Artist Renee Lammers

 

"Monhegan August Morning" 6x8 oil on copper Sold. Thank you.

 

 

"Monhegan Swing Dancing" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included.

 

   I am on Monhegan Island working hard!  We arrived on Saturday.

 

It was raining so hard all day.  I just spent time getting organized and rested.

 

On Sunday the weather was sunny but windy.

 

I saw many easels topple over.  

 

I am with a very nice group of artists.  We have rented the Tree Top House.

 

 

This house has 5 bedrooms.  It is very quiet as it is located on the outside of the town

 

near Cathedral Woods.

 

 

This is Lobster Cove.

 

I am off to paint more!

 

Robert is watching after all five animals. 

 

The only thing I have heard is that Festus knocked a check off the table and Lady

 

Violet shredded it up!  

 

Good night.

 

"Whistling Birch" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included.

 

 

   I started this painting at Lake Alamoosook.  Giant rain clouds and thunder frightened me off.

 

I was half was finished with the painting.  I worked in the studio to finish this one.

 

I wanted to capture the feeling of wind and light.

 

 

 

 

"Hummingbird And Bees" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in black and gold or gold.  Shipping included

in the price.

 

I selected a few of Robert's zinnias to paint. I cut them, brought them into the house, and painted

 

each one.  Then I painted in the insects and hummingbird from photos.  Festus slept by my side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festus is getting confident.  He loves to jump on poor Lady Violet and bite her neck.

 

He doesn't hurt her but Lady Violet does try to get away after a while.

 

Then Lady Violet does the same thing to Festus. 

 

 

 

Sometimes I get worried for Festus!  I tell Lady Violet to be easy on the kitten.

 

Monet often leaps on to my lap and the lap top flies!

 

Festus leaps onto the lap top and it falls down to the ground.

 

My computer was broke yesterday.

 

I do know the lap top fell onto the floor twice.

 

The second time disabled the keyboard to work!

 

Now I have a new computer.  

 

I am getting ready to go to Monhegan Island August 29-September 5.

 

I do hope we have internet so that I can post my finished paintings and photos!

 

If not I will be back here soon.  At least I know have a good working computer!

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festus started to chew on things because he is cutting teeth!

 

I didn't realize kittens loose their baby teeth until I saw Festus chewing on the plastic protective covers on new 

 

paint brushes.  Then I did an internet search to discover, yes, they do loose their kitten teeth.

 

 

Monet shares new dog toys very well now since Lady Violet has joined us.

 

 

Lady Violet shares dog toys with Festus!

 

I think Festus is picking up dog traits.

 

Monet on the right loves to watch Festus and Lady Violet.

 

Every once in a while Festus comes over to Monet to give him a little love.

 

Festus wraps his front paws around Monet's neck for a hug of sorts.

 

 

Sometimes Festus looks like he is getting the raw end of the deal.

 

There is not a scratch on Festus.  Lady Violet is gentle with him.

 

They race around the house most of the day.  

 

 

Festus still has his favorite fish.  We have not put the battery operated moving mechanism

 

inside the fish.  Festus seems to love to snuggle with the fish  Lady Violet has yet to steal

 

the fish!  She has tried to steal the fish when Festus nods off!

 

 

I painted zinnias today at Charlotte Rhoades Garden but it started to rain.

 

The good thing about the rain, it forced me to look at computer images of zinnas,

 

and I completed the painting from the computer.  I may be able to paint more zinnias

 

with my plein air experience and photos now.  I painted a monarch butterfly and a few

 

bees into the zinnia painting.  I will take a photo of the painting tomorrow.

 

 

"Garden Visitors" 6x8 oil on copper Sold.  Thank you.

 

Here it is!

 

 

There was a bee asleep between the pink zinnias.

 

There were a few hummingbirds in the garden today.

 

The temperatures in Maine are perfect for plein air painting!

 

Good night.

 

 

Look who bought himself a kitten bed!  He said , "I had to have it!  I almost froze to death!"

 

Festus lost patience with the other cat bed he ordered.  I guess he is not ready to curl up with a dog yet.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festus's fish came in the mail today.

