Artist Renee Lammers

 

I woke up this morning to find my friend Anne had painted

 

Festus!  She used many different mediums to achieve this painting.

 

I think it is perfect!  Festus liked it.  Thanks for the surprise Anne Marie!

 

 

 

 

 

Please excuse the blurry images this evening.  Festus loves to knock things

 

off of the tables.  My camera has taken a few falls!

 

Robert picked up Festus and carried him into the kitchen to be weighed!

 

We were all curious!  We followed to see what was happening!

 

 

He calculated how much Festus weighed.  

 

20 pounds!

 

Lady Violet was hoping she would be weighed next!

 

She only weighs 65 pounds.

 

 

Robert loves to study Spanish at night while Festus sleeps in a basket on the table.

 

All of our golden retrievers gather around him.

 

This photo reminded me of a Bonnard painting.

 

I am grateful to have this fun family.

 

 

Ted visited with Milo, a golden retriever, I rescued two years ago, took to the vet, and gifted

 

him to our friend Ted.  Ted loves his little buddy Milo.  I gave Ted a Christmas dog 

 

toy for Milo.  I asked him to hide the toy in his jacket so my dogs would not see it!

 

Ted was sweet talking Milo.  Milo is a very calm dog now.  He has changed 100% since

 

he was treated for Lyme disease and was neutered.  I know Ted's love for Milo helped

 

to rehabilitate Milo.  I think Milo is enjoying a great life.

 

 

Ted came inside to give the dogs a treat!

 

Monet particularly shows Ted how much he loves him.

 

Monet tries to climb into his lap and grab his juggler vein in his neck!

 

Festus was curious. Who is this man?  Does he have cat treats too?

 

 

Festus is determined to sleep in the middle of my twin sized bed with his head on my pillow.

 

Some nights he purrs and does some pretty strange things to me!

 

I woke up one night to find him trying to balance on my head!

 

He seems to love my breath smelling of peppermint when I brush my teeth.

 

Festus likes to get close to my mouth to inhale the peppermint fumes!

 

Sometimes I am fast asleep to awake to find his paws trying to open my mouth!

 

"Festus!  What are you doing?"   He just chirps.

 

I cling to the edge of my twin sized bed as Festus is comfortably in the center.

 

Once Festus fell off the bed when I grabbed the comforter.  

 

Another time I found myself falling onto the floor when he pushed me off!

 

Festus likes to knead my arm or back while he settles into the bed.

 

He purrs so loud and chirps.  He is quiet when he is sleeping.

 

At 4am Festus is awake!  He purrs,, sits on my head, tries to wake me up.

 

He wants to be with Robert and the dogs next door.  

 

They get up at 5am.  He likes to run down the stairs with them.

 

He is one of the pack!  

 

 

Lady Violet looks so much like her Great Grandfather Luke.

 

Luke often tucked his lip under his teeth for special look.

 

She is the same color as Luke's fur too.

 

 

"Swains Family Pumpkin Farm" 20x26 oil on copper.

 

   Festus and I are on our way to New Hampshire tomorrow for a few days.

 

We are meeting a new friend and dropping off many paintings.

 

Festus will have so much fun traveling!  I wish I could bring all the animals with me!

 

Good night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Sperry" 8x6 oil on copper.  Special Gift.

 

I decided it was a great time to let a few Gold Level Art Patrons

 

show how much I appreciated them.  Gold Level means they have

 

purchased 10,000-50,000$ of my paintings during these last ten years.

 

They are very special people who I have gotten to know and consider them

 

as friends.  There are a few of them I have not met.  I feel like I know them

 

through writing back and forth.  I was so happy to paint Sperry to surprise her.

 

She said the painting made her day!  She made my life much better by purchasing my paintings.

 

She also had gone out of her way to share my work with friends who later bought 

 

paintings.  

 

 

"Dinah" 8x6 oil on copper.  Gift to a special friend.  Thank you.

 

I painted Dinah for another special art patron.  She has been intensely loyal

 

over these past ten years.  Her stone cottage is lined with my smaller copper

 

paintings.  She has an amazing collection.  I am happy to be included.

 

I have enjoyed her company very much.  She is surprised I am a cat and a dog

 

person.  She told me usually it is only one type of animal.  I just wanted her to

 

know what an honor it has been to know her and work with her.

 

 

"Memories" 6x8 oil on copper Gifted to a special art patron!

 

   In the early days of becoming a working artist it was difficult monetarily.

 

There were many years I only ate once a day.  Robert paid my bills back then. (Thank you

 

Robert!) Anytime a painting sale occurred I could buy paint and copper! 

 

This patron was one of the early day art patron.

 

  Every once in a while her painting purchases thrilled me!  She was like

 

an angel in the night!  I can remember coasting on gas fumes to my parents house to find

 

a painting purchase from her saving the day!  Thank you!  I would be selling cars without

 

her.  

 

  There are a few more thank you paintings in the works.  

 

I have appreciated each and everyone of the painting purchases.

 

I hope to be painting for many years to follow.  

 

 

Festus continues to be a good boy despite laying down in the pumpkin pie.

