tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54980063640377365942024-02-06T19:15:28.704-08:00Catherine TempleFine ArtCatherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-60090426809633761462018-03-22T23:30:00.000-07:002018-03-22T23:30:16.122-07:00Making Some Changes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Bluebird</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just wanting to let my readers know that in the near future I will be making some changes. I am currently in the process of building an official website that will better showcase my art and, hopefully, will also allow me to continue my blog posts all in the same location. Those of you that follow this blog may get lost in the process (I hope not, but apologize if you do). I will be switching this domain (currently www.catherinetemple.com) to the new website and this blog will go back to www.catherinetempleart.com. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am hoping to have the new website up and running by the end of the month. It's been bouncing around in my brain for some time and I finally decided to just do it. The process has been time consuming and humbling with several false starts, but I think I've finally settled on a hosting platform that will work. So, the next time that you type in that domain it should take you to the new site. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for following this blog and hopefully I will see you at the new one soon! Happy Spring! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-5918817844262765592018-02-21T21:30:00.000-08:002018-02-21T21:30:18.269-08:00Working Away<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At work in my studio</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Well, another month has slipped by and I haven't posted much. It's not that there hasn't been anything to post, I just haven't taken the time. Shame on me. In my defense I have been very focused on my art these last several weeks.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Most of the month of January I spent painting ten small works for the Valley Art Center show for the month of February. This was a fund-raising event for the gallery and it was a wonderful success for both the gallery and the artists. Over thirty artists were represented each contributing between five and ten small pieces of art. We had over two hundred pieces to choose from. When the show opened folks in attendance literally ran for the walls to grab their favorites as this was truly a "grab and go" show. Sixteen paintings sold in the first ten minutes! It was crazy fun!</i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used this event as a chance to try out some different subject matter and airbrushed backgrounds. I painted two butterflies using the airbrush and thought they turned out rather nice. The soft focused background really made the butterflies pop.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited when they were both chosen to go home with a new collector. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This red fox was very popular and I probably could have sold more just like him had I painted more than one. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had also rented wall space in another part of the gallery to showcase some of my larger pieces that I had left from my October show. I was ecstatic when someone walked through the gallery carrying one of my favorite paintings, Dawn Patrol, and took it home for their own.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn Patrol - Prairie Falcon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> By the time the opening reception ended nine of my ten paintings had sold and dozens of other artists works went as well. As I said, it was crazy fun!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once that show was past I then turned my focus to creating my next duck stamp entry. I decided to enter Delaware's contest again this year as they are still featuring a dog and a duck on their stamp. This year it will feature a black Labrador retriever and long-tailed ducks. This species of duck was a little more challenging for me as I have only had the opportunity to see one only once in my life. I took photos at that time, but the birds were rather far away. I spent several hours studying others photos of these birds and even spent time watching hunting videos to get a better idea of the habitat they're found in and how they interact in it. Eventually, I put together a sketch and started painting. Unfortunately, I can't show you anything until after the judging in April, but you can be sure I will post the results and my entry either way.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what's up next? Well, if I wanted there are enough duck stamp contests to enter one every few months and I do have plans to enter more. However, I think the next painting may be for me personally. I still haven't painted my dog, Balin's official portrait. The Delaware duck stamp doesn't count as that. My idea for his official portrait will be more of a montage including his puppy stage, adult stage and maybe an aspect or two of his true personality. I can't wait to get started on that! </span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-55549589410238012522018-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:002018-01-03T11:00:34.952-08:00Welcome 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet Time - Kingfisher - Acrylic 5" x 7"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone and Welcome 2018!