Artist Renee Lammers

"Sunflowers and Carnations" 5x7 oil on copper 200$ framed in gold and shipped free.

"Lupines" 6x6 oil on copper.    Sold  Thanks!

   Here are a few photos Robert took in Maine.  It is below zero when

I called him.  He was outside shoveling snow.  He said to call Ted to

check on him.  Ted was using his snow blower to create a nice play

area for Luke and any doggy friends who came to visit. 

   Monet enjoyed the backyard. 

Poppy just loves the snow.  Poppy brought her teddy bear outside. 

   Have a good night!  I need to get busy painting.  

    This building on the Stetson University campus is where I studied Fine Art with Professor

Gary Bolding.  It was a beautiful old building with tall ceilings.  We worked from plaster

casts and painted the still life  I was so happy to be visiting today.

     This is the building I studied Scientific Calculus.  Calculus was the most difficult

subject I encountered.  I always earned A's studying Algebra.  I didn't take earlier

Calculus classes offered.  Instead my professors advised me to just take the required

Scientific Calculus class I needed to graduate.  This was a huge mistake.  I was offered

problems to solve scientifically without any knowledge to solve them because I had

missed two other classes before this one.  I was very naïve and confident of course.

I had graduated with my AA degree with a 3.99 average.  Community colleges are much

different than a private college.  I was half way through this Scientific Calculus when

my teacher pulled me aside.  She advised me to drop her class.  I remember thinking,

"Really?  Me drop a class?"  I asked her what grade I currently had in her class.  She

said I had a low C.  She told me the final counted for a great percentage of the grade.

She didn't want me to fail.  Well I failed.  I had to go talk the Dean into giving me

grade forgiveness.  Then I only took this one class the following semester.  I drove

over an hour one way to go to Scientific Calculus.  My Dad was so nervous about

my taking the final for this class he offered to drive me.  I gratefully accepted his

offer.  We were in Deland, Florida near the school when he pulled into a Burger King.

He pretty much made me eat something before the test.  I was not hungry at all.

I did eat something.  He waited in the library.  He told me to check each problem twice

before I turned in my test.  He had been telling me this all my life.  I reassured him

I would.

    The test was easy for me.  I knew the answers before I began to use equations to solve

them.  I double checked each problem.  I was only in the class for 20 minutes.  I handed

in my test.  She graded it in front of me.  She wrote A+ on my test.  I headed to the library

thrilled!  Thrilled!   I raced in, found my Dad, and I shouted, "A+!"  I had to explain

it all and reiterate the A+ before we walked to the car! I was an older student.  I was

38 years old when all this was happening.   This might have been the highlight

of my college career.  I just loved the challenge.  This class made a big change in me.

I was glad I hung in there and conquered that Calculus class for scientific majors. 

Later I discovered this class weeded out more than 50% of those students who wanted

to be a doctor.  My Dad was very proud of me and I think somewhat amazed I did so well

when I had failed the class previously. 

    This is where I studied microbiology, immunology, hematology,

developmental biology, and years of chemistry.  I was hoping to

find Dr. Stock.  He was my professor of many premed

classes.  He taught me how to use Microsoft Word so I could type

a 120 page lab report for microbiology.  I walked into the building.

I walked down the hall.  There he was just as he would always

be.  He was sitting there having a sandwich.  I said to him, "Dr. Stock!"

"You look great!  I am so glad to see you!".  He said he recognized

the voice.  We chatted for a few minutes.  It was very nice.  We

both had our gall bladders removed recently.  We shared war

stories. 

    My family drove to see the manatees after the Stetson University and lunch trip. 

When I graduated from Stetson University in 2004, I was 40 years old.  I was tired.

I really didn't have the vitality it would take to attend medical school. (I wonder if it

was my infected gall bladder making me tired?)   I was content at the time

with being a business owner and an artist.  (I closed my flower business in 2007 because

of the 2007 recession)  Throughout the entire time I attended

Stetson University, I also owned a flower business with 12 sales people,  4 flower designers

and a couple of managers at it's largest point. 

    I am enjoying my Florida visit.  It sure has brought back good memories.

    Robert called me tonight to tell me Poppy looked huge overnight!  I have changed my

flight to come back February 5.  I don't want to miss all the excitement of puppies being

born!  Have a good night.

"Little Lupines" 2x2 inch oil on copper. 

"Little Daisies" 2x2 inch oil on copper

"Little Orange Dory" 2x2 inch oil on copper

"First Day at The Beach" 2x2 inch oil on copper

     These little paintings are fun to do.  They allow me to paint for a while, visit with my

parents, and take many breaks.  I really need to set up a temporary studio here in my

parent's house...maybe where I am sleeping, a back bedroom.  My Mom gave me permission

to set up a table so I could paint larger.  In the meantime, I will put these tiny paintings

into a silver pendant so they can be worn. 

