Cows & Cocoa...

Hello and a Happy New Year to you!

It's been very relaxed around here and just today, both hubby and I are back in full swing with routine.

We did get a dusting of snow over the weekend...

a perfect excuse for another cup of hot cocoa!

Right after Christmas, I began working on this 30" x 30" acrylic on canvas cow painting for a client. (just look at that Winter taking place outside). Brrrrr!

I'm really enjoying the long, carefree brush strokes and the heavy paint.

This is only the first layer, still in progress.

I will continue to build layers with fabulous peaks and bold colors!

Funny. Not once... EVER did I have the desire to paint a cow. I am surrounded by livestock here on the prairie, so I suppose that the subject never appeared to be interesting to me.

I am so glad that someone else found the cow to be a subject of interest!

That one commission painting has introduced to me, a rather fun creature to paint...

even in watercolors!

What a joy it was this morning to watch the sun come up as I painted happy cows.

Oh, the things that we take for granted and overlook.

Although I am not one for making new year's resolutions...

I do know that in 2015 I will be more open minded to painting new things.

Even the things that seem un-interesting to me!

Bring on this new year!!!

XO

 

Christmas past...

For us, it was a very quiet Christmas Day here on the prairie. As I made my way into the kitchen to get a cup of java, I noticed that it was going to be a sunny day, according to the shadows on the wall. Of course, I paused. Admired and then went back to the bedroom to grab my camera. I love waking up to such surprises!

Beside the coffee pot sits my shabby chalkboard (which I now use as a calendar).

December 25th. Christmas.

I hope that you had a wonderful one!

I called my family first thing. I think that next December I am going to suggest to them that we celebrate as a family AFTER Christmas has passed. Possibly, we will be able to ring in the new year together!

As I sipped the coffee, I did browse through the photos that we had taken just two weekends ago. We had a perfect Christmas together and I cherish the memories.

I am in no hurry to take down our Christmas decorations. In fact, I would never do so before New Years Day! It's all too pretty and I enjoy the warm and cozy!

I do, however, need to return to reality and routine.

I brushed up on my painting yesterday afternoon.

Tiny greeting cards in watercolor.

I rarely do art for fun these days. Personal art. It was pure joy to simply play!

Today:

December 26th.

Christmas past.

I have three large commission paintings to produce by February so today I begin!

Wishing you a fabulous day and I will meet you right back here...

very soon!

XO

 

*Pumpkin Love*

Orange, yellow, purple, gold, red, and brown.

Are you seeing them too?

I'm finding these lovely, rich colors of Fall here and there...

on a morning walk, I have stumbled upon resting leaves beneath the trees.

Every market has pumpkins now, in all shapes and sizes!

Because our pumpkin patch failed us...

I purchased some pumpkins for our home. I am particularly fond of these white pumpkins.

Of course, I bought an orange one too...

and I really love painting them, as you may already know about me.

Most evenings are spent in the living room with hubby. He watches television while I play with my watercolors. I must confess, I have quite a collection of watercolors since they are my fave. I have itty bitty field sets, medium size sets, tubes, half pans, watercolor pencils, hydrus watercolors, and even that very expensive 48 color palette in a metal box.

I love them all equally, for different uses.

I want more watercolors, can you believe? Not to be a greedy or snobby artist... But because I truly get so very excited to try them all! (and I still use each and every set)!

For Halloween art, I really like the iridescent watercolors and Twinkling H20's.

Do you have a favorite medium or hobby that you just never can get enough of?

During the day I am still plugging away with commissions.

 

An Irish Blessing in honor of a man who turns 80 years old in October. His grown children asked me to do the painting, which will be donated to their church. Isn't that so nice?

The man was also a wheat farmer.

I absolutely enjoy hearing the stories that go with each commission. These are real people with real events...

and I always feel so honored myself, to be a part of.

God is good!

By night...

I'm right back here, in the living room...

 

Yes, I got the Halloween decorations out...

Even the lights!

*pumpkin love*

Xo

 

The Joys of Giving...

Hello, dear ones!

How have you been?

All is wonderful here on the prairie.

Slightly cooler days, morning dew on the grass.

I'm getting so very excited for Fall, aren't you?

Before further ramblings, I want to remind you to get on over to my Facebook business page, (click here), give me a "like" (pretty please), and post a comment on the giveaway post!

The drawing is tonight...

I will be giving away this 9" x 12" acrylics on canvas, "I love you to the moon & back"!

Hurry!!!!

I so enjoy giving things away and will be doing this more often!

Speaking of giving...

I must share with you, something that has touched my heart in a big way.

I have a special client who gives so much.

Possibly you have read my blog post about this generous lady who has commissioned me for the entire 2014 year. Each month, she chooses someone for me to paint for. I then, secretly send the painting to the recipient, never revealing who the gift is from. I simply enclose an angel card, explaining to the recipient that someone is thinking of him or her and wanted them to have a gift of art.

Well, to my surprise...

This thoughtful client sent me a box in the mail.

You see, my Birthday is just around the corner...

but I do not expect gifts at my age! (Except maybe from husband), *giggle*.

I opened the box.

Filled with such goodness...

I carefully pulled out one gift after another!

Amazed. Happy. Squeeling...

Yet my eyes began to tear up.

"How can one person do so much", I wondered.

Not just for me...

but for oh, so many others.

 

I loved every single item in that Birthday box.

The following day I went into my art studio and the first thing on my to do list was to paint a special "thank you "card...

Just for her.

I will certainly be thinking of other ways to surprise her, but what this person has added to my life is a reminder of the joys that come from giving.

This wonderful person inspires me to be more giving.

Hey!

How about a peek into our forest?

Husband has been trimming the trees and we can now see the pond better!

Won't it be so beautiful in the Fall?

We hope to be spending much time here.

We are already thinking of family get-togethers, Bon fires, night fishing, and even overnight stays in the house, on the property.

I will also be watching for magical creatures.

A couple of weeks ago we were fortunate enough to find a nest of these darlings...

who grew quickly and hopped away!

Life is good.

Sending many blessings your way!

Xo

 

Greetings!

Just a quick hello, as promised!

Can you believe that it's the end of the week already?

Oh my, it has gone by so quickly!

I have taken just a teensy break from acrylic paints.

You see, I really truly love watercolors.

I have missed my watercolors terribly.

So, this week I have been painting 5" x 7" watercolor greeting cards.

They are for sale soon, over on my "Missy Trent Art & Offerings" facebook page.

Please, join me over there!

I would love to see your lovely face!!!

Shhhhh.

I am also going to offer a give away soon!

Do you have any weekend plans?

I will tell you all about mine after I get some photos to share!!!

Until next time...

XO