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard for me to believe that a whole year has come and gone already! This past year was a wonderful adventure filled with exciting opportunities, new friends, great successes and some challenges. I pushed myself harder than I have in years to reach my goals and was rewarded for my efforts. I feel pretty good about that. Now we're looking at a new year ahead and I'm working at formulating a new plan. At this point the plan is a little vague since I don't have a show or other major event that I'm working towards, but that can always change. The year is still young.</span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMecjnHJ9Fk/Wk0iPlqpG5I/AAAAAAAAB_E/fo4HEyIkYlIBhyiXsYGGouF9tFveELFTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3521%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMecjnHJ9Fk/Wk0iPlqpG5I/AAAAAAAAB_E/fo4HEyIkYlIBhyiXsYGGouF9tFveELFTQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3521%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"First Winter" juvenile Red-tailed hawk - acrylic 5" x 7"</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To start off 2018 I am working on ten small paintings that are going to a fundraiser for Valley Art Center in February. These mini-paintings, only 5" x 7", are giving me a good opportunity to experiment a little. I got a new airbrush for Christmas and I'm practicing, on a small scale, with soft focused backgrounds. As I have been working more in acrylics lately achieving this look with a brush is challenging as the paint dries quickly making it hard to blend. An airbrush can help to create that softer background and give the painting a sense of depth. Learning to airbrush isn't without its challenges though and you can easily overdo the look, but it's fun to try some new things. </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The show is called "A Heart for Art" and will feature the works of several talented artists. Each painting will be for sale for the small price of $40.00. The opening reception will be Friday, February 2nd from 4 - 7 p.m. and will run through the end of February, however that first night will give you the best selection and it's usually pretty fast paced with paintings nearly flying off the walls.The show is designed for patrons to be able to take their purchases home that evening and a framer will even be on hand with pre-made frames. It's sure to be a fun event so please plan to come if you can.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, 2018 is off to a flying start! Guess I'd better get back to work as February will be here before I know it. Here's hoping 2018 is a good year for everyone! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-17682442767872716552017-12-17T20:30:00.000-08:002017-12-17T20:30:11.796-08:00Quiet Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First snow 2017</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We received the first snow of the season here in the L-C valley last night. It wasn't a lot, maybe 3"- 4", but it was enough to soften everything and make the valley look more festive for the holidays. It won't last more than a day or two, but I always love the first snow of winter. It gets me in the mood for the Christmas season and makes me feel peaceful.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sunrise from the duck pond</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like a lot of people this time of year I find myself busy and hurrying trying to get projects and shopping done and I miss the beauty of winter, so this December I've taken a little break from all of that. I hadn't planned it that way, but continued problems with my back and having my husband off work for part of the month has helped (forced?) me to slow down more. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughed-legged hawk and hoarfrost</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've taken some quiet drives, had some talks with God, and just enjoyed the beauty and wonder of His creation at this time of year. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old farm equipment and hoarfrost</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It's helped. I feel calmer and I'm trying to let that sink in for the remainder of the year and hope to bring it forward into the next year ahead.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingfisher on a cold morning</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know for sure what next year will bring. I have some ideas, but I'm taking this quiet time to try and listen to God's guidance and plan for me instead of rushing head-long into things.