   I found this sweet photo of little Poppy when she was a puppy.  She was born Oct 26.

She is a year and 4 months old right now.  I was imagining her riding on Robert's back

yesterday as he crawled on hands and knees down a snowy embankment to get to the beach. 

She must have been frightened to try to walk through several feet of powdery snow

and decided Robert's back was a safe place. 

   Here is another photo of Poppy.  She was a little stinker.  I think you can see this

from her eyes! 

   Here is Monet last year.  He always had very thick hair.  They were both cute

puppies.  I hope they are doing well.  Have a good night.

     I drove to Orlando Wetlands in Christmas but it was closed until Feb 1.  I saw these

cute donkeys along side the road.  I stopped to visit them and take their photo.  They

enjoyed the company.

   What a cute pair.  I gave them a nice pat on their snouts.

   It is nice to see cows still grazing in pastures.  Large housing developments are making

these cow pastures disappear everywhere I look. 

   My "Tulip" oil painting on copper painting was dry enough to slip into it's silver

pendant.  Ready for me to wear! 

   My parents took me out for a steak lunch today.  It was fun.  My parents really

are interesting. 

    Robert took the dogs to the beach tonight.  The snow was so powder like they had to crawl

on their hands and knees to get to the beach.  Poppy found traveling easier to climb on Robert's

back.  They were alone on the beach.  They had a great time.  He was baking sweet potatoes

in the oven, cooling them outside, then planning to give Poppy some sweet potato!  I am sure

Poppy will eat almost anything at this point.  Have a good night.

   Robert sent these photos of Monet and Poppy riding out the snow storm Juno!

   Looks exciting.  They look thrilled.

   They wanted to go to the beach today.  They just had to be happy with our yard. 

   This photo was taken by Robert a few days ago before the storm.  Ted and Luke love going to the beach. 

   I called Ted this morning to see how he and Luke were handing the storm.  Ted said he had

the woodstove and the pellet stove going to keep his log cabin warm.  They were doing fine. 

He said I made his day by calling to check on them.  I said if he needed anything to give

Robert a call.  Maine is having a blizzard right now.  I just wanted Ted to know we were

thinking of him and Luke. 

"Little Golden Dory" 2x2 inch oil on copper.  

 I have a nice silver toned pendant to hold this tiny painting.  The entire weight can't be more than a quarter.

Maybe it might weight two quarters but I think it weights more like one quarter. 

"Little Yellow House of Stonington" 2x2 inch oil on copper.  

 This is another miniature painting that I will put into a silver toned pendant.  What fun!

"Old Wooden Dory" 10x10 oil on copper.  almost finished.

    Tonight I went to an art class in Casselberry with my Mom.  She just wanted me to

paint with her.  I decided the best way to handle the situation was to discretely tell the

art teacher I was a professional artist visiting from Maine.  I decided this would be

the honest thing to do.  I didn't want to be sneaky.  We had a good time after I explained

the copper and the limited palette...and then how I took the photo of

 the dory to one of the students..and then why I paint with four colors...to

other students.  I really didn't want to be the center of attention in this class.  I just

 wanted to paint.  Then Mom told the class how she had to mail some of my painting

 back up to Maine because I had run out of paintings

to sell. (This might have happened in 2013).  Oh my.  Well I did feel happy to

finally pack up and go home.  She really wants me to go back to her class next week.  I

told her I would go to her class again. We have a great time.

    I hope you have a good night. 

"First Day At The Beach" 2x2 inch oil on copper painting made into a pendant. 

The pendant holding the painting is silver toned with a black necklace. 

    My Mom is always doing something very creative and exciting.  She painted all her

friends and family miniature painting pendants to wear.  She gave me a beautiful

palm tree pendant.  I just loved it.  Today I painted a few of my own.  They take several

hours each to paint because they are so small. 

"Tulips" 2x2 inches oil on copper.  Another little painting I will make into a pendant.

"Tip Toe Through The Tulips" 2x2 inch oil on copper. pendant!

   This is the silver pendant that holds the 2x2 inch painting.  They really are a

conversation piece! 

"Dozen Yellow Roses" 11x15 watercolor. 

   Here are more photos Robert sent to me of Monet and Poppy!  They are enjoying snow.

   Here is Monet enjoying the beach while it snowed a few days ago!

Luke was enjoying a break from walking the beach.  He had his master's hat

in his mouth.  He loves to chew a little on this hat.  He will carry the hat

all the way back to the car.  Then he will drop the hat.  He will make sure

his master sees the hat is dropped so he can pick it up. 

Poppy always loves to see Luke. 

   Here is the beautiful Monet!  I bet they are getting ready for the big snow storm Juno.

Have a good night!

"Yellow Roses" 11x15 watercolor.  Sold.  Thanks. Shipped free! 

