Stand by Your Man

Some women prefer to flit about, party, and change partners, but some women prefer to stand by their man.  It's wonderful when you are a team, know your jobs, and treat each other with loving respect.  This rooster is Egil again from Mack Hill Farms http://www.facebook.com/lisanh?ref=mf  and his favorite hen who rarely leaves his side except to tend to woman's work.  I am amazed at how many normal, hardworking couples there are in this world who tend to the business of living and caring for their portion of the world.  I look at all the snow that falls on the farms back east and north of us.  I think of all the animals that need to be tended and fed in fair weather or foul.  This work is constant and has its own rythym during the year, but it takes a husband and wife team, a family, and mutual respect to do all the work that has to be done.  Life is so much better when everyone does their part, works for the benifit of the whole, but the individual loves and needs of each individual are respected.  I am still painting more chickens, and have about 3 paintings in the works.  I worked until midnight last night so I will probably also take a nap today.  There is also laundry to be folded and hung, and more to be washed.  However, I appreciate my own quiet rythym of life and hope it lasts a long time.  Write if I get more work, and I will continue to do the work of painting the animals, plants, and people in this world for you to enjoy.  May you all have a quiet, blessed, calm, and very productive day!

Rooster and Daffodils

Rooster are such a colorful addition to the garden, but a noisy addition to a household.  If you have chickens you also attract predators like Coyotes which sets off our German Shepherd highly territorial dogs.  Chickens also enjoy vegetable leavings and left over rice the dogs usually eat.  There are never any leftovers wasted when you have chickens, dogs, and cats.  It's a little noisy sometimes, but even with no farm animals you would still here the breeding red tailed Hawks calling every morning, the Coyotes howling every night, and all the other sounds of life in the country.  Such is life, and I guess I wouldn't have it any other way.  Write if I get work, and everyone in fair weather or fowl have a good day.

Roosters and Peacocks

The very Handsome Egil roams Mack Hill Farms with his harem, but his number 1 hen is always by his side.  The peacock is one owned by the San Diego Zoo, and photographed by me.  I then did this drawing in Prismacolor Pencils on Strathmore Black Paper.  It has a smooth finish, and helps make the colors of the peacock vibrate with contrast and pencil texture.  The portrait of Egil and his favorite hen is done in transparent watercolor on Strathmore Coldpress Watercolor paper.  I use very inexpensive brushes called Simply Simmons that are really wonderful, hold their shape, and actually with simple care last quite a long time.  Each brush no matter what the size costs $2.99 and sometimes are even less.  You get an excellant brush for the price.  The Prismacolor Pencils are just fun, diverse in their colors, and contain rich color and pigments.  I will now go back to finishing the other Peacock drawing I started last night.  I draw daily, paint, and complete each day everyday.  I've never had the luxary of so much time on my hands for my private art work, so I am enjoying this time of my life.  I may not be as strong as I was when younger, but I sure acquired some fun skills over my lifetime of art work.  Thank you God for all the past work, all the paying jobs, and now thank you God for this time to draw and paint the creatures I love.  Everyone have a good day, enjoy it to the fullest, and write if I get work! 

Icelandic Chickens Sheep and Goats

I have taken a fancy to Icelandic Chickens.  This is Egil the Rooster in charge at Mack Hill Farms in NH, and always ready to tell everyone when to wake up, when to get to work, and when it's time to quit for the day.  You can see some wonderful videos of Egil Crowing, and having a good time on the farm.  Some new puppies were born at Mack Hill Farms and it's no surprise they also raise Icelandic Sheepdogs, and Icelandic Sheep.  The farming spirit is alive and well in America, and there are wonderful small farms raising heritage chickens and heritage sheep, and growing heritage vegetables.  Visit Lisa

athttp://www.facebook.com/lisanhcheck out her store, and all the beautiful yarns she sells.  Watch her parade of Geese, ducks, dogs, pigs, chickens, and enjoy the fun of watching her videos on the farm.  The new puppies are darling, and I really appreciate Lisa letting me paint from her beautiful photos.  Support your local farms, buy from the farm fresh produce stands, and try to be kind and generous each and every day.  Life is too short, and it's sure easier to be kind than mean spirited.  I've already started another picture of the Noble Egil and his favorite hen, and I've drawn up some more paintings to be of Keikur.  The world of chickens and people is a world of diversity, and I do enjoy painting all the colors of the rainbow.  Every one take care of your loved ones, and treasure the moments we share.  Thank you and Good night!

