Sunday, February 14, 2010

Wildlife- The Flying Moleskins



acrylic on gessoed paper
ea. panel 5 x 8"


These are my pages in James Parker's journal for the Flying Moleskins project. James' theme is wildlife. We have lots of deer and bunnies in Maryland, and LOTS of snow right now. I found a reference photo from Danish photographer Tanja Askani, who has heart-warming shots of this orphaned deer who befriended a wild rabbit at a refuge center. I love it when nature shows us how to get along.

The colt is one of the wild horses who are sheltered on Assateague Island off the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia. In the summer, some of the horses are herded, and swim to Chincoteague, Virginia for auction. More of the story is on the National Park Service's site. One of my favorite books from childhood is Margeurite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone...snuggle up to someone you love --human or otherwise! ;-)

50 comments:

Manon said...

Hey Liz,

I just adore these pages!! You've done wonderful work! You guys seem to be having so much fun with this project!!

Happy Valentine's Day, my friend!

manon
xo

Btw.... we're under another winter storm warning for tomorrow. 4 -8 more inches! I'm moving!!!!!!

Ann Rogers said...

Okay, I'm envious! How fortunate for James to have these two paintings to look forward to receiving in his moleskin. These will be a hard act to follow. Both very "tender" moments in time!

Unknown said...

Liz, you are soooooooooo talented. My hearts sings and I smile when I look at these lovely images. More hugs for my gal pal Liz!

James Parker said...

When I saw these two incredibly touching pieces on the Flying Moleskins Blog, two things happened...One, I was speechless (that almost never happens) and, second, I am honored and delighted that these two remarkable artworks are in my journal. Liz, you big sweetie...thank you and bless you from the bottom of my big fat heart!!! And you are so-o-o right about being able to learn a lot from nature about getting along. oxoxoxo

Carolina Elizabeth said...

These are so very sweet! You have a wonderfully light control over your brushstrokes that I admire so much. It is lovely.

Carolina said...

Hi Liz,
I love the images you chose, the paintings are so lovely! I'm loving this flying moleskin project so much so far :)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Carolina

dominique eichi said...

Liz,
You shine in all circumstances and in painting you glow. Sweetness and kindness is in the foreground here and much appreciated on this day.
Happy Valentine my friend we are all blessed with your work
(your snow looks fabulous)

Edward Burton said...

Wow, Liz, James is so fortunate to have these two absolutely wonderful paintings in his moleskin - they are beautiful!
Happy Valentines Day!

Vern Schwarz said...

Liz, these are wonderful. Winter snow just doesn't seem that cold in a gorgeous painting like this, especially with such warm sentiments. Great start to James's book.

Lokelani Forrest said...

Liz...I love these paintings and to think you have done them on paper. Such tenderness portrayed between the deer and rabbit.

Diana said...

Hey there, Liz!

These are adorable! Nice work!

All the best,

Diana

Art with Liz said...

Saw these on James' blog and they looked so precious! Lovely, Liz.

Carol Horzempa said...

Liz - they are precious and done so well. Great job on the snow!

Both paintings will be a beautiful addition to James Parker's journal.

Karen Bruson said...

These are so beautiful.

jyothisethu said...

liz,
visiting your blog again..
this time the orphaned deer and wild rabbit really fascinated me...
the colour scheme and the leaves made to life by simple touches are really good..

-Don said...

Great job, Liz! I especially like that you posted on Valentine's Day a perfect cover for a Christmas card. Peace on Earth - as taught to us by our animal friends...

-Don

Camille LaRue Olsen said...

Liz, these are so sweet and innocent and lovely. They appeal to the child in me, as well as the animal lover. Excellent work!

Arti said...

These paintings left me speechless,Liz.Just looking at this deer among all those rich,dark hues made my heart skip a beat.Just wonerful!

Gwen Bell said...

Ok, what do I have to do to bribe you and James to give me the book? Name it. Anything.

This little painting just blows me away! And to think it's in a little moleskin book, this little jewel, makes it even more charming.

Ramesh Jhawar said...

Lovely colors, Liz! Good job!

artbyakiko said...

These are so lovely. I just love them!
Akiko

Unknown said...

The deer and bunny are fantastic Liz. Really lovely composition. The colour variety you have got on them and the background is stunning)

Diana Marshall said...

Hi Liz! I've passed along the Sunshine Blogger award to you that I received from Pat Burns. I rarely take the time to do these things, but it has been quite a while since I told my fellow artists how much joy & inspiration they bring me. Congrats, you can visit my site to retrieve it!

Pattie Wall said...

hello liz - these are both incredibly beautiful and very sweet. I love animals, they are my favorite subject matter. I remember a book I had on the mustangs of chicoteague by Henry. great memories!

r garriott said...

What an interesting project the moleskins are turning out to be... I wish I could have participated (Dominique was so kind to ask), but didn't think I'd be able to keep up with it.