     I brought my Mom a package of 100 sheets of watercolor sized 11x15 by Richeson.  I

watched her paint for a few days with this paper.  She inspired me to give it a try!  I have

had 25 years of experience painting with watercolors.  So this is not my first go at it.  I

do love painting with watercolors!   Here is a demonstration in photos of the process

today!

    First I drew the flower arrangement I had in front of me.  I hardly ever paint from photos.

It is more fun to paint a real live flower arrangement!  I do love to draw.  The more complicated

the scene to draw the better!

   I only used three colors of watercolor for the entire painting.  These colors:  Cobalt Blue,

Quinacridone Red. and Hansa Yellow.  I began painting with different washes.  Sometimes

I added a darker color on top of the still wet lighter color so there would be soft edges.  I love

using Cobalt blue because it is opaque and lifts well.  Another words if the watercolor paint

were more transparent it would not lift..it would stain the paper.  You can tell if a color is

transparent by reading the label on the tube.  It may be abbreviated.  O means opaque and

T means transparent. 

   I loved how this painting was just singing at this point.  It was so much fun painting in

watercolor again.

   I started to soften edges.  This is a very important part of painting.  You must

destroy the edges to create a good painting.  I used a clean slightly damp brush to rub on

the hard edges.  I kept a paper towel near me to wipe the area so there would be no trace of water

left on the painting.  I used the side of my brush and scrub lightly.  I wiped the area again

with paper towels.  the areas with cobalt paint lifted easily and created wonderful soft

edges.  Paintings with all hard edges are not as pleasant to look at in my opinion.

    I set this painting on an easel and studied the composition and edges. 

   I decided to paint more cobalt blue on the bottom of the painting. I didn't see this in the

floral arrangement infront of me.  I knew I needed to do this to create a better painting.

 I  added a few more yellow roses in the upper left corner. 

 I set the painting back on the easel to examine.

   I decided to create a darker green shadow under the flowers at the bottom to draw

the eye along from one flower to the next.  I also increased the size of the daisy.  I changed

the shape of the rose petal on the lower right.  I am calling this yellow rose watercolor

finished!  What fun!  I hope you thought this was interesting too. 

   Robert took this great photo of Poppy at the beach today.  She is so pretty!

   What a nice photo of Monet taken by Robert! 

   Luke was at the beach too!  I bet they had fun.  They are getting along well.

    Robert tried the pressure cooker last night!  He cooked chicken in 15 minutes.  Then

he cooked brussel sprouts in 6 minutes.  They are preparing for a serious winter storm.

Robert purchased a lot of chicken, liver, salmon scraps and sweet potato for all.  I

am happy to be in Florida but I do miss all the excitement of a Maine winter.

Have a good night.

"Gifts From The Garden" 10x10 oil on copper.  650$ framed in gold.  Shipped free.

     Today I painted in my parent's screen room because of occasional gusts of wind.

The temperature was great but the sun was going in and out.  This can make painting

difficult.  To make matters worst a man was mowing the lawn and using a leaf blower

for hours in the yard next to us.  I finally gave up painting because of all the noise!  I

went inside, downloaded a photo, and worked sitting in a recliner holding the easel

on my lap.  My Mom was watching me paint.  She helped me by suggesting I paint

light yellow highlights on the roses in the front!  I decided to paint in the white table.

I darkened the background to create more drama.  This was a challenging painting

today.  Funny how yesterday's painting was so easy.

    Have a great night! 

"Southern Charm" 10x10 oil on copper 650$ framed in gold.  Shipped free.

     I had an exciting day taking my Mom to a wholesale floral store to buy flowers to paint!

If you want to find flowers at an inexpensive price, search for a local wholesale flower store near

you.  You may need a tax id number to purchase from them.  You can get a free tax id number

 when you start any business. 

    Here is my Mom admiring all the flowers.  She chose white daisies and purple asters.

I chose yellow roses and blue delpheniums! 

   After I arranged all the flowers in five different bouquets.  I drew one of these

bouquets.  I set the arrangement outside in the sun.  Temperatures were in the

70's here in Florida.  I decided to paint in my parent's backyard.  You can see my

sketch is done very fast without much detail.  I am committing to a design.

   I sand down my 16 ounce copper panel.  Clean the copper with denatured alcohol.

Use an acid free felt tip pen to draw out my design. 

    I paint in large areas with a thin layer of oil paint.  I blend all the edges.  I make sure

to keep the paint very thin so I can draw with oil paint on top of this layer. 

    I can change the design at this stage.  I make sure I get the values right.  I don't worry

about the shape or modeling of the flowers at this stage.  I don't paint the lightest lights

yet.  I make sure to have paint covering the entire surface before I move on to the next stage.

   Now I use a small round to draw some of the roses.  I made sure every corner of the

painting was a different color to add variety.

   I added a few highlights.  I am drawing with oil paint.