 

You can see that he just loved his fish!

 

He just wanted to hug it all day long!

 

 

I couldn't tell which photo was more cute so I decided to share them all!

 

My chair is a wreck.  I blame it mainly on Lady Violet.  I spend most of my $ on

 

cat and dog toys.  I have my priorities straight!  So just don't look at the chair.

 

 

Lady Violet wanted that fish so bad!  She took the fish.  Robert made Lady Violet

 

give back the fish!

 

 

Festus tried really hard to defend his fish!

 

We had to chase Lady Violet down a few times to get the fish back!

 

 

Lily and Lady Violet tried to steal the fish!

 

Festus swiped Lily on the nose!  "My fish!  My fish!"

 

 

There that is much better!

 

 

I can see myself buying many fish just so Festus has one!

 

"More Fish!  More Fish!"  said Festus.

 

 

I was working on a painting when all of the dogs went into hunting dog mode!

 

They all ran through the house barking.

 

I saw what was happening.  Festus had frightened them all by jumping out of his tunnel.

 

They were scared to death!  This was unexpected!  They did not know what it was!

 

Monet tried to climb into my lap.  "Save me!"

 

 

I could not find my paper towels while I was painting.

 

Festus had grabbed the paper towels, carried them into my chair, and was shredding them up!

 

 

Robert brought the dogs a few toys!  They were so happy!

 

 

Lady Violet found some of my favorite photos saved to paint!  

 

Festus helped her tear the photos up!

 

 

If you look carefully you will see Festus biting Lady Violet!

 

Lady Violet probably deserved this.

 

 

The towel was fun to play with.  Festus held on to his end well!

 

I worked hard today fixing paintings, framing, and packaging!

 

We had a very nice lady visit us today.  She brought Festus two new toys!

 

He loved both toys.  He gave his favorite one to Lady Violet but luckily I found the toy before

 

she destroyed it!  Thank you so much for visiting us today.  It was such a great time.

 

 

"Stonington Roof Tops" 14x20 sold.  Thank you!

 

 

"Memories" 20x26 oil on copper.  sold.  Thank you.  

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Sun Follower" 10x8 oil on copper 550$ framed in either black with gold or gold.  Shipping included.

 

I reworked the painting in my studio.  I like it now.

 

 

Festus was very angry at me for giving him a bath last night.

 

He stayed in the hotel bathroom eating and sleeping.

 

He would not sleep next to me.  

 

He put his ears back and glared at me!

 

In the morning I called him.  He came over to the bed.  Looked up at me.

 

I could tell he was thinking if he would forgive me or not.

 

He leaped up, put his head to my lips, and purred.

 

He forgave me.

 

I am glad he was only angry for the night!

 

I had no idea he would not like a bath.

 

I thought I was helping him out.

 

We went out painting sunflowers.

 

He did great.  

 

 

You can see Festus at the bottom of the photo.

 

He loves to sunbath, roll in the dirt, try to catch bugs.

 

He is a good painting companion.

 

 

 

 

I think many artists would paint the distant trees a deep green.

 

I would paint those trees a blue to give them more distance and add a complimentary

 

color to the yellow with orange sunflowers.  You can not always paint what you see.

 

When you look at the photo, the distant trees and the foreground shadows appear to be the

 

same color and similar value.  An artist must use atmospheric perspective to gain any depth in

 

a painting.  

 

 

Everybody can paint a sunflower.  Sunflowers will show the lack of skill or  the abundance of skill in the

 

artist who paints sunflowers. 

 

 

Painting sunflowers shows the artist's frame of mind in the subject. 

 

If the artist is angry the sunflower will appear angry.

 

If the artist is sad the sunflower will appear sad.

 

The artist is painting a portrait of his emotions.

 

 

Someone asked me, "How does Festus do in the van?"

 

Festus is a great passenger.  He sits on my lap.  He likes to purr depending on the music choice.

 

He likes disco if a woman is singing.  

 

He gets up to use his litter box, play with toys, and gets back on my lap.

 

 

He sleeps for hours on the road.

 

He loves his new purple unicorn that has a tail that pulls out and vibrates.

