Llama on Watch

Llama on Watch
Oil on canvas, 6x4 - purchase here

When I first turned in to the Green Dirt Farm, this amazing llama towered above the herd of grazing sheep, as if he were the watch dog.  In fact, I didn’t even see the very large white dog at first, as he blended in with the sheep!  As we came closer with our easels, he let out a few barks - letting us know that he was in charge.  Today, I have precious little time for painting, so I am painting small at 6x4 inches.  This painting is my 1005th in 1005 days - it is so crazy to be into four digits now!!  :)

A Pair of Sheep

A Pair of Sheep
Oil on masonite, 10x8

The sheep at the Green Dirt Farm were simply adorable!  Despite growing up with farmers in the family - I was never around them. My great-uncle had every other farm animal, and my grandma did have sheep, but long before I was born!  So, it was a treat to get to spend some time with them!  I love their sweet and gentle nature. In an effort to separate the color of the sheep from their background, I got a little carried away with the red oxide.......so these are "breast cancer awareness" sheep....you know, their pink color........!  I plan to tone them down a bit tomorrow - but as for today, I am already onto other projects!  Painting number 1004 in 1004 days :)

Grazing at Green Dirt Farm

Grazing at Green Dirt Farm
Oil on wood, 14x11
Green Dirt Farm paint-out - Parkville in Art - purchase here

This is my 1000th painting in 1000 days - and what a fabulous painting day it was!  It was a special treat to travel north of Weston to the Green Dirt Farm, where sheep graze on the rolling hills.  I have never painted sheep before, but I have always loved them - and adore their pastoral beauty in paintings.  Hiking up to a high spot beyond the kitchen, I set up in full sun, since that was the most amazing view. I wanted to capture the whole scene, the experience of standing in such a magical place, with brushes and oils.  The sheep gently moved through the meadow, down to the crossing, and back up again in an endless circle.  They make a wonderful "munching" noise as they graze close, and they sneeze and occasionally cough just like people!  High on this hill, I could turn 360 degrees - and have painting in every direction, if only I had more time.  We made it back to the barn before the cheese tasting ended, and I came home with some fabulous cheese for the family, too.  Some days I really love this life.  Painting 1000 in 1000 days, and Day 27 in the 30 day painting challenge.

on location