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what about you? Are you taking time to be quiet and listen? God is speaking through nature and the Christmas season. Can you hear his call to your heart? </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas season! </span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-91439101253851574982017-11-08T18:00:00.000-08:002017-11-08T18:00:33.165-08:00Sometimes You Win.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIYfyUWz_wc/WgOFdsMBMMI/AAAAAAAAB7o/cWIuExKaCVQQINo4C8RG9xaY1F6Pr2JbgCLcBGAs/s1600/284A2565%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIYfyUWz_wc/WgOFdsMBMMI/AAAAAAAAB7o/cWIuExKaCVQQINo4C8RG9xaY1F6Pr2JbgCLcBGAs/s320/284A2565%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon duck stamp entry</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But not always.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I entered another duck stamp contest for the state of Oregon. The species choices were ring-necked duck, harlequin, bufflehead or ruddy duck. I chose to do a pair of ring-necked ducks in early pre-dawn light mainly because that was the species I had the best reference for. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU3zUiyEPl0/WgONds2sPpI/AAAAAAAAB8M/Zh2PPbvFLcANSR2snH-8HVdGoCsGx8MVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2861%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU3zUiyEPl0/WgONds2sPpI/AAAAAAAAB8M/Zh2PPbvFLcANSR2snH-8HVdGoCsGx8MVQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2861%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring-necked ducks</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzayza9GFNE/WgONMvynsPI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/c3JcMILiLuws-sMFtoiu7BP62SmHSvqBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzayza9GFNE/WgONMvynsPI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/c3JcMILiLuws-sMFtoiu7BP62SmHSvqBwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I basically combined these two images into a final painting.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worked very hard to depict the ducks accurately and was satisfied with the piece when I sent it off.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The judging took place on Nov. 4th at the Duck Pond Winery, but I was not chosen. I didn't even make the top five. Was I disappointed? You bet. I had worked hard on that piece and knew the competition would be tough. I just didn't realize how tough. The top five paintings were incredible in their level of detail and realism. </span></span></i></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can view the other entries here:</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/waterfowl/contest/index.asp&source=gmail&ust=1510267183763000&usg=AFQjCNFTb061P3VLj4oKCnONf_PXgvhkvA" href="http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/waterfowl/contest/index.asp" target="_blank">
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/<wbr></wbr>resources/hunting/waterfowl/<wbr></wbr>contest/index.asp</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So, you win some, you lose some. You just never know who you will be competing against or what the judges are looking for. I have to admit that I had to ask myself some hard questions after this because if I intend to keep competing I'm definitely going to have to up my game. Is this something that I want to do or am I satisfied with just creating art that makes people happy. Well, I decided I want to do both! Sometimes a little healthy competition stretches us to do better and I'm just competitive enough to want to play with the big boys and girls in this realm. I don't have to win all the duck stamp contests, but I'd sure like to win more than just one and in the process if it helps me create better art then it's a win-win situation all around.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So what's next? Well, there's a contest for Washington in December and N. Carolina in January. I am planning on entering both. I have been out the past few days gathering reference photos as the ducks and geese are migrating through my area. I have a lot of work ahead of me if I hope to do better on these next contests!</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Oh, and I almost forgot! I will be getting my painting back in the next week or so and it will be for sale on my Daily Paintworks site so watch for it there. It might not have won a contest, but it still could make someone happy! </i></span></span> </span></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-45334982898070485722017-10-07T22:00:00.000-07:002017-10-07T22:00:19.580-07:00Beyond Blessed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGkXIA-Fcb8/WdmIiaq3I1I/AAAAAAAAB3k/rQIW3OL45WsDcCy7vC9Sn1rQDLlcuvV4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3292%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGkXIA-Fcb8/WdmIiaq3I1I/AAAAAAAAB3k/rQIW3OL45WsDcCy7vC9Sn1rQDLlcuvV4gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3292%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The long awaited opening of my solo show was Friday night, October 6th at the Valley Art Center in Clarkston, Wa. Though a little nervous about the event I went with a light heart full of hope and anticipation. I'd had a little conversation with God that morning about my hopes for the show and felt like he was replying, "Just trust me on this." So I tried my best not to worry, to just go and enjoy myself. </i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7ut3mLTvA/WdmLbj_j1zI/AAAAAAAAB38/QngITEq8OuI-BMUPy_vt0ec1oDYgPJVmACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF0167%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1092" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7ut3mLTvA/WdmLbj_j1zI/AAAAAAAAB38/QngITEq8OuI-BMUPy_vt0ec1oDYgPJVmACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF0167%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy and relaxed me before the show!