My assistant is a wonderful dog named Max. Max is full of energy at times and he encourages me to walk. He also will just sleep at my feet while I am painting and he provides great company. Pets can make us happy. There is actually a growing body of scientific research that shows that our pets can also make us healthy, or healthier.
That helps explain the increasing use of animals - dogs and cats mostly, but also birds, fish and even horses in settings ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to schools, jails and mental institutions.
Though one might not immediately think of goats as a logical choice as a pet, these animals surprisingly exhibit many character traits that make them wonderful animal companions. They are intelligent and curious animals and having one as a pet can be a truly enriching and wonderful endeavor.
A friend provided the reference photo for this painting of her father and his pet goat. I loved the interaction, the colors, the emotion and the relationship it displayed. I hope I was able to convey that in this painting.
A friend asked me to combine two of my paintings into one. Two ladies standing beside each other on the beach, two who could actually be the same person. Back "then" (the lady on the left) might have had a little firmer body, maybe more height and darker hair. Today (now, on the right) she might look a little different but we she is still the same in many ways. Hopefully more wise, more patient and has a better understanding of what life is all about. There is nothing more peaceful than standing beside the ocean at whatever age.
Someone recently purchased my three ladies on the beach and asked me to paint another painting to go along with that one but this time consider painting men. I take a lot of pictures on the beach during the summer so I found a couple of men and created a composition that reminds me of men on the beach standing in the waves talking about????? Well, in my experience it is football.
I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to paint for others during this Season. I have been asked to paint children, grandchildren, churches, animals and Christmas trees. I am honored. When someone tells me that my art "touches" them - well, that is the highest compliment. This painting is my gift to give back. This was a give away on my Facebook page. I give away a painting every month or so. Please visit....Marcia Hodges, Artist on FB.
The wonderful story of Christ coming to earth to save us and bring everlasting peace. What a gift!
Merry Christmas to all.
For many of us there are special churches in our lives that just feel like we are "home" when we walk in. Peace, quiet safety and the presence of God are there.