   I decided to add a purple aster flower on the left hand side and get rid of one of the

leaves curling there.  One nice leaf curling in an area seemed enough.

   I decided to paint more yellows over the background.  I added more orange near the

blues and added more reds near the greens.  I have lavenders near the yellows.  I do

like to have many different sets of compliments in my work. 

   My Mom kept me company while I painted.  She decided to work on a

painting in the screen room.  Little Coco decided to keep me company.

She sat in my Mom's chair next to me.  She was singing.  She likes the

back massages I give her. 

    I finished the painting in about three hours!  Must be the Florida

sunshine!   Later I did not like the highlights on the vase.  I work more.

"Southern Charm" 10x10 oil on copper.  Finished.  It is a great idea to sit the painting on

an easel.  You will see areas to fix.  Fix them.  Don't be lazy.  Paintings need to be very good

to be finished.  You will be happier with the painting.  Sometimes it just takes a few more

minutes to fix a small area. 

    I talked to Robert last night.  He came home, walked the dogs, ate his own dinner, then he

gave Poppy and Monet each one ravioli from his dinner.   Poppy has been eating like

crazy lately.   Monet is bewildered about all the food.  Monet had already had his dinner.

He could not eat his ravioli.  Poppy was going to eat his ravioli.  Monet took off with the ravioli

in his mouth.  He walked around the house looking for a place to hide the ravioli.  He started

to hide it in Daisy's old bed.   Poppy watched where he put the ravioli.  He

decided the bed was not a good place.  I don't know what ever happened to Monet and his

ravioli.  Maybe Robert put it in the refrigerator so Monet could eat it for breakfast!  Maybe

Monet gave up and allowed Poppy to eat it.  Robert was going to walk Monet and Poppy

again then give him another dinner before bed.  I doubt Monet will eat that late night snack!

He doesn't like to be left out.   One thing Monet has figured out, hide your

food or abandon your food because Poppy is assertive!  Have a good night! 

"Fresh Tangerines" 6x8 oil on copper.  375$ framed in gold.  Shipped.

    I was given fresh tangerines at the painting class yesterday.  My Dad, Mom, and I

enjoyed eating them.  I decided to paint them.  I was so happy about the

leaves.  I found it very difficult to paint tangerines and the cloth. 

  The bowl is copper from Mexico.

    I talked to Robert last night on the phone.  I could hear Poppy crying and yipping.

I asked Robert what was wrong with Poppy?  He said she is hungry.  I asked if she

had her dinner.  He said, " Oh yes but I am baking her chicken for tomorrow and she

can smell the chicken.  She wants more dinner!"   It does take a long time to bake

chicken...40 minutes!    I ordered Robert a plug in pressure cooker.  He should get this soon.  In

15 minutes Poppy and Monet can have fresh chicken and sweet potato!  They will also

eat raw carrots and broccoli.  They love liver too.  Have a good night!

"Chrysanthemums and Pink Carnations" 8x10 oil on copper.  Donated to the

 winner at the painting demonstration in Apopka, Florida. 

    Before sunrise, I woke up, dressed, and gathered my painting equipment.  I drove to

Apopka, an hour from Winter Park.  More than 20 people gathered to watch me paint.

  I answered all their questions while I painted flowers Andi had brought

to class for me to paint.  I told them funny dog stories.  I told them funny painting stories too.

They laughed and so did I.  A winning number was selected.  This painting was given to

Judy, who had spent 20 or more years living in an RV, who had recently purchased a house. 

 She was so happy to win this painting.  We went to lunch afterwards.  It was a wonderful day. 

I accomplished what I set out to do today.  I wanted to inspire and entertain Nancy McDonald's

Art Class!

    Robert sent photos of Monet and Poppy at the beach.  Here Sunday was

catching the Frisbee.  An 8 month old golden retriever named Maley was new to the beach.

Maley and Sunday wrestled on the beach. Poppy looked sad she couldn't play.    She is getting

too large with puppies to wrestle.

    Robert followed Ted with his golden named Luke to their house.  They hiked along

the creek Ted love to fish.  Luke and Monet growled at each other a few times.

 Poppy was tired.  They didn't hike as long as they did last week.

Luke chased a squirrel up a tree!  He was showing off his hunting

abilities.

  Ted took them to his secret hunting cabin out in the woods.

Monet was wild in this cabin.  There were so many good scents.

The photo looks like (Luke on the right) was getting some attention from

Robert and Monet was putting his front feet on Robert showing

his dominance.  Monet can be a green eyed little monster when

it comes to our attention. 

    Have a good night!  Thank you for being at the art demo.  I was

very impressed at the quality of people at Nancy McDonald's Art

Class.  Thank you Nancy for asking me to visit.

"Forever Beautiful" 7x5 oil on copper 350$ framed in gold Shipped.

