Happy New Year

Here's wishing all my blogging friends a very happy and creative 2012

 

With a little reminder of what the weather was like last year. Brrrrrrr!!!!

The Versatile Blogger Award

My blogging friend Renska has very kindly given me The Versatile Blogger Award, which is very nice of her, thank you Renska.

Now, as I understand it I am to send this award to 15 other bloggers.....hmmmm not sure I can do that, but I will attempt to send it to as many as I think worthy.

1st one must go to Sue at: Pencilpix

next one to Julia at: Wild Art

then to my friend Gail at her blog featuring English Bull Terrier related items. 

Next:  Peter Baker's Musings 

and Matteo Grilli's watercolour wildlife.

Gail Mason's Fur in the Paint

And to Kathy with her amazing Scratchboard art.

and of course to Terry's wonderful Pencil Shavings

Also to Roberts Wildlife blog.

For Laura's blog Animal Art Adventures

And to Kathy whose blog takes me back to South Africa

OK, 11 is not bad I think I will stop there.

 

Now I have to give you 7 facts about myself, which will probably bore the pants of you.

1) I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. An amazing place to grow up.

2) I lived in Nairobi, Kenya for 3 years. Kenya is fantastic for game spotting.

3) I love animals, especially horses and dogs. I have always had a dog and also had horses, rabbits, mice, rats, geese and ducks and cats.

4) I am seriously interested in all wildlife, from African mammals to British insects and everything in between.

5) I am a keen gardener, even though my garden is very small, I try to grow as many insect friendly species as I can fit in.

6) I enjoy walking with my Border Collie Tilly.

7) I have been drawing and painting from childhood.

 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

As I didn't have time to design my own cards this year (I know, I know, I promise to do better next year), here is my favourite 'card' from the internet. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

http://gpsinformation.info/main/merryxmas.swf

So, to all my blog visitors, I hope you all have a very happy and peaceful day doing whatever it is you most enjoy, whether that is walking the dog, visiting family and friends or just filling your face and watching the repeats on TV. Enjoy!

Maizy - Border Collie

I have just completed this portrait of Maizy.  Her owner had the winning bid in a fund raising auction held by Phoenix Dog Rescue. The item was for a portrait of the winners pet. I got some lovely ref photos of Maizy and it was a pleasure to produce this picture.

Size: 10" x 8"

Medium Pastels: Ashby sticks and Derwent and Faber Castell Pitt pastel pencils.

Support: Fisher 400 sanded paper.