The first hours of the day are definitely my favorite and my most productive.  I love that first cup of coffee, and literally feel excited about the prospect of yet another day to do what I love the most.  It doesn't always work out that way, but I always have great intentions.  These paintings reminds me of my mornings in Montalcino.  I was always the first person to rise, and often enjoyed several hours of this golden time before the rest of the house started to stir.

I love spring.   It always brings new hope.  

I don't have a gallery affiliation for this type of work, so chances are you would only see it here or in my studio.

 

I just completed the tiger painting today.  As references I used photos taken at The Natural Science Center  in Greensboro.  They have two large cats, Axl and Kisha.  

According to Ms. Peggy Ferebee, the Zoo Curator at the Natural Science Center,  the siblings came from a large cat rescue in Mebane, NC.  Their parents were seized by the USDA from a substandard facility, and the kittens were an unexpected arrival.  They are most likely a Bengal-Siberian mix and Axl has been neutered since he is of unknown pedigree.

Tigers are ENDANGERED and today more tigers live in captivity than in the wild.   The zoos are trying to keep the species alive and viable through controlled breeding.

When the painting sells I plan to give the Science Center a little extra for his favorite food.   I can't even imagine what his care costs!  Meow Mix or Tender Vittles just won't do.

In every culture, the rabbit is a symbol of joy, good fortune, vigilance and magical powers.  The hare was a symbol for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and was also linked with the Roman god Cupid.  In Egypt the hieroglyph for the hare is also the symbol for the moon.  In Chinese tradition, it is said that when you look at the moon, you will  see a rabbit mixing the elixir of immortality.  It is also a sign of the Chinese zodiac, and those who are born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be kind, gentle and loving.  The rabbit appears on the moon in Buddhist mythology to shine as an example of self -sacrifice to all.  

Peter Rabbit, Peter Cottontail, Brer  Rabbit, Uncle Wiggly, Thumper, Layla.  She has just found her way into my life and my affection.   

 I take painting very seriously.  I am often scared to complete a painting out of fear that it is not good enough or better than the last.  

These paintings allowed me to just paint without thinking about the outcome.   They are definitely outside my genre and typical style.  They were not commissions and not for a gallery.  They are simply paintings for the love of fiber.

I have not mentioned this before, but I raise angora rabbits.  If I could have herds of alpacas, angora goats and sheep in downtown Greensboro, I would.  It is odd enough that I have a rabbitry.

 The paintings are already part of the window display at  Gate City Yarns, surrounded by rowing, drop spindles and spinning wheels.  They fit right in.
Shetland Sheep