 

He peeled the plastic off the box of the pie.  Then in front of Robert laid down into the

 

pie!  He appreciated the smell of the pie. I believe he wanted to have his entire body smell

 

of a pie.  There were no cat hairs in the dessert.

 

 

This is Festus first snow.  He was just amazed!

 

 

Festus and Lady Violet continue playing gently.  They make us laugh.

 

 

I am surprised how lovely they play together.

 

 

Festus works his magic with Monet. Spooning with Monet has been the closest yet!

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

Festus, our Orange Maine Coon Kitten is 6 months old now.  He has his adult teeth.

 

Hormones must be zooming around in his 20 pound body!  He likes to charge out the door

 

along with the dogs these last two days!  Lady Violet chases after Festus!

 

We all run after Festus!  

 

 

Robert to the rescue!  Lily is to his left.

 

 

Robert captured Festus.  He held him over his head and spun him in a few circles like

 

he was flying!  Lady Violet watched with amazement!

 

 

Robert was wearing thick gloves to protect his hands from scratches!

 

 

Oh what fun that was!  Festus looks exhilarated!

 

I am being called to bring Festus harness so he can be out with the dogs too!

 

 

"Swains Family Pumpkin Farm" 20x26 oil on copper Sold Thank you so much!

 

    I painted this painting last year at my parent's house in Florida.

 

They loved the painting when it was finished.  There were many kind appreciative remarks

 

from both of my parents.  I remember they took me to lunch to celebrate finishing the painting.

 

I decided to take the painting out of the frame, remove the varnish, and lighten up the snow.

 

I made a few other modifications in the distant oak trees and pumpkins.

 

Festus is meowing!  Bring my harness!  He is inside his outdoor penthouse at the moment.

 

Good night.

 

 

 

"This Way To The Den" 14x20 oil on copper.  Sold.  Thank you.

 

   When I was a teenager my Mom took me to the South East Wildlife Expo where I met

 

a famous painter named Robert Bateman.  He was kind enough to answer all of my questions.

 

I was curious if he took all his own photos.  He told me a few of the images he took but most

 

of them were from professional photographers.  Maine artist Gail Smith told me I could 

 

paint any of her photos.  I told her I would paint any photo for free as a gift in return.

 

I chose two of her fox photos to create one painting.  I needed to find a photo online to see

 

how the feet of a fox looked.  I drew different fox feet for an hour till I became comfortable.

 

One thing Robert Bateman told me was to do a fine job on the animal's feet.  "Don't neglect

 

their feet, he said."   Robert Bateman is 90 years old.  Thank you Mom for taking me to visit

 

artists.  Thank you Robert Bateman and Gail Smith for your efforts.

 

 

"Sparkling Whites" 14x20 oil on copper 950$ framed in your choice of gold or black with silver or gold.

Shipping is included in the price.

 

    This Summer I noticed a smaller oak tree growing next to my favorite birch tree.  I love to 

 

hang my sheets on the birch tree.  I thought the little oak tree messed up the arrangement.

 

With all of it's leaves it boxed in my sheets. I thought of bringing my tin snips to remove

 

the oak tree.  This October the little oak tree was beautiful in it's orange and red leaves.

 

I decided the tree might be my new favorite tree.  I felt bad for thinking of snipping it down.

 

Things are always changing.  Sometimes things are better than before.  

 

 

Festus continues to try to sleep with Monet.  

 

He succeeds for a while until Monet discovers him!

 

They look so darling together.

 

 

I have heard cats love Spaghetti.  Festus tried very hard tonight dipping his food

 

over and over for a taste!  You can see a little tomato sauce on his lip!

 

His foot is orange too.  Next time I will just put a little spaghetti in his bowl!

 

Notice he is in his new large basket!  I cleaned it hard with hot soap and water.

 

He approved of the clean smelling basket!

 

 

When it rained, the roof leaked, and Festus checked it out!

 

Look at tall Festus is now.

 

He almost weighs 20 pounds at 6 months old.

 

 

  All four golden retrievers continue to enjoy their expanded fenced yard.

 

They like to go in and all all day long.  It is more quiet in the house.

 

I love to brush them out on the deck for an hour.  It is so relaxing.  

 

Festus still enjoying sunning himself outside in his penthouse for hours.

 

 

I haven't been out taking photos but here is one from Noblesboro, Maine when they

 

were harvesting pumpkins.  I think I should paint it someday.

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Winter Wise" 20x26 oil on copper 1995$ framed in your choice of gold or black with gold or silver.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

I finished the owl painting!

 

He was nicknamed Shakespeare.

 

 

"Dad's Tools" 6x8 oil on copper.  Sold.  This was a commission for a man's wife for her

 

birthday.  She loved her Dad's tools.  He asked me to paint these tools.  I had to coach him

 

to set up the still life.  I suggested they be touching or overlapping.  I think he did a great

 

job.  The light was great too.  I hope she loves the painting.  It was a huge challenge.

 

It is always an honor to paint a commission for someone.  Anyone else any any painting ideas

 

for me to do?  

 

 

Festus is a lot of fun.  We all love him.

 

He is getting very big!

