Both Fair and Fowl

For an experience that started with a potbelly pig fond of running away and getting tipped over by a small pony in a flattering show of affection, I don’t have the slightest idea why it ended (two years later) with two paintings of birds. Not that I dislike birds, and I admit I love feathers, but it is a change from the usual.

I was so lucky to go out to New Rockford and hang out at Hawkes Homestead for an interview with Prairie Public Radio. A fun and eclectic crew make up this North Dakota animal sanctuary – pigs and donkeys and sheep and ducks and a llama. How can anyone not be entranced by a llama? Especially one that plays guard?

I took a million photos that had nothing to do with the interview and carefully made sure no kittens hid away in my car before driving home – even though they were SO CUTE – and had every intention of doing a number of art related images. The llama, at least, should have made an appearance. Yet I ended up painting birds, much to my surprise. Which is only one reason I shouldn’t be trusted when I declare what I shall be working on next and also why I suck at commissions.

However, my Color² series is mostly a series of experiments, so I suppose that fits.

I keep (erroneously) thinking that painting with a scalpel should be easier than a paintbrush, and I am (repeatedly) wrong. It’s a different language entirely, but Nancy Ness always makes it look so fun, so every once in a while I give it a try.

I think I am getting slightly better at it though, as these two came out fairly decent.

But go have a listen to the interview and check out the other animals on the farm. It’s a lot of fun to follow the Anti-Anxiety Animal Posts – lots of animal videos and photos!

Here are my two Hawkes Homestead inspired paintings – fun with color!

Note: I would have missed this mama completely…except I was following a kitten. That I did NOT take home. It’s called restraint. I am pretty sure that makes me (at least occasionally) an adult.

I titled this one “Dinner” although this guy is personally safe – sanctuary. But he is clearly eating his, so it fits. And if one is a bit more macabre in their preferences, it still fits. So. Something for everyone?