L.Holm said...

Thanks, Manon - am *deeply* sorry about the snow forecast. aaaaaargh!

Ann - thank you so much. I appreciate your comments always.

Thanks, Cathyann. Stay warm!

James - you're welcome...it's my sincere pleasure!

Hi, Carolina Elizabeth - thank you for looking so closely. You're very kind.

Hi, Carolina - thanks for visiting. The project's been lots of fun.

Dominique, Edward and Vern - thanks so very much, journal comrades!

Lokelani - thanks so much for visiting and for your comments.

Thank you, Diana!

Thanks, Liz..I appreciate your stopping by :-D

L.Holm said...

Hi, Carol - many thanks.

Karen- Thanks for visiting, and welcome back to blogland.

thanks for the return visit, Jyothisethu - i appreciate it!

Don! LOL, thanks for your comments. It does look like a Christmas card. Must be all of this snow.

Thanks, Camille. Looking forward to seeing your next entry. Your portraits are phenom.

Arti, thank you so much! Those darks behind the trees are my favorite parts! thanks for noticing them.

Gwen - you make me giggle. Thanks! And thanks for your kind words.

Ramesh and Akiko - thank you friends!

L.Holm said...

Sam - thank you so much. High praise from the color meister :-D

Thank you very much, Diana- I'll pop around soon...

Patti - thank you so much for visiting and for your kind comments. I loved Henry's books, too.

L.Holm said...

Hey, R. Yes, Moleskins has been a lot of fun so far. was sorry you couldn't participate, but know you're busy.

Karen Bruson said...

I left you an award. Come get it!

Rosemary said...

Oh Liz, these are so tender and lovely! You have made James a very happy fellow! What a fun project!

Gary Keimig said...

these are just great Liz. As I am writing this that cottontail looks like the ssame on outside my door that my wife just fed a carrot to.
I also had the book on the wild horses. Even as a kid I remember and loved the illustration work in the book

Faith Te said...

Ms. Liz, I love the rabbit and deer painting. It's so cute. Thanks for the link to their story too. It was very heartwarming.

I have given you the Sunshine award. Please stop by my blog to accept. Hugs to both you and your Mom :)

Faith

mamagramma said...

these are wonderful and so warm.
thanks for the comments also. your blog is inspiring!

Celeste Bergin said...

awwwwwww. Love them both--but the deer and the bunny!! awwwwwww

Dana Cooper said...

so, so cute Liz...the deer and the bunny look like a Christmas card!

Unknown said...

I remember seeing that shot of the orphaned deer and bunny...somewhere. (The dreaded "somewhere.")

fun pages, Liz!

L.Holm said...

Thank you, Karen!

Hi, Rosemary. It is fun. Thanks for your comments.

Thanks, Gary. Your cottontails sound tame. I'll have to find a copy of her books again.

Faith - thank you so much for your kind comments, and very much for the award!

Thanks for your visit and comments, Erin. I appreciate it.

Thanks, Celeste! xo

Hi, Dana - I didn't intend it, but it does look Christmasy

Thanks, Karine! Maybe on Tanja's site??

Patrice said...

Hello - and thank you for your kind and generous words. Now that I see your work, I am doubly honored. Love your pages and "Seeing Red" is fabulous.

Dean Grey said...

Amazing job on these pages, Liz!

Especially considering how small these are!

-Dean

LizBlog said...

These are wonderful!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Liz - it's great to see you painting again! I am coming by to see what everyone is doing but have little time to post myself. Vancouver has exploded into one giant party with the great weather, street entertainers on top of Olympic events and everyone dressing up! I'll get a report up tomorrow hopefully.

Anonymous said...

Felicidades por tu blog y por tus obras tan bellas, me encantan....
recibe un abrazo

L.Holm said...

Hi, Patrice - thank you so much!

Dean - thanks, my friend. You're right about the size. I have a new appreciation for folks who paint detail in small formats.

Elizabeth - Thank you! I appreciate it. :-D

Hi, Barb - that is so cool that you're there! Looking forward to hearing more.

Isabel - Muchas gracias por los amables comentarios, y gracias por su visita.
abrazos para ti!

Aimee D said...

Liz, I find your work inspiring! I have given you an award. Please stop by my blog to pick it up.

Anonymous said...

delightful illustrations that took me back to childhood.... thanks for that Liz!!

meperry said...

Hello. I will repeat that they are beautiful, sensitive pages. Thank you for sharing them. Just scrolling and checking out blogs, glad I saw yours. Make sure you find time to keep that journal. Best, Mark

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Liz, this is one of the hottest blogs going! You totally rock! I know life is not easy for you right now, but LOOK what you're pouring out on the canvas! LOVE these nature paintings.

rob ijbema said...

super sweet!

Jala Pfaff said...

I read that book too!!
We have lots of snow too! :D