Inspiration....

I am often asked who is my inspiration, or what work inspires me...? How can I answer that question? I find inspiration in a sunset, or a friend's twinkle in their eye. If I had a go to artist that I look to when I feel lost, it is definitely William Bouguereau. When I was a kid, my family used to go to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, OK. While my family wandered on, I sat in front of his painting, Young Shepherdess, for what seemed hours. The glow of her skin, the texture of her clothes, everything about the painting excited me. Then I read this quote from him, and I understand the connection that I have always felt with him.

"Each day I go to my studio full of joy; in the evening when I am obliged to stop because of darkness I can scarcely wait for the morning to come...my work is not only a pleasure, it has become a necessity. No matter how many other things I have in my life, if I cannot give myself to my dear painting, I am miserable." William Bouguereau

I wish I could say that I went to my studio with this kind of passion every day, but it does happen every now and then. To live in a state of pure inspiration and enlightenment is a goal that I strive for. I believe that when we see artists of this level of talent, we can get a glimpse of the gift that they have been blessed with.

What did you do today?

Have you ever had one of those near perfect days? Well, I did today. We slept in on account we were out late on Saturday night to see the late show of Iron Man. We went to our favorite breakfast joint and had a nice long breakfast. Then off to the stable for a wonderful trail ride. This is John on my horse Cadillac.

Our trail takes us right under the resident eagle nest. We got to see this year's baby up close for the first time. The eagles don't mind our presence at all and often sit on the edge of the nest to watch us pass by.On the way home, we decided to take a drive through Sherburne Wildlife Refuge and we were not disappointed! Babies were everywhere and they were all fairly close to the road. It was one of those days that would pour down rain for five minutes then the sun would come out, then it would all start over again. A great tryout day for my new camera.

This is a loon pair that we saw with a brand new baby. We watched as they fed it and then it climbed on the back of dad and took a tour around the lake.

Then there were swans...two pair. This is the second pair we saw.

Then two broods of Canada Geese. We had a very early warm spring, so the goslings are all much bigger earlier this year.

On our way into the park we saw our first "snapper" of the year. I got out and encouraged him to turn around and go away from the road.

Around the corner from us, there is a pond surrounded with cattails and full of redwing blackbirds. I took this photo during a downpour...me and my new camera got soaked! But at least I got the shot.

A couple of doors down, the resident bunny sat by the road and tried to dry out.

This is our raccoon who visits everyday and she is VERY pregnant. Unfortunately, a raccoon was hit at the end of our road and I was terrified that it was her. I was very happy to see her this evening. Again, it is just pouring and I chose to shoot through the window this time and stay dry!I treasure days like today. I have had a busy week, painting, organizing, filing, you name it. It is days like this one that help refill that "creative closet" that so often gets emptied during a busy and stressful week. I think all artists should take a day off and go sit in nature as long as possible, you never know what you are gonna see.

Two dogs...

These are two dog paintings I did for a current online dog portrait competition...One is my dog , a corgi, Dakota, and the other is a friend's Great Dane. I hope you like them.