Monday, February 25, 2013

Zion's National Park, Utah

When my husband and I went hiking near the Narrows, in Zion's National Park, we got to a certain spot when I put my "foot" brakes immediately on after seeing a bear on top of this huge rock in front of us!!   I zoomed in with my camera to take his picture...
slowly,  I put my camera away...then decided not to move since we certainly couldn't out run this guy.  My husband, John, said he looked like he was coming down the rock toward the water, so I waited hoping he was right.   Slowly but surely he walked in front of us to the water.   I stayed perfectly still not looking at him, and at that moment,  I decided "never" to hike by ourselves.    I think hiking with a group of about 100 people would be perfect !!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Dance Recital

I took the reference picture of Lexi right before her recital a few months back.  (So many pictures of the grandkids!)   I told  her not to smile, once again!!  She's getting used to me already..and knows when I take a picture...you're not allowed to smile.  LOL
I used my Unison pastels for the bows and trim on the dress.  Unison pastels are very soft and the colors are so intense.  I went to Blick's this week and as you all know, going there is like going to a candy store..!!!  I hope you like this portrait....  I enjoyed painting her.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Grandma's Little Doll

A little over 15 years ago, my daughter presented me with a gift..probably the best gift I've ever received.  When I opened the box, it was her Wedding dress with a note..I was, of course, ecstatic to find out she was having a baby.  She asked me to make a girl's Christening outfit from her Wedding dress as well as a boy's outfit since she didn't want to find out the sex of the baby..
I think I was so excited that I took my sewing tools out the next day and started to cut up her gown.  Since she had a girl, she packed away the boy's  Christening outfit so that someday her girls would have it for their children.  It turned out to be such a very special day for me !  This painting was done in pastels.