 

He has been managing his spending habits.

 

 

Here are a few more sunflower images.

 

 

When we arrived home, Lady Violet forgot to greet me, went straight to Festus, and gave him a full

 

bath, nibbed on his neck, rolled him around, and just gave him a fine greeting!

 

Festus enjoyed all the attention.  They played together racing around the house and wrestling.

 

The other dogs were happy to see me especially Monet and lily.  Monet went through all the

 

bags I brought inside the house searching for toys!  I told him I didn't get any toys but I would buy him

 

toys soon.  I pet them for an hour.  Robert was glad to see me home too.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Festus on the job today at the sunflower field in Canterbury, New Hampshire.

 

Inside the orange tool box was his litter box.  He had water, food, and toys.

 

He had many photos taken by various visitors.

 

Festus did great!  He didn't complain.  He enjoyed himself.  There was a large rat that

 

scurried right by us.  Festus jumped up to take a better look.  A bird flew over us and Festus

 

was on guard to take that bird down!   He rolled around in the dirt.  He has a blue foot and

 

yellow ear now.  He loved sitting on my lap while I painted.

 

 

I am very proud of Festus.

 

 

Festus hanging out on my lap.

 

Easel is called the en plein air easel.

 

People said, "Festus is so calm!  Look at him!  That is the best looking cat I have ever seen!"

 

Festus loved all of the attention.

 

 

Here is my first painting done in the morning! 

 

"Field Of Gold" 8x10 oil on copper 550$ framed in gold

or black with gold.  Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

It was 50 degrees this morning. I decided Festus would be better off in the morning at the hotel.

 

I went to pick up Festus at 12pm.  He was excited to see the sunflowers.  Temperatures were

 

perfect at lunch time.

 

 

"Golden Dreams" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold. Shipping included

 

   The main thing I wanted to capture was the feeling of the sunflower fields.

 

The values in the fields are close together, delicate, peaceful, and happy.

 

The yellows in the sunflowers are brightest closest to the viewer.

 

I liked the distant blues to make the yellows and oranges brighter.

 

It was a challenge painting the whole sunflower field.  I think I managed to create

 

a feeling of harmony and unity in the field.  

 

 

"Good Night Sunflowers" 8x6 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

There was a brief storm with dust flying around and rain.

 

Festus wanted to go to the van right away. 

 

I put him in his orange tool box and we hit that path to the van.

 

Just in time too before the rain hit!  Whew!  Little boy dislikes rain.

 

 

Festus loves taking a nap in the van while I painted.

 

We are both absolutely filthy.  

 

Festus tried to clean himself for an hour without much results.

 

We will take a shower, rephotograph paintings with a better quality camera, and go back to

 

the sunflower field. I want to see those sunflowers under the night sky.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festus and I did great driving from Maine to New Hampshire in five hours.

 

Festus loves the hotel room.  I discovered a plastic  orange tool box makes a great

 

kitten litter box/kitten smuggler.  Festus was very quiet riding inside the tool box into the hotel lobby.

 

I set all his things into the hotel's bathroom.  He thought it was all very exciting!

 

I told Festus he was a secret kitty!  

 

The hotel did say I could have comfort pets in my room free of charge.

 

 

 

Festus loves the mirror!

 

He thinks there is another giant red cat in our room!

 

 

What great entertainment!

 

 

This went on for about a half an hour before Festus feel asleep.

 

 

I visited the Sunflower Farm in Canterbury, NH to see what I would be painting tomorrow.

 

I will be painting with several other artists.  We will all be wearing masks and staying apart.

 

 

Festus will be hanging out with me while I paint.  I was going to leave him inside the hotel

 

room but I could hear him meowing at the top of his lungs when I went to my van for a few 

 

moments.  I think it would be best for Festus to be on site.  He will have all his worldly possessions

 

with him to entertain himself.  Maybe he will climb up a sunflower for a photo?  Thank you Robert

 

for watching the four golden retrievers!  Give them all a hug for me.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Bee Feast" 450$ framed in gold or black with gold. Shipping and frame included.

 

   I drove to Mount Desert island to paint zinnias at Charlotte Rhoades Garden.

