezes.   This particular vendor's tent stood out from some of the others because there were lots of multicolored scarves blowing in the breeze. I really enjoyed visiting with fair goers as I painted this little scene.  It will always remind me of a perfect autumn day in Idaho.