    I have been invited to demonstrate how to paint with oils on

copper tomorrow morning at 9:00am at the Fran Carlton Center

 in Apopka, Florida.  The exact address is 11 N. Forest Rd.  The

 class is led by painter Nancy McDonald.  All levels

of painters are welcome.  I believe there is a small charge...under 20$.  I will be

demonstrating how to paint a floral arrangement.  When I am finished

painting the floral,  I will have everyone draw a number from a hat, and

give the painting to the winning number.   Nancy McDonald's class

draws wonderful people.    We will all go to lunch after class.

 I will also be talking about how to sell paintings.  I am sure even non painters

will be welcome.  See you there! 

    Update on Monet and Poppy:  They went to the beach and saw all their

doggy friends, Sunday, Luke, Little Gus, Sarah.  Poppy didn't want to

play with the dogs.  She is getting too big to wrestle and is protective of

her puppies.  Robert and the others keep the other dogs from jumping

on her.  Then Monet and Poppy went to visit at Luke's house again.  The hiked

some but not as much as last week because of Poppy's condition.  Robert

went shopping for food to cook.  Ted cooked up a large pot of meat, rice,

carrots, and sweet potato.  Poppy received two large bowls.  Monet and

Luke each had a bowl of food.  Poppy was tired and full.  Robert will send

me a few photos tonight to share here.  He was going to go over Poppy and Monet

with a flea comb to search for ticks.  Ticks carrying Lyme's Disease can be

very dangerous for a pregnant dog. 

   Have a great night!

    I have been enjoying my parent's company as we dine, shop, and drive around here in

Florida.  Today we went to Black Point Drive and to the beach in Titusville.

   We saw many water fowl.  Northern Pins and Blue-Winged Teals were plentiful.  Coots

were everywhere in the formation of an alligator to divert predators.

    Winter in Florida is beautiful because there are warm marsh grass colors.

We did see some trees already blooming.   Florida is green most of the year.

    Here is my parent's dog Coco.  She can be a challenge to walk.  She trots behind you

instead of in front of you to avoid getting kicked accidentally. (I guess this may have happened

by accident the first day I was here).

     Then she decides to lay down and stop walking when she gets tired! 

 I keep an eye on her to make sure she is still walking

otherwise I am dragging her along without realizing it!

 I did pull her along by mistake today.  She

gave me a real dirty look.  I can't believe you dragged me along the sidewalk! 

     Now I am getting more accustomed to how she walks or doesn't walk. 

Today I had to carry her for a few minutes.  Coco liked this very much.  She

is so cute.  Dad has Channel.  Channel walks great like a regular dog.

   My Mom painted this beautiful painting pendant for me as a gift.   I love it!

   My Mom is a very prolific painter.  I love her paintings.  These parrots

were my favorite.  Size is 5x7 oil on copper.

    I lived in Florida for over 40 years.  I spent most of my time hiking

park and refuges exploring.  I saw this strange looking plant growing today.

Each year I visit Florida I find new plants growing. 

This plant has spikey seed pods. 

   Have a great night!

    My Dad and I posed for a photo as we left for a walk.  His dogs are Yorkshire

terriers called Channel and Coco.  My Dad and I look a lot alike! 

 I have always admired him. 

     I took my parents to an Italian restaurant for lunch.  Then we sat in their

backyard soaking up the sunshine. 

    Robert is taking care of the dogs.  He brought them to work yesterday. 

    Here is Poppy leaning on Robert's chair a few days ago.  Look at that puppy stomach!

Have a good night!

     I wanted to give Luke a hug before I left on my Florida trip tomorrow.  Luckily

he was there!  He was excited to see me.  Luke made a little whining sound when

I gave him a hug.  I petted his head and told him he was a pretty boy. 

   Luke spends a lot of time at the beach even when temperatures are below zero.  His

master is a real Mainer.  They can handle these kinds of temperatures.  Next year it would

be nice if they could visit Florida for a few months during the winter.  They have plenty

of Florida friends to visit.  I may even volunteer driving Luke and Ted to Florida.  They

would be good driving company.  I am sure they would have good stories to share.

   Fog was lifting.  Very cold temperatures caused the fog to create these beautiful

white icy trees. 

    This tree was so beautiful! 

  The little town of Sandy Point is so wonderful during the winter. 

    Monet is very ingenious.  He uses Poppy's tail to cover his eyes to create darkness while

he naps. 

   Monet and Poppy sure do enjoy each other's company. 

    Tomorrow I will fly to Orlando, Florida for a month to visit

my family.  I hope to paint flowers.  Have a great night!

    I was driving back home from the beach this morning.  Monet was tired

 from the freezing temperatures at the beach.  We didn't stay very long! 

 Both dogs headed back to the car after three minutes. 

   It was very windy at the beach making it miserable. 

    I was impressed with the deep blue color of the sea.

   Maine is very beautiful.