 

Today there were many Monarch Butterflies and Bees.

 

The Monarchs were too complicated to paint fast into a painting.

 

I decided to paint a few bees and flies instead.

 

I chose zinnias that may not have been perfect to paint.

 

I also painted some perfect zinnia specimens.  I love all the variety of colors and shapes.

 

There were a few zinnias that were done but I thought they looked interesting.

 

I enjoyed painting in the garden. People were very quiet and stayed away.

 

 

I came home to find Robert, all four golden retrievers, and Festus in his penthouse on the porch.

 

They all looked very happy.  The temperatures have cooled down!

 

Festus seems to love his hammock in the penthouse.

 

 

He fell asleep in there!

 

He loves being included in family activities.  He meows loud when 

 

everyone goes out in the backyard without him!

 

Robert takes out Festus wearing a harness to be safe.

 

 

At night these guys, Lady Violet and Festus, get wound up!  

 

 

Festus seems to love Franz Schubert's music.

 

 

Lady Violet wanted to play but Festus said he was doing art history.

 

 

I showed Festus a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoie.  

 

He was more interested in cleaning the cat litter out of his feet

 

I told him, "Look Festus, there is a cat in the painting!"

 

He said, "I have to get this stuff out of my feet!"

 

I took him to the sink for a foot bath.

 

 

I showed Festus a painting by Odilon Redon.  

 

He said, "I want to play with my friends."

 

 

Monet and Lady Violet like to play with Festus.

 

Poppy and Lily seem uninterested in the cat.

 

 

Festus was attacking Monet.  Monet didn't seem bothered.

 

I am glad they are so kind to him.

 

 

Festus and I are going to New Hampshire tomorrow to paint sunflowers for a few days.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Stonington Dream" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ includes a gold or black with gold frame and shipping.

 

Little Festus slept next to me while I painted last night.

 

I took the painting outside this morning and removed all cat hairs!

 

I did enjoy his company. I could pet Monet too.

 

 

After dinner Festus's art education began once more.

 

I could tell from his reaction:  Festus did not understand Picasso.

 

When one ear is up and the other ear is out there is confusion with the cat.

 

 

I had to turn the page quickly!  Festus reacted aggressively to abstract!

 

He meowed loud and even hissed!

 

Sorry Festus.  Some people love abstracts!

 

 

Festus starred at the Zorn painting for the longest time.

 

I tried to turn the page and out came two paws to stop me!

 

He said, "We need more Zorn painting books!  This guy is good."

 

Festus continued, "I like the colors in this painting!"

 

I commented the colors in the painting were the same colors as his fur!

 

He shouted, "That is Not why I like the painting!"

 

 

"Modern Art should be eaten!" said Festus.

 

 

He liked the painting of watermelons.  He said I want to eat that!

 

 

Festus starred at this Degas painting of ballerinas for a long time.

 

Then he started to stare at the ceiling.  

 

"I like his work but all those little dots made my eyes see spots!"

 

 

Festus didn't like work dating back to 19th century.  

 

"I just don't get it," he said.

 

"It is so dark!  Where is the light?"

 

 

This new toy came in the mail today!

 

I didn't order the toy.  Festus said, "Oh yes!  I ordered it!  Perfect!"

 

He played with this toy for hours.  Robert even pushed the ball around for him.

 

Robert also bought Festus cat treats but Lady Violet ate the whole bag.

 

 

"Where is my new bed I ordered?  What is the hold up with my bed?  I think I will call that company!"

 

 

Festus climbed down to Lady Violet's bed.  "Can I snuggle with you?"

 

Lady Violet said that would be nice.

 

Festus said, "Well,  maybe later when I am 25 pounds!"

 

 

This was a beach today in Cape Rosier.  

 

I drove to Stonington, Deer Isle, Brooklyn, and Cape Rosier.

 

I took 500 photos.  It was great to get out of the house!

 

Good night.

 

 

Ames Pond in Stonington.

 

 

Brooklyn.  

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Stonington Summer Nights" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

 

"Stonington August Evening" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thanks.

 

  I have been painting these paintings in my studio since Maine is very hot right now!