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> I arrived a little before 4 p.m. and the volunteers at the gallery had everything ready to go. They had hung and placed my art in such a way as to really make it shine and I was so pleased. </i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeBZbFr95P8/WdmNWtiLeGI/AAAAAAAAB4I/-SF0QA0AF4cb6qwfvHXDnRdqsPuSXmnMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3259%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeBZbFr95P8/WdmNWtiLeGI/AAAAAAAAB4I/-SF0QA0AF4cb6qwfvHXDnRdqsPuSXmnMwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3259%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature paintings tastefully displayed.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39QdYBXgqC8/WdmR8D5zXeI/AAAAAAAAB44/9RVLGV4RggUgBt8JSgjqEZ0um1UcTNGmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39QdYBXgqC8/WdmR8D5zXeI/AAAAAAAAB44/9RVLGV4RggUgBt8JSgjqEZ0um1UcTNGmQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the front window.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> My guests started arriving shortly thereafter and within half an hour the gallery was full of art lovers and friends!</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMtmvSAwh7Y/WdmN-qpiyRI/AAAAAAAAB4c/YmdM6JlI21oHWkUFLUYNimA1EyH16lqRACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF0172%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMtmvSAwh7Y/WdmN-qpiyRI/AAAAAAAAB4c/YmdM6JlI21oHWkUFLUYNimA1EyH16lqRACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF0172%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first guests!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRbVhue7EOI/WdmQAPK5d0I/AAAAAAAAB4o/tpALGNAawG408l7otz82Z4Z8otRppW1fwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3287%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRbVhue7EOI/WdmQAPK5d0I/AAAAAAAAB4o/tpALGNAawG408l7otz82Z4Z8otRppW1fwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3287%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More guests!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many of the people were good friends I've known a long time. Some were past clients. Some folks were new acquaintances and some I had never met, but all were excited and interested in my art and I was incredibly humbled by the fact that they had come and by the wonderful compliments they had for my work. </span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5dhb92dHkI/WdmSzZwP_1I/AAAAAAAAB5E/BNun6TpudJICP9um1XwPhtqgvgYsGn9CACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3290%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5dhb92dHkI/WdmSzZwP_1I/AAAAAAAAB5E/BNun6TpudJICP9um1XwPhtqgvgYsGn9CACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3290%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> I was trying very hard to take time to visit with everyone that came, but at times it got a little crazy as more people were arriving than I ever dreamed would come.</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qLr6w2YBO4/WdmTwV_L86I/AAAAAAAAB5c/U49fhzcvdMsZwgoiAfFVSdbKTQDFUcPhgCLcBGAs/s1600/1507346365-27627-IMG_20171006_173045861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qLr6w2YBO4/WdmTwV_L86I/AAAAAAAAB5c/U49fhzcvdMsZwgoiAfFVSdbKTQDFUcPhgCLcBGAs/s320/1507346365-27627-IMG_20171006_173045861.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet moment with a very dear friend.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> And then it happened.....I had my first sale! One of my past clients fell in love with "Lady Bluetail" the rare little bird that visited our valley last December and the first painting I had completed for the show.</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSiFt4Kkv_Q/WdmVYGwIXjI/AAAAAAAAB5o/f67kwJw-j7cIDsJKNNvdgkWSLpGnMkpHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2318-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSiFt4Kkv_Q/WdmVYGwIXjI/AAAAAAAAB5o/f67kwJw-j7cIDsJKNNvdgkWSLpGnMkpHwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2318-2.