   This is the view of Penobscot Bay from our backyard looking to the left.

   This is how my backyard looked today, the East Penobscot Channel.  Verona Island

is in the distance.  There are a few houses on this island.  I like to see the lights coming

from the house directly across from us. 

    I have been packing!  I am getting ready to fly to Orlando, Florida January 16th.  I am

very excited about seeing my Mom and Dad!  Have a good night.

   Little Gus was still not feeling well today.  He  leaped on

a golden retriever name Jake for no reason at all.  He tried to fight

Jake who was just innocently sitting next to his owner.  Little Gus sat

in time out. 

  Jake is 8 years old.  Jake was rescued from a bad home.  He has found a wonderful home now.

 His owner and Little Gus's owner gave Jake comfort.  He was shaken up by the unprovoked attack. 

   Luke trotted down the beach to see what all the excitement was about.

He walked up to both dogs and gave them each a good sniff.

   These ice floes on the beach are good to chew on.  He broke off a huge chunk.  Monet

preferred a large rock to carry around and give a good bite.

   Sunday arrived!  Poppy was excited to see her but I noticed she was

playing more carefully.  Poppy is definitely expecting!  I can't

wait to see the puppies.  Monet was carrying a big rock with seaweed.

   We all admired Monet standing in the snow.  He is ready for Westminister Dog Show

if they will allow him!  He may bring a big rock.  We laughed at this thought!

    Robert had the day off.  It was nice telling dog stories as we hiked down the beach.  We

discovered Luke likes to eat freshly trapped snow bunnies.  One large bunny will feed

Luke for three days.  Luke keeps the bunny buried in the snow after the first day.  He

will guard his bunny even from humans.  Bunnies can carry tapeworms. Luke

is given a tapeworm pill after his bunny dinner.  I don't think Luke eats bunnies regularly.

I was surprised to hear about this type of dog food! 

    Luke found a stick, sat down, and had a good chew.  After a while Luke decided he wanted

to go home.  He ran to his truck to wait for his owner.  Luke was hungry for his breakfast.

He was given dry dog food.  Poppy wanted some dry dog food too.  She has an incredible

appetite! 

"Yellow Wicker Chair with Pears" 6x8 oil on copper.  375$ framed in gold and shipped.

 This is what I worked on today.

   This painting was inspired by a painting by John Singer Sargent.  Sargent set a vase of flowers

on the seat of a wicker chair.  I loved the texture of the wicker in his painting.  The yellow chair has

wonderful yellows and lavender colors. The design of the wicker was challenging.  I really had

fun painting the shadow side of the wicker and the sunlit side too.  This bowl is a yellow

 ware bowl.  Poppy sang for a ripe pear to eat.  She loves them.  Have a good night!

    Robert took all of these photos of Luke and his owner Ted.  Robert, Monet, and Poppy

 were invited to Ted and Luke's log cabin in the woods.    Here is Ted with his

beautiful golden retriever Luke.  They love each other very much. 

   First they went to the grocery store to purchase three blueberry

muffins for the dogs.  Ted also purchased a bag of rice, sweet

potatoes, and two big packages of ground beef.  When they arrived

at the log cabin, Monet grabbed one of Luke's stuffies and played

with it for a long time.  Ted gave each dog a blueberry muffin.  I

asked Robert if he was given one too?  He said no.  We laughed.

   Monet jumped on the couch.  They went outside for a few hours of hiking.

   Luke has a nice fenced yard.  Poppy was wearing her new duck hunting outfit.  Monet

 has a outfit too but he tried to wiz and fell over.  So today he wasn't wearing his outfit.

   Luke and Monet growled at each other a few times but there was nothing serious to

worry about.  They did well together.

   They hiked for a while.   Luke's feet would get snow up in his paws.  They would

sit down and wait for the snow to melt in between his toes.  Then they would hike more.

   It looks like they all had a great time.

   Robert took very beautiful photos of Ted and Luke. 

   Ted has such a wonderful personality.  I am sure they were laughing a lot.

   Here is Robert with Poppy and Monet.  Robert worked up an appetite!  They went back

to the log cabin.  Ted cooked the rice, sweet potato, and ground beef.  He put this food

in three big bowls.  Each dog was given a portion.  I asked Robert if he had food too?

He said no.  We laughed! 

   The pups were full after that wonderful lunch!  Robert picked up some apple pastries

at the grocery store for his lunch.  He had a wonderful time and really enjoyed Ted and Luke's

company. 

"Fruit Bowl" 10x10 oil on copper.  650$ framed in gold.  Shipped free.

   Here is what I painted last night!  Have a good night!

     I took Monet and Poppy to the beach this morning.  Luke the beautiful

red Golden Retriever was there.  He is Monet's Dad.  It was great to see Luke

and his owner Ted.