 

 

Festus continues to entertain us.

 

 

Lady Violet was trying to get Festus's attention.  Festus was taking a cat nap.

 

Lady Violet grabbed the brown paper bag and shredded it up!

 

Festus was intrigued.  He came down to play with the shreds of paper.

 

Lady Violet grabbed some plastic thing to chew up.

 

 

Festus's favorite TV show is Mountain Men.  He loves to watch the hunting dogs and mountain lions.

 

 

He dislikes modern art.  

 

He loves the impressionist.  He loves Gustav Kilmt.  

 

 

"What a fine painter that Gustav!"

 

 

Festus loves his doggy friends.  Lady Violet and Monet appreciate him the most.

 

Monet comes over to visit Festus and gives him a lick on the face.

 

He approves of him.

 

Lady Violet and Festus are constantly playing chase and wrestling.

 

Look what Festus ordered!  He said he must have one!  He wants to be safe outside with all the comforts of

 

his litter box, water bowl, food, hammock, shade.  How could I say no?

 

 

The penthouse only weighs 25 pounds.  

 

I think Festus will enjoy relaxing in his penthouse while I paint.

 

Festus was very happy I appreciated his purchase.

 

 

I drove to Stonington to take photos.  On the way I saw the flash of colorful laundry!

 

I pulled into the driveway and asked permission to take photos.

 

They were very kind.  They told me the farm was once owned by their grandparents.

 

What a great shot!  I will paint it soon!

 

Stonington was packed full of people!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

Festus has been hanging out downstairs with the golden retrievers now.

 

He purrs when I bring him downstairs.  He just loves the dogs!

 

Today I noticed he was searching for a sleeping place.

 

Will this be my bed?  A giant food bowl?  I told him no.  That won't work!

 

 

Will this large plush donut dog toy be my bed?  I told him no.  That will not work!

 

 

Should I sleep in Monet's bed?  I told him that would not be a good idea.

 

 

Festus showed me this cat bed.  He said he wanted the bed so so bad.

 

He ordered the bed with my credit card.

 

 

Then he ordered a custom blue cowboy hat!

 

I thought it was a very pretty hat.  He asked if I thought he would look good in this hat?

 

I said, "Oh yes, you will look like a real cowboy!"

 

He was purring.  

 

 

Lady Violet stole Festus's new battery operated ball from upstairs.

 

Festus did not mind sharing with the dogs.

 

I noticed he did not tell them how to turn it on.  

 

What a sly little boy!  

 

 

Monet and Festus were hanging out today.  Monet licked Festus on the face.

 

Festus was checking out Monet.  Male bonding!

 

I know Festus is safe 100% with all the goldens now.

 

 

Festus loves being outside in the fenced garden now.

 

 

Festus is fascinated with Lady Violet's beef flavored chew.

 

He gave it a good bite.  Lady Violet approved.

 

Then Lady Violet showed Festus how to put her feet in the dog's water bowl.

 

Splash!  Splash!  Water everywhere!  

 

Lady Violet chewed up one of Festus new plush balls and took out the plastic thing with bell.

 

Festus watched intently.  He did look somewhat upset.

 

 

"Stonington Summer Splendor" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thank you!

 

 

"Gramy's Cottage" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thank you very much.

 

Good night.

 

"Little White House" 6x8 oil on copper.  450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

  I saw this little white house in Bernard, on Mount Desert Island in Maine.

 

All it needed was laundry that I took from another house's image!

 

 

Little Festus was curled up with me the last hour I was finishing the painting.

 

He had stepped in the Cobalt Blue oil paint on my palette while I painted.

 

He now has a blue foot and a yellow spotted belly from yesterday!

 

He will be the cat of many different colors!

 

 

Lady Violet loves Festus as much as Festus loves her!  

 

 

I have been taking Festus outside for a few minutes each day.

 

He loves to walk around in Robert's garden.

 

 

I think Festus is ready to come with me plein air painting!

 

 

Here is Robert with Monet and Festus!

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

Festus put on his red handkerchief.    His Deputy Sheriff badge was clipped on to the handkerchief.

 

He was all ready to play cowboys with Lady Violet!

