I did it!

Well, I finished the Duathlon. I did 17 miles total and finished in the top of my heat.
(Not too bad for a gal who could not do a pushup three months ago, huh?)
Thanks to all of the encouragement I got from all my friends.
Now on to the marathon painting for my next shows....

Waxwings!!!

Spring has officially sprung in Elk River. It was a chilly 17 degrees this morning so my birdbath was very busy. In all the years I have lived here, I have never seen waxwings in my backyard. When I got up this morning, there was 20+ at the bath. Unfortunately, they are skittish little buggers so I did not get many pictures before they flew away.

We also had few regulars show up...

Well, I've gone and done it...

I actually signed up for a duathlon (biking and running). I can't believe it. I am terrified and excited all at the same time. I have no intention of winning, just finishing. My friends cheering me on is the one thing that is going to get me through. I just hope that I am not too sore to paint this weekend, but something tells me I will be.
It is this Saturday...wish me luck.

Thank you so much!

In my house growing up, birthdays were a big deal. We would celebrate for days and end the week with a big BBQ. I can't say that it is any different now that I am a grown up. This year was one of the best I have ever had. We all gathered at a friend's house and had a good old fashioned Irish wake for my 44th year. We ate, drank and exchanged limericks until the wee hours. I don't remember when I have ever laughed so hard.
Also, I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful cards, emails and calls I received this past week. It makes me remember how blessed I am with the wonderful friends that I have. Thank you for making my life so rich.

Finished...almost.

I am letting it dry before it goes to the scanner's. I will do a few more glazes today to tighten up the horse, but you get the idea. I have 5 other paintings that have been patiently waiting in the wings. The work never stops...

"Prairie Fire" oil 11x17

Slowly but surely....

This is the next stage. I am refining the details and honing in on the focus of the painting. It has been a trying week...I threw my back out at the gym this week. Sitting is a challenge, much less sitting all day painting. But deadlines are deadlines and we have to struggle through.
I have added detail to the headress and the beadwork. I have also glazed the robe and added highlights...lots of work...more tomorrow...

Next stage...

More detail...more glazing...more time....

Moses

Here is the underpainting for my new oil. It is of my favorite model, Moses Brings Plenty. He is a fantastic model and had a beautiful spirit. Since people are not my strong suit, I am struggling with this one a bit. I laid in an underpainting of burnt umber thinned with Liquin. Now that it is dry, I will glaze the skin tones over it. Wish me luck...