    Little Gus was there too.  He is a miniature Doberman Pincher rescued four times from

the Humane Society, eats squirrels given an opportunity, and is the most

 feared dog on the beach (among other dogs).

Little Gus was not feeling well this morning.  He was in the most foul mood. 

Monet ignored Little Gus's growls.    Monet, Poppy, and Little Gus  lined up in a

 stand off as Luke stared at them in the distance.  Ted

the owner of Luke laid down on the beach taking it all in.  The dog owners always

laugh with excitement when the dogs stand still.  We all wonder who will make the next

move.  It is a great game for all of us to watch.

   Poppy tried to play with Little Gus.  He put his foot on her and growled.  Monet growled

back.  We called them to come play.  I hope Little Gus feels better soon. 

    I thought Monet had stolen Ted's glove.  He had something in his mouth.  He was

proud of whatever it was.  When Monet came closer we discovered a rock covered

with rockweed seaweed in his mouth.  He was proud of his find.

   A man pulled up with a car full of golden retrievers.  We could hear them all barking.

  The man rescues goldens.  He has taken care of a blind golden till

he died at 14 years old.  He has many golden retrievers rescued from bad homes.  Some of

the goldens have special needs.  One of his golden has only three legs.  The man didn't let

the dogs get out of the car.  Monet ran up to the car, stood on his back legs, and greeted

them all.  Then he came back to us.

   Little Gus was picked up by his owner.  All the dogs gathered around to smell and look

at Little Gus. I think they care about Little Gus.

     I am building up my strength by getting exercise each day.  I am tired afterwards but

I know exercise is the only way to get better.  Have a good night.

   Sunday is back from her southern vacation!  Monet and Poppy were happy to see her!

    They ran down the beach to greet Sarah and her owner. 

   Sarah was a little cold!  She needs a wool sweater.

   What fun!

   Sandy Point Beach was very pretty today.  Have a good night!

"In The Light" 6x8 oil on copper.  375$ framed in gold.  Shipped free.

     I am having a great time painting flowers!  My friends have gifted me many bouquets

of all kinds of flowers.   The sunlight was shining on the bouquet by the window inspiring

me to paint all the bright colors.  Those red tipped roses are something else to paint.  What

makes them easier?  I think drawing them perfectly first on the copper or other substrate, then

painting the darkest reds, brightest reds, lightest pinks, shadow colored lavenders, then the lighter

whites look to be a type of greyed green.  Lastly paint the lightest lights.  Then go back and soften

edges, go back over the reds, shadows, greyed greens until the painting is finished.  I don't just

paint the rose once and call it done.  It takes many different visits to the entire rose.  Drawing

is the main thing to get right but then there is color temperature and values too.  Roses

are a real nightmare to paint.   Roses are very rewarding in a painting if I spend a lot of time and

have a lot of patience. 

   Oh my goodness!  I did it!  I made it to the beach with Poppy and Monet with 7 below

zero temperatures this early morning!  I wanted to see the sea smoke on the sea. 

   Here is sea smoke above the sea!  It only happens when it is very cold. 

   Monet and Poppy had a blast.  We didn't stay long but we were there!

     Have a good night!

"The Gift" 6x8 oil on copper 375$ framed in gold. Shipped free.

    It took me many hours to build a large enough wood fire to heat up

the house.  Then for some reason I was hungrier than usual.  I made

fresh oatmeal with Maine blueberries and kiwi.  The kiwi was a

mistake but luckily Poppy will eat anything right now.  Here is the painting

I was working on tonight.   These red tipped

roses are the most trickiest roses to paint.  I studied the roses for

five hours today.  I drew them. I noted where the saturated colors

were.  I noted the shadow colors.  Finally I was brave enough to tackle

them. 

   Monet studied the roses too today. 

   This may be a once in a lifetime photo of Poppy snuggling with me!

Well ok, Poppy is snuggling with my slipper.   She was overly appreciative

of me today because I let her eat the rest of the pasta shells.  She also

ate many carrots, pieces of chicken, and left over oatmeal with kiwi and blueberries.

The way to Poppy's heart is through her stomach.  She has dried dog food too.

    I drew the roses and pear today.  I liked the arrangement better at night.

    Robert was outside our house tonight.  Temperatures were below zero.  He

was just checking on something outside.  A car pulled up and parked in the street.

A lady jumped out and handed Robert an arm full of flowers.  Then she jumped

back in her car and took off!  I think I know who she is.  I bet she is my friend

who lives in Castine. What a fun thing!  I was laughing for a while after this.

 I have vases full of flowers all over my house now!  I am

very inspired to paint once again thanks to my friends.  I am feeling better.

   Have a great night!  Keep warm!

"Blue Bowl of Pears" 6x8 oil on copper.  375$ framed in gold.  Shipped free.