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Bluetail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> It was interesting to visit with folks and find out their thoughts on my work and what appealed to them. There is no way to predict what will resonate with someone when you paint it, no way to guess what will sell. I certainly had my favorites, but I was surprised and delighted when many people started gravitating toward my painting "Feel Free to Hunt" which depicted an encounter I had with a coyote as I watched it hunting one day. The story behind it can be found here:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.catherinetempleart.com/2017/03/feel-free-to-hunt.html" target="_blank">http://www.catherinetempleart.com/2017/03/feel-free-to-hunt.html </a></i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JmYrXzURoA/WdmXdLPAU7I/AAAAAAAAB6A/pOMNe08yK80Sl-9Axz1rwF4CR9AOZxWyACLcBGAs/s1600/1507399076-11692-IMG_3156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JmYrXzURoA/WdmXdLPAU7I/AAAAAAAAB6A/pOMNe08yK80Sl-9Axz1rwF4CR9AOZxWyACLcBGAs/s320/1507399076-11692-IMG_3156.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and "Feel Free to Hunt"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>No one was more pleased than me when it became the second painting to sell that evening! And more good things just started happening from there! </i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URkBc_Rttkg/WdmaVHKzkhI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/eEzDW8ML8wI6lL0_NO97JCsAeT3N7iA3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Cassie-%2BReady%2Bto%2BGo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1305" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URkBc_Rttkg/WdmaVHKzkhI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/eEzDW8ML8wI6lL0_NO97JCsAeT3N7iA3wCLcBGAs/s320/Cassie-%2BReady%2Bto%2BGo.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Go-black lab pup</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>There were many moments in the evening that really touched my heart and blessed me beyond measure. One of those came when a past client of mine saw this drawing of a black Lab puppy. He fell in love with it and bought it, then searched me out and asked if the puppy in the drawing was his Cassie. Some time ago he had gotten this little black lab pup and asked me to do a portrait of her. I took many photos of her then completed a portrait for him. A while later I had completed this drawing using some of the other photos I had taken at that time, but had never told him about it as I was using it for an example when I met with other pet portrait clients. Incredibly, he recognized his dog in that drawing and was moved to tears when I told him it was indeed his Cassie. Of course, that got me crying, too. It's incredible to me that something I've created can touch someone that way.</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q1J9x9m9WU/Wdmd61j8UGI/AAAAAAAAB6c/8pw7dx-6zxEtfrbfeg57woxgDf6WZudzgCLcBGAs/s1600/It%2527s%2BMy%2BChair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q1J9x9m9WU/Wdmd61j8UGI/AAAAAAAAB6c/8pw7dx-6zxEtfrbfeg57woxgDf6WZudzgCLcBGAs/s320/It%2527s%2BMy%2BChair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie - "It's my chair"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Another touching moment came when I saw a good friend standing in front of this drawing of my dog Maggie. He seemed very serious and lost in deep thought as he looked at it. Her knew Maggie very well and it sparked some good memories of her and his dogs and walks we shared. Again, some deep emotions welled to the surface and again, I was deeply touched by this response to my art.</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TF3tDiJ0Sw/WdmgWM0MgFI/AAAAAAAAB6o/qY5-9Cue6fMmJu-DD31GVT6zFlV9F2yYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF0175%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1383" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TF3tDiJ0Sw/WdmgWM0MgFI/AAAAAAAAB6o/qY5-9Cue6fMmJu-DD31GVT6zFlV9F2yYgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF0175%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special friends at my show</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The journey to this show has been an incredible experience for me. My opening night was a great success because of the love, support, and prayers of so many people who believed in me including family, friends, clients and the hard-working volunteer staff at Valley Art Center. I can not express my thanks enough to all of you, those who were there and those who couldn't make it. But mostly I would like to thank my Creator for giving me the talent to be an artist and showing me how I could use it to enrich the lives of others. It has long been my dream to paint in this way and God has been answering that prayer in amazing ways. This scripture verse came to me today from Ephesians 4:20,</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Thanks to God and all of you, I am beyond blessed!</i></span></span></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-48049081895404381332017-09-18T21:30:00.000-07:002017-09-18T21:30:01.537-07:00Counting the Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53mt0LYRnGk/WcCEYsRYceI/AAAAAAAAB2I/WAxV0UNcCJEmdMGB7VxGIQhd7a-DDV5BQCLcBGAs/s1600/show%2Binvite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53mt0LYRnGk/WcCEYsRYceI/AAAAAAAAB2I/WAxV0UNcCJEmdMGB7VxGIQhd7a-DDV5BQCLcBGAs/s320/show%2Binvite.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The paintings are finally done, the framing is all complete. Everything is labeled and priced and packed. My first solo show is just weeks away and I am excited, apprehensive and relieved all at once. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This has been an interesting journey for me, bigger than any project I've ever taken on. I have had to work harder at painting than I've ever done in the past in order to have enough pieces to put in the show. I've had to be extremely organized and dedicated so I could reach my goal. I have had to paint most days and have had to plan the next painting while still focusing on the one I was working on. Early on in the process I often asked myself, "what in the world were you thinking when you said yes to this??" Because I have primarily worked on commissions I had very few pieces in inventory which meant I had to work that much harder to meet the number of paintings needed. But, I did it!</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79Awk-ekEKE/WcCIDdQiymI/AAAAAAAAB2g/6fVaZlxrPn4CRu6b_Kuw7X3bAz5ZeYh-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79Awk-ekEKE/WcCIDdQiymI/AAAAAAAAB2g/6fVaZlxrPn4CRu6b_Kuw7X3bAz5ZeYh-ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The photo shows my progress from a few months ago. Almost all of these are new paintings so you can gauge just how much work was involved here. This is about two-thirds of what I completed for the show. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and one of my favorite paintings</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now that I have the work behind me I can take a deep breath, maybe have a glass of wine and figure out what happens next. Perhaps now I will concentrate on more challenging individual pieces that I can really take my time on or maybe I will focus on entering more duck stamp contests. The next steps on the path have not been revealed yet, but I'm hopeful they will be soon. In the meantime, I'll be anxiously awaiting the opening of this show and hopefully getting to visit with many of you there! </span></span></i></div>
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<br />Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-27157668711729641182017-08-22T18:30:00.000-07:002017-08-22T18:30:15.050-07:00Busy, busy, busy!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lrd3am4KEY/WZzEDCCWJgI/AAAAAAAAB0M/wZBAVuhNA6QPYGXVXmwl_OQhcLOOKnjCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lrd3am4KEY/WZzEDCCWJgI/AAAAAAAAB0M/wZBAVuhNA6QPYGXVXmwl_OQhcLOOKnjCwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the 22", 15 lb. zucchini</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, folks, I apologize for the lack of posting, but I have had more than my share of things going on this past month. I can't believe how incredibly blessed I've been this year with the produce coming out of my garden.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bksHc3EaB0/WZzE6iLqYSI/AAAAAAAAB0U/eBx1TvVy9f0-XnWs8vRD06HRQJDPlNgdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bksHc3EaB0/WZzE6iLqYSI/AAAAAAAAB0U/eBx1TvVy9f0-XnWs8vRD06HRQJDPlNgdwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes from my garden</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I picked the mega-monster zucchini the other day and have picked well over a hundred pounds of tomatoes with more on the way. Canning, freezing, dehydrating and eating fresh produce is competing heavily with my painting time and there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFSgKjc8LPQ/WZzGBVMJWNI/AAAAAAAAB0g/7uqxin2WbEsf7Ll2UsK9eZFqMtE1lLvvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFSgKjc8LPQ/WZzGBVMJWNI/AAAAAAAAB0g/7uqxin2WbEsf7Ll2UsK9eZFqMtE1lLvvgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balin napping</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The only one getting any rest around here is the dog who thinks the best place to sleep is in my studio, under my table with his head on the air conditioner vent. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqm3g-WL7ho/WZzICQivV_I/AAAAAAAAB04/35R0jHCrPsMc5JOozDViTrivvSLgWHp6QCLcBGAs/s1600/284A2210%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqm3g-WL7ho/WZzICQivV_I/AAAAAAAAB04/35R0jHCrPsMc5JOozDViTrivvSLgWHp6QCLcBGAs/s320/284A2210%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female black-chinned hummingbird and blue salvia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnMU181Kmg/WZzIw8xBNUI/AAAAAAAAB1E/K5BppvCMCUIakKVtlM9nEYSMpjCjj6cRwCLcBGAs/s1600/284A2410%2B%25282%2529%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnMU181Kmg/WZzIw8xBNUI/AAAAAAAAB1E/K5BppvCMCUIakKVtlM9nEYSMpjCjj6cRwCLcBGAs/s320/284A2410%2B%25282%2529%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Cooper's hawk</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have taken brief breaks to enjoy the hummingbirds and hawks visiting my garden as well as the recent eclipse which was spectacular even at 97% here in my neck of the woods.