Annie's Current Paintings: Keikor the Magnificent from Mack Hill Farms

Annie's Current Paintings: Keikor the Magnificent from Mack Hill Farms

Keikor the Magnificent from Mack Hill Farms

Keikor the Magnificent is a very handsome rooster and second in command at Mack Hill Farms.  The head honcho and ruler of all he surveys is Egil who greets the dawn every day with a cock a doodle doo, which is then followed by Keikor who has grown into his voice and competes with Egil for the many lovely ladies on the farm.  It's a case of dueling Roosters, but Keikor knows his place and always gives way to Egil.  Mack Hill Farms is extensively photographed by Lisa Richards, and her wonderful photos can be seen on Flicker.  She raises and sells the wool of her Icelandic Sheep, and just reading the chronicle of daily life on Mack Hill Farms is facinating.  She has given me permission to paint her Kritters so expect to see more paintings of Icelandic Sheep, above is a drawing of an Icelandic Goat, and a Big horned sheep.  You can draw your own comparrisons about the different qualities of these noble creatures.  Many of our farm animals are also on the endangered species list, because these heritage farm animals are only being bred and raised by a few farmers interested in their conservation and preservation.  If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, spinning or weaving contact Lisa and purchase some of her beautiful wool.  Next I will have to draw up Egil so their is equal time given to the head rooster.  Write if I get work, and enjoy the beauty and joy of the world around you.  Paint and draw to your hearts content, and do everything well and to your complete satisfaction.  Congratulations to Lisa and her dog on the birth of her puppies.  May the runt live long and prosper!

Rooster Chickens and Frogs Oh my!

Yes, I love little frogs too.  I love every creature God created except perhaps flies and mosquitos, but because ducks, frogs, and chickens enjoy eating these pesky little critters I accept the neccessity of them being in this world.  Each creature fills a very needed niche in the worlds natural order of things, and each one is facinating in its' own right.  I have been speaking with a lovely lady farmer and photographer, and she has Icelandic Chickens (a breed I had never heard of) and Icelandic Sheep that are very good for milk, cheese, meat, and their wool is fabulous for spinning and knitting or crocheting.  I like to crochet, but knitting involves too much counting for me so I don't do it.  No she has photographed her world extensively, and given me permission to paint her lovely and very handsome Icelandic chickens so be prepared for more chickens on this blog.   The name of the farm is "Mack Hill Farm" in NH and the lovely woman is Lisa Richards.  She has some beautiful Roosters, and beautiful yarns for sale in her virtual store.  I will post more info once I get some of her chickens painted.  I've drawn up about 6 already, and because her roosters are so handsome I am sure I will draw up more. 

For today enjoy the frogs and ducks, and the little Broody hen with her sweet, loving, and diverse new family.  Write if I have work, and share YOUR chickens with me.  I will paint them with your permission, and immortalize them in paint in all their quirky splendor.  I also love to paint sheep, goats, cows, ducks, cats and dogs.  Send me your favorite pictures, and keep an old woman busy and out of trouble.  I love being productive, and I also love the pictures of children and grandchildren holding their favorite chicken or family pet.  Thank you for stopping by, and be sure to write if I get work.  Happiness is a job well done.  Enjoy your day, and all the small, sweet, good things that are there for us to enjoy and appreciate every day!

Chickens Roosters and Hens

More Chickens in all their great variety, large, colorful, bold and beautiful.  Chickens have such color and size diversity from the little bantams that are no taller than a coke can to the tall heavy and plump Rhode Island Reds, Brahmas, and Buckeyes.  Enjoy the chickens in all their diversity and splendor.  These were painted this weekend, and I've also been working on some drawings of the wizard Marion Skydancer, but in a new role.  That is the beauty of drawing, and painting you can change direction and change your mind at a moments notice.  Write if I get work, and keep on drawing and painting.  You can only improve your skills, and get better with each painting you complete.  Never surrender, never give up, and take each day with all the joys and problems one step at a time.  Have a good day!

One Painting at a Time

I'm taking everyday one at a time, and each drawing or painting one at a time. There is no grand plan, just blank paper or canvas and something I see that cries out to be turned into some form of art.

I'm drawing the illustrations for a book, but I haven't found a particular direction so I may do the drawings on toned paper with pencil and white charcoal, and then see where I want to go from there. It's getting cold, it's going to rain, and sometimes the energy to be full of enthusiasm just isn't there.

Our Aaron Brothers at the corner is going to close down, for there are not enough customers to sustain the store. This is very disconcerting because they were a wonderful addition to our rural community. I will miss Greg, and Marlene and all the good products and services they have delivered over the past 10 years. Thank you Aaron Brothers you are a great store even though you only stayed for a while. I will miss you, and the people who worked there. Things change, and they are also closing the Michaels that is close by, so our access to art supplies will have to be from the internet. It's a Sad Day for the artists of East County San Diego. :(

Marion Skydancer the Beauty of the Man

Sometimes in life you draw from your head and heart, and then you put those drawings away because you have too much to do in your busy artistic life. I am 61 years old, and I joined an art group called Deviant Art about 2 years ago. In that time I have written to the stock photographer Marion Skydancer, and drawn pictures of him many times over. These images of a long haired, white bearded man are based on the beautiful photographs taken of Marion Skydancer. Sometimes he takes my breath away, because to me he is regal, kind, generous, and a very active model and photographer. He is both old and ageless. His work is beautiful, and so is the man. Sometimes in life the drawings we make are based on the future, and what dreams will come. Marion Skydancer is the answer to those dreams. View his work at :devSkydancer-stock: on Deviant Art. It's wonderful to have a muse. Thank you Marion for all the images and the work you do! Find what you love to do, and do it. You will never regret the work you accomplish while following your heart. Write is I get work, and let me know if you get work. I will cheer you on. Have a good day, and let your work follow your heart.