 

 

Lady Violet wore a tiny silver gun in a holster!

 

 

Here is Lady Violet in her cowgirl outfit.  

 

She is the youngest pup.

 

The other dogs just wanted to watch the action!

 

 

They chased each other around the house.

 

Lady Violet tried to take the gun out of the holster but the gun was stuck.

 

 

Festus ran through yellow oil paint on the palette.

 

He had a quick bath in between the cowboy games.

 

He was trying to play 'stick um up!'

 

He covered his face so Lady Violet could not recognize him.

 

 

Festus decided to sit in Lady Violet's food bowl!

 

He lost his handkerchief and badge.

 

Lady Violet was shocked!

 

 

Lady Violet loves to put Festus's head in her mouth.

 

 

Festus doesn't mind because he loves to pop Lady Violet in the face!

 

They both enjoy this game.

 

Lady Violet closes her eyes so Festus can pop her.

 

They are an odd couple.  Opposites attract.

 

 

"Yellow Farm House" 6x8 oil on copper 450$ framed in gold or black with gold.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

   I worked on this little painting for two days.

 

This is the farm house I stopped to ask permission to paint.

 

I am very glad I asked to paint the house.  

 

I added their sheep dog.

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

The only time I see Festus asleep is by the light of the moon early in the morning.

 

 

Page 5 in the book was shredded to pieces.

 

 

Festus loves all the smells on this quilt.

 

Lady Violet, Poppy, and Festus played chase for hours!  Sometimes it was Festus

 

who was chasing the dogs.  Monet tried to hop into my lap for safety a few times.

 

The last few hours Lady Violet was the only one awake to chase Festus! 

 

Festus slept like a rock last night.  I couldn't do any painting.  I was keeping an eye on 

 

Festus for his safety.  I think he will be just fine with the dogs.

 

 

I hung up laundry at this abandoned house to photograph and eventually paint!

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Flutter" 6x8 oil on copper. Sold.  Thanks.

 

I decided to do a different view of the Green cottage.

 

The main thing I changed with the image was to minimize the folds in the white sheet.

 

 

Festus howls to come out to visit the dogs.

 

Lady Violet and Poppy are Festus most devoted fans.

 

 

This morning Festus rubbed his head on Lady Violet's body and grabbed her hind leg.

 

He gave her leg a bite!  Lady Violet didn't mind.  She cleaned up Festus.

 

I did see Lady Violet stand on Festus's tail and that resulted in Festus meowing loud.

 

I had to remove Lady Violet's leg from Festus's tail.

 

She didn't know why Festus was complaining.

 

She has done this a few times.  Festus can not move if she is on his tail.  It must hurt too.

 

 

I set Festus on top of my water rower machine with a cat toy hanging by a thread.

 

Festus does not sleep much.

 

 

I woke up Festus at 4am!  I started a coughing fit brought on by a hair ball from sleeping with a cat!

 

He forgave me.

 

 

 

 

 

"Country Line Dancing" 14x20 oil on copper 950$ framed in gold or black with gold.

shipping and frame of your choice included in the price.

 

   I worked more on this painting today.  

 

I like the movement and the light much better.

 

Goodnight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lady Violet is in love with Festus!

 

She cleans him from head to toe!

 

She guards him from Monet and Lily.

 

Lady Violet says, "My kitty!"

 

Festus wants to interact with the dogs for a short time.

 

 

Thank you Robert for taking these photos.

 

The dogs seem fascinated with Festus.  They do not bark.

 

Lady Violet is cleaning Festus face.  

 

 

Monet and Lily want to get closer to see Festus but Lady Violet won't allow it!

 

Festus seemed calm during the visiting hour.

 

Later up in my room Festus was wild.

 

Festus was showing me how he can leap off my four foot tall dresser!

 

He looked at me first to see if I was watching. I didn't know if I should clap?

 

He wanted me to see him leaping.

 

Then he used my leg as a climbing post up to the bed.

 

He has one inch sharp nails that embedded into the skin of my leg!

 

That was painful.  Then he bit me on the hand a few times.

 

Did I deserve this for introducing him to the dogs?