 

 

Festus really gives Lady Violet a run for her money now!

 

She can't get away from Festus if she tried.  He is strong.

 

He was biting her on the lip.  

 

 

I find myself routing for them both!  Go Festus!  Go Lady Violet!

 

Most of the time Lady Violet is being held down.  Once Festus gets her in the head lock

 

then she is down until Festus has had enough!  Poppy seems to watch nearby just in case

 

Lady Violet needs help.  There is no yelping.  I think it is just a game.

 

 

Monet with Festus later in the evening.

 

 

Robert took me to a goat farm today.

 

They make wood fire pizza with goat cheese.  Fantastic.

 

The goats were cute.

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

"First Snow" 20x26 oil on copper.  1950$ framed in gold or black with gold or silver.

Shipping and frame are included in the price.

 

    I have admired this Mansard styled home in Orrington, Maine.  I have sat in the driveway

 

painting the house with laundry I hung on the clothesline.  A clothesline full of laundry

 

adds color and life to any home painting.  I admired the snow on the house and lawn.

 

The sunlight captured the great colors on the lawn and trees.

 

I added the mail boxes because I needed a foreground subject but also I do admire

 

our post office.   Then I painted Festus in an open window upstairs.  I am sure he would

 

love to watch birds while hanging out of a window! 

 

Someday I hope to discover who lived in this house, when it was built, and what happened

 

to the family who lived there. 

 

 

Festus was checking out his new 2$ goodwill basket.

 

I didn't tell Festus how much the basket cost because I am certain he would not

 

like it.  He didn't sit down in the basket because it smelled old and dirty.

 

I will need to wash it good before showing him the basket again.

 

His old basket is getting too small.

 

Festus might weigh 20 pounds now. 

 

 

His tail is starting to fill out nicely.

 

He is also gaining a nice fluff around his neck.

 

 

Lady Violet has learned from Poppy to carry very large sticks.

 

Look how muscular Lady Violet is!

 

She is a beautiful girl.

 

She is a year old now.

 

Festus and Lady Violet were tearing up something. 

 

Festus loves to watch her chew.

 

 

Here is one of my favorite boat relics in Stonington, Maine.

This boat is used to store herring fishing equipment.

 

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been working on this 20x26 oil on copper Barred Owl painting.

 

I put the painting in a box to dry for a while.

 

I will work on the painting after a week or so. 

 

I wanted to see this owl in paint!

 

 

I love Festus' persistence to hang out with Monet. 

 

He waits till Monet goes to sleep.  Then he slowly curls up with Monet!

 

Once in a while Monet wakes up and gives him a big bear growl!

 

Festus runs off, waits till Monet falls asleep, and curls up with him.

 

 

This hammock scratching post is Festus latest purchase.

 

He has a little kitty credit card with a 100$ credit limit now.

 

 

 

He demonstrated all kinds of relaxing positions on his new hammock. 

 

 

We are all spending the entire day outside while the sun is shining and the temperatures

 

are reaching 61!  Festus loves his outdoor penthouse.  Lady Violet often lays closest to Festus.

 

I think this is unusual for Maine to be this warm in November!

 

 

Lily was keeping Lady Violet company.  They were squabbling over a rock.

 

We still have green grass! 

 

 

I love this smaller mansard roof house. 

 

We had a little snow last week and it looked so nice on this house and yard.

 

I think I will paint this one big next!

 

 

Here is another beautiful Mansard roofed home in Stonington.

 

Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to paint a owl!  Work in progress...

 

 

Monet was talking to me while I painted.

 

There were a series of short barks.

 

I took a look at Monet.

 

He wanted me to remove Festus from his bed!

 

I picked up Festus and Monet laid down right away!

 

He loves this particular bed.  I look after Monet.

 

He is eight years old.

 

 

Lady Violet was up to her old tricks.  She was chewing up the new monkey toy!

 

She has been sitting by my chair to be petted.  She saw Monet does this to get attention.

 

She is a smart girl.

 

 

There is Monet looking so happy and comfortable in his bed!

 

Good night!

 

I installed a new ping pong toys on to Festus' drafting table.

 

He is so smart.  He has figured out how to lower the ping pong ball so that Lady Violet

 

can play!

 

 

This is his favorite toy.

 

 

Lady Violet caught the ping pond ball and pulled!

 

Festus doesn't mind sharing his toys.

 

 

Once the ball has become detached from the stand, Lady Violet has it in her possession,

 

Festus is quick to jump down, steal the ping pong ball from Lady Violet, and run with it

 

while making a low angry meowing sound!  Lady Violet chases him.

 

 

The chase continues with Festus holding the ping pong ball in his mouth!

 

Lily, Poppy, and Monet scramble to get out of his way!

 

 

Once the ping pong ball gets squashed I need to take away the ball.

 

 

The ping pong ball gets squashed by Lady Violet.  Game over.

 

They all relax.  They are thinking up a new game!

 

 

We had a sunny day!  We do not get many sunny days in October or November.

 

Patton Pond was beautiful.  

 

 

I love this view of a pond near my house.

 

 

We still have many trees full of orange, red, and yellow!

 

Good night.