    I woke up this morning to Monet putting his front feet on my chest and shoulders.  He was so

excited to see me.   Then he carefully climbed into my chair.  He made sure to have his weight on

the chair and not on me.  I could tell Monet thought I had fully recovered.  He was very

enthusiastic.  What a morning welcome!  I drank a few hot teas.  I built a big wood fire.

I looked at the pears in the blue bowl.   I took a few photos of the pears.    I sat down and

drew the pears. 

   I sanded down my copper panel and cleaned it with denatured alcohol.  Then I sketched

my design onto the copper with a acid free felt tip pen.  I wiped most of this sketch

off with alcohol. 

   I decided to paint the bowl first.  I liked the colors of the old blue bowl.  I ordered this

bowl on ebay.  You can find antiques to paint for a fraction of the price you might find

in an antique store on ebay. 

    Monet and Poppy do not race around the house all day as they did before.  They have

calmed down.  I see them sleeping or snugging.  I guess they won't be knocking down my

still life lamp any longer.  I forgot to set up the light.  I liked the sunlight on the bowl and

fruit coming in from the window.  The drawing helped me remember where the highlights,

reflected light, shadows, and crevice darks were located. 

    Tedi, my artist friend, brought me flowers to paint!  She also brought me a good book

on the impressionists.  She gave me a hug.  I felt much better after all this.  I guess surgery

is a stressful and traumatizing thing to go through. Monet really admired the roses and so did I!

I had already started to draw and paint the pears.  Tomorrow I may paint the roses.

   Thank you Tedi.  Have a good night.

     I am still recuperating from the gall bladder surgery.  Poppy looked so cute sitting

out on the back deck. 

    We have 4 inches of snow yesterday! I think Poppy is getting a little thicker around

the waist line?  Maybe it is my imagination.  If anyone goes to the kitchen, Poppy is right

there, looking for a snack!  We only feed her chicken, carrots, and dry puppy food.

    Here is a photos of our neighbor's house last night. 

    I went out to the grocery store again.  It really didn't go too well.  I have decided to

stay home for a while.  I am just too weak. I lifted bags of potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes,

pounds and pounds of chicken, and giant orange juice containers.   I stood in the express lane and

realized I had too many items.  Then I went to a longer line.  I started to sweat and shake.

A clerk saw me and opened a new lane.  She checked me out quickly.  I sat down.  They

took my cart to my car and loaded the car for me.  Driving is not very challenging.  Grocery

store does take a lot of decisions and navigating and strength.  Soon I will be ready to

shop there again.  For now I will stay home and relax.  I felt like painting for 10 minutes

today.  It was a fleeting feeling but worthy of mentioning!

    We have 40 mph winds and it will be -30 degrees tonight!  Kind of exciting.   Have a good night.

    Here is Poppy being very silly today.  I went for a short car ride to the beach.  I didn't get

out of the car.  No one was there.  I drove next to the grocery store.  Why aren't there any

benches in the grocery store?  I kept looking for a bench to sit on.  I stood and watched

the floral designer cut 5 dozen roses.   I bought a strawberry/rhud pie for Robert.

This type of pie is Robert's favorite.  Then I drove home.  I am on the mend but I am still

weak.  I do not feel much pain.  I just need to get my strength back.

   Monet doesn't jump on me in the mornings.  He lays on his back and wags his tail.  When

Monet starts to put his front feet on my shoulders again then I will know I have recovered.

Have a good night.  Thank you for all the cards and even a few presents!  Sweet of you.

    I felt well enough to venture out of my bedroom this morning.  I was

worried how the dogs would handle seeing me.  Normally they jump up

and down, howl, sit in my lap, and bump me.  They can be very physical.

They kept their distance.  They watched me walk slowly.  Then Monet

brought me a few toys.  Would you like to see my gingerbread lady plushie?

   I made fresh oatmeal with Maine blueberries.  Poppy slowly came over to see what

I was eating.  She has a better appetite than normal.  I hope she will have puppies.  There

is no dog pregnancy test.  We just have to wait and see!

   Monet put his front feet on my legs so he could look outside

the window for squirrels and birds.  Everywhere I take Monet people

say to me, "Monet is beautiful!"  Yes he is.  So is Poppy.

   Monet brought me the yellow light up ball.  I usually throw a few toys for them in the morning.

I am taking it easy!  Robert brought me home a beautiful white chicken and broccoli pizza.  I had

three slices.  It was delicious.  He also brought me some bandages. 

   Poppy surprised me with a little attention.  She is Robert's dog.  She is very loyal to him.

I do think she likes me especially if I take her to the beach!

   Here is Poppy giggling the door knob.  She does this when she wants to stand outside on

the deck.  I open the door for her.  Poppy puts her front feet on the door when she wants back

inside. 

     I didn't have much pain today!  I think I will be  even stronger tomorrow.  Have a good

night.  I hope you had a safe New Year's Eve.  Good night.