Okay ... my second grade teacher told me I had NO artistic ability at all - and I believed her. I didn't even attempt any artistic endeavors from then on. Until now. Why not have some fun and create something ... even if it won't win awards or end up being sold on the auction block?
So ... I joined a friend and we went to Painting with a Twist in Tempe, AZ. It's a fun two-hour class with an instructor who leads students through a formulaic process of painting a particular piece. You can bring wine or beer (and some students did). Super music is blasting during the evening. And the entire experience is based on FUN! Of course I documented the class with photos. Here we go ...
You can find franchise studios in a lot of places. On the left is the painting we're working on. On the right: the instructor's work as we go through the class.
Our instructor, Eli ... a professional artist.
Students are set up with a canvas, brushes, and a paint palette.
This is the topic painting we were working from: "Summer Pines."
We started by painting the background ... three layers to indicate light. And then, in chalk, we drew our trees on the canvas.
Now add some deep green foliage.
At this point, it's time for some mustard-colored highlights after painting the tree trunks and branches.
I've already added some lighter green foliage and here I am painting more highlights.
Here is my masterpiece: "Strange Pines." Yes ... I WILL hang this because it is my first - and probably my last - acrylic painting on canvas.
It was a fun evening. If you have a chance, give it a try!
When my grand-dogs Dempsey and Josie visit, I can usually get some action shots of them playing with Paris-Ivy. People always ask, "WHERE was Olly? Why wasn't he in the photos?" Well, Olly tends to hang back while the White Tornadoes are going nuts. He raises his eyebrows in disgust, refusing to join the fray. This time, however, he decided to show the youngsters what it's all about.
You really want me to play, Josie? Really?
Double-teaming me now, huh? Okay ... you guys asked for it!
This is my signature move, the UP AND OVER, which I shall now demonstrate ............. UP!
AND ...
OVER!!!
Yeah, baby! Olly ... the undisputed Head Dog and his White Tornado Minions!
It's Paris-Ivy's birthday! She's four years old today and I thought a spa day would be nice: bath, new toy, and some treats. So ... we loaded up and headed to Smelly Dog, a place where I could leave her for grooming or do a self-wash. Smelly Dog also has a doggie boutique with lots of toys and home-baked treats. I sure wasn't going to hand Paris-Ivy over to someone else on her birthday, so I did the wash - and tried to take photos at the same time. This was her first trip to Smelly Dog and she was not overly thrilled.☺
Hmmm ... not too sure about this hydraulic wash tub!
"Okay, so I'm all wet. Now what?"
This face says it all ...
"I refuse. I absolutely refuse to wear this in public!"
Ivy is liking this a lot better ... she gets to choose a new toy! A store clerk suggested the ball but (with Mom's help) she chose a heavy-duty Kong Wubba.
Aha! This is more like it! TREATS! She liked the Mac 'n Cheese cookies the best so that's what she got - and she will share with Olly.
Happy birthday, Paris-Ivy! Maybe next year, we'll go right to the toys and treats and skip the spa. ☺
I recently spent a day at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium - my first visit there - as part of a photography workshop. There were lots of photography challenges and one of the biggest challenges: fish. Most of my images were immediately deleted, but there were some keepers. ☺ Keep in mind ... I have no idea what some of these fish are ... maybe next time I should take photos of the identifying cards!
All dressed up and nowhere to go ...
I'm told this is a clown fish ... such beautiful colors!
I call this one the Sparkly Dude.
Okay, really ... what can you say about this guy? LOL!
I believe this is a shark of some kind.
Here's lookin' at you, Kid!
Thanks to our instructor, Kathleen Reeder, an internationally published, award-winning wildlife photographer. Now I need to practice the skills she taught us! If you want to see some extraordinary wildlife photography, be sure to visit her website.