 

He calmed down and became the sweet kitten again.

 

 

Festus has the whole second floor of the house to explore with air conditioning.

 

 

Last night Festus wanted to come downstairs to be with everyone.

 

The dogs were excited to see Festus.

 

They followed him around.

 

Then Festus and I went to sleep.  Festus slept on the top of my pillow.

 

At 5am I woke up to the noise of the TV being turned on in my bedroom!

 

Festus was standing on the TV remote control.

 

He was ready to get up!  I set him into the sunroom with litter box. 

 

This worked fine.  I slept and Festus romped around the sunroom.

 

Yesterday I was so sleep deprived I burned up my broccoli I was cooking!

 

I also almost sent out the wrong painting to an art patron!

 

The painting was framed and packaged when I realized the mistake!

 

Today I am feeling fine.  

 

 

"Fesus" 6x4 inch 150$ framed in gold and shipped.

 

Here is a twisted looking Festus painting.  Took me 6 hours.  

 

My cat paintings always turn out strange.

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

"Laundry At The Little Green Cottage" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thank you.

 

Someone asked me how do I get so much detail in a tiny painting?

 

I paint slowly to have more brush control.  I do not use a tiny brush until the very end, the last 

 

20 minutes.  This painting took me 10 hours to complete over two days.

 

I work with a Old Holland kolinsky sable flat size 10.  This is not a tiny brush.

 

I find painting details much easier using a larger brush like this.

 

I can make straighter lines and little dots with this larger brush.

 

I might use a size 6 round brush as the smallest brush but not until the very end.

 

I usually need to work and rework an area to get what I want to happen.

 

I think painting small just takes patience and more brush control.

 

The initial drawing is important also.  

 

I am so happy to have hung the laundry here.  Thank you Garnet, the owner of the cottage.

 

Thank you to my art patron for sharing her cottage on her vacation for a few minutes so I could

 

hang the laundry.  There were many laughs. I won't forget.

 

 

Festus was inside a bag I use to store my clean sheets.  There are no closets in my bedroom!

 

I decided it was time for Poppy to meet Festus.  Poppy has been the most curious,

 

following me up the stairs every time I visited the kitten, and sitting there waiting in hopes of 

 

seeing him!

 

Poppy did great.  Festus did great!

 

They just starred at each other.

 

No barking or hissing occurred.

 

They were respectful of each other's presence.

 

 

This is how Festus takes his naps.

 

He loves the clean sheets and the felt bag.

 

He is quite a talker, meowing fainting so far, chirping, squeaking, and making all kinds

 

of unique noises.  Maine coons are noted for doing this.

 

So far he is a light eater, 6 tablespoons of fancy vet store can food, dry food.

 

He loves the water bowl.

 

I have seen him put his feet into the water bowl and then put his paw to his face.

 

Maine Coons are suppose to be fascinated with water.

 

I can see the lake in Festus's future!

 

 

I introduced Lady Violet to Festus.

 

I was most worried about Lady Violet because she is only 11 months old.

 

She just starred at Festus and Festus just starred at her.

 

Good enough!  

 

It will be very interesting to introduce Monet to Lady Violet.

 

Monet is very vocal and I know Festus doesn't like barking.

 

Lily will be fine. She grew up with cats at her first home before they threw her out!

 

 

 

Festus loves the shade pullie.  He spends hours playing.

 

Last night he went to sleep as soon as the lights turned off.

 

At 4am Festus was awake putting his little face all over my face and purring

 

as loud as he could for an hour!  I set him down on the ground 14 times until

 

he decided he needed to let me sleep.  At 6am Festus was awake again!

 

This time he just played and purred.  I slept with a thick down pillow over my

 

head.  He will learn to let a sleeping artist sleep!

 

He seems to be very content overall.

 

 

I think Festus has grown already.  He will probably weigh 25 pounds when he is grown.

 

His Dad weighed 25 pounds.

 

 

Here is Festus eating his wet food.  

 

He loves a real bowl.  

 

 

I think I will paint Festus next.  

 

Love to pose him and take his photo!

 

Good night.  Thank you for the painting purchase.