Rooster Watercolor Portraits

It's fun to choose a subject, and draw and paint Roosters and chickens in all their diversity. I have never had the time to just devote myself to the same subject, and then paint to my hearts content. I know I will soon move on to some other animal, flower, or bird, but for now I will enjoy the beauty and comedy of chickens, increase my knowledge, increase my skills, and use my time wisely.

I have some books I've written for children that need to be illustrated, some large very involved paintings in the studio that need to be completed but they will have to wait. It's winter, spring is some time away, and about 10" of rain is forecast to fall this week. I think I will stick with the small simple pleasures of life, a hot cup of coffee, warm cocoa, or soothing hot tea, small paintings, intimate watercolors and a cozy fire to keep me warm. Sometimes small simple pleasures are much more satisfying then big, bold and exciting. Sometimes a hug, and a shoulder to rest your head on is satisfying enough. I think I will continue to explore the colorful world of chickens. Have a good day, don't worry about work, and enjoy a soothing cup of tea with me. Small pleasures, and good company, quiet times, and a measure of peace I wish for you.

Rooster Portraits Watercolor

Rooster are obviously fascinating me in all their variety and splendor, but I have been painting chickens for years now. I love painting birds, but I love the attitude of chickens and Roosters in particular. I know many people enjoy raising chickens, and some of those chickens become family members and pets. Plus they provide lots of free entertainment for all.

I put up to older Alkyd and Oil Painting I did a while ago to show the different look that can be achieved with a different medium. It's the same subject matter, but a different technique. I could paint with oils impressionisticly , and you would have another way of painting chickens. It's important to get the anatomy correct, but the method of execution determines the final look of the image. I have drawn and painted Roosters and chickens on the computer in Adobe Illustrator, and carved linoleum block to make a simple graphic print. I have sculpted chickens in clay and carved them in foam. Once spring is here and the weather warms up I will go to the corner feed store, and buy some more chickens for their eggs, modeling ability, and the joy they bring to my yard and garden.

I will now get back to painting, and let the art work entertain on its own. Write if you have work for me. Thank you and God bless! Annie

Painting Pleasures

There is a great deal of pleasure I get from drawing my wizard or painting the bright, colorful patterns of Mandrin Ducks or Wood Ducks. I love to paint the patterns of chickens, and the stripes of Tigers. There is pattern and beauty all around us, and even the pattern of leaves fallen to the ground, or dried stalks of mowed grain covered with a blanket of snow are inspiration for an artist. Today I give thanks for all the beauty in just a square foot of earth, sky, water, or the heavens. Add music and you have magic of light and color accompanied by sound to make your painting experience even better. Today I have cut up some smooth watercolor paper to paint some chicken portraits on, and to experience how the texture of paper of lack there of effects an illustration or painting.

I'm still unemployed and looking for work in all the wrong places. Write if you have work, and enjoy every day as though it were your last, for we just never know.

Silver Laced Polish Chicken

A Silver Laced Polish Chicken is a beautiful, elegant creature, that brightens the Barn Yard and at the same time is rather comical in his aspect. Some chickens just don't belong in a dirty environment, and make lovely pets. I had a wonderful little silky hen that loved to sleep on the back porch step by my back door, and loved to hop in my lap and be petted. Silver Laced Polish can be this way too, and don't belong with the common riff raff of the Chicken Coop. Chickens and all their diversity make life just a little easier, and are such good providers of eggs. What is not to like?

I started drawing up some Wood Ducks last night so maybe this blog will be filled with something besides chickens this year. That said, I still have other chickens drawn up so I'm sure anything else I draw and paint will be interspersed with chickens.

I also need to keep finishing up drawings and paintings I started eons ago. I have no paying work so all the things I started and was unable to complete because paying jobs came in are now in the "Must Complete" production line. This is a mythical list I have, but the work is real and at age 61 I am too old to get out of my work harness and sit around doing nothing, or worse become a housewife. I am a Racehorse harnessed to a plow. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH I never wanted to be a housewife when I grew up. A Noble profession, but one I never aspired to. Plus I am a very bad housekeeper, so thank God I have never grown up!!! I think I will continue to drink my morning coffee, and get to painting. Write when you or I get work. Have a good, productive, and fulfilling day.

Roosters Barnyard Dandy

Roosters are wonderful, decorative, and noisy, but you can't help but appreciate these strutting dandies who are always looking for a receptive lady. They show off, throw their weight around, and are willing to fight for their lady loves like Knights of old. However, they are fickle, rarely are faithful, and are always looking for a new cute, young thing. That said we wouldn't have our over easy breakfast, or deviled eggs, potato salad, or Kentucky fried chicken without the beautiful and useful chicken. Plus they are quite enjoyable as subjects to draw and paint. So today I praise the chicken, for soon I will move on to new subjects and different mediums.

Write if I have work, and never surrender, never give up! Have a good day, and treat all you meet with kindness. It makes the world a better place to dwell.