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7E4gX8omcA/WZzJbIo4SPI/AAAAAAAAB1M/xhG0xR6PlxomrQKCe8avuDXxhjTAJzmyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3209%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7E4gX8omcA/WZzJbIo4SPI/AAAAAAAAB1M/xhG0xR6PlxomrQKCe8avuDXxhjTAJzmyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3209%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with kestrel painting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have gotten most of my paintings framed and ready for the show, but still have a few I'm working on and hope to add to the total in the next few weeks. The count-down is on so I really don't have a lot of time left.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pA9yt2zrGGo/WZzKAzGpgZI/AAAAAAAAB1g/ufU-uFRz3_4SpOZoSrHpt_aZmV33PNqCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3229%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pA9yt2zrGGo/WZzKAzGpgZI/AAAAAAAAB1g/ufU-uFRz3_4SpOZoSrHpt_aZmV33PNqCgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3229%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystery duck stamp painting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And finally, I decided to enter another duck stamp contest with a deadline coming up in the next few weeks. Sorry, I can't show the whole painting, which is almost finished, until after the contest, but here is a little close-up teaser of the drake. Can you guess the species?</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this helps you all to know that I haven't disappeared. I'm still here, just lost in paint and vegetable matter! Hopefully, things will ease off a bit after the show and I will get a little vacation. Until next time, I hope you all are enjoying your summer!</span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-40048551565671456062017-07-22T22:00:00.000-07:002017-07-22T22:00:24.100-07:00Wood duck Reborn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glvEcReBsaM/WXQP9SQifbI/AAAAAAAABw0/qqjhD3ikamkWL_irP-tGQlvtTrJxrEFmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2097-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glvEcReBsaM/WXQP9SQifbI/AAAAAAAABw0/qqjhD3ikamkWL_irP-tGQlvtTrJxrEFmwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2097-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Duck Reflections from Nov. 2016</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some months ago, in November to be exact, I painted a small piece featuring a male wood duck. I had done it for two reasons. First, I needed a piece for my show and second, I needed a piece featuring a duck as part of my portfolio. I kind of whipped it out in a hurry, threw it on the pile and moved on to the next piece, but I was never really satisfied with it. It was okay, but not my best work and it seemed to lack punch. Now, months later, it surfaced again as I was beginning to start the process of framing these thirty pieces for the October show. Looking at it again made me cringe. So.....having a little time on my hands (not really!) between framing, painting and now processing an abundance of veggies from the garden I decided to rework it. I figured since it was on it's way to the "not likely to make it to the show" group if I ruined it by reworking where was the loss? I was actually being uncharacteristically brave in this regard. Usually I fret over ruining a piece entirely, but some of the good things that have come from having to paint constantly is that you start to gain a little confidence in your abilities and your medium.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Tn-8hk4cs/WXQUkmcb1lI/AAAAAAAABxE/HXuwC7_e3Zkh2CBq7XFNotBO-ijSzMbeQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1530" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Tn-8hk4cs/WXQUkmcb1lI/AAAAAAAABxE/HXuwC7_e3Zkh2CBq7XFNotBO-ijSzMbeQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided that what I disliked the most was that the water color was too close in value to the duck and had intended on just making it a lighter shade of blue. Then I thought, why copy my photo reference literally? An idea dawned, one thing lead to another and I found myself masking out the duck and slapping some warm shades of Naples yellow, dioxizine purple, magenta and cadmium orange across the board. Wow! Without adding anything else the painting completely gained some life. Still, it needed more.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting in process with frisket film overlay</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Now I got a little nervous. Things were going pretty well and I didn't want to have to repaint those gorgeous sunset colors, but I knew I wanted to add some dark reflections of vegetation to the top of the painting as well as some reeds or grasses around the duck. To see if this would work I took a piece of clear airbrush frisket film, laid it over the painting and proceeded to experiment with colors and shapes. I used this same procedure in the painting I did last year of the kestrel. When I was satisfied, I removed the film and proceeded to add the reflections and vegetation. Finally, I tweaked the highlights and darks on the wood duck itself.</span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ubGyOtokt4/WXQZFNdcKGI/AAAAAAAABxY/1R2RMl45rM8008yoif50f4w3a1ANyo7cQCLcBGAs/s1600/284A2076.jpg%2528copy%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ubGyOtokt4/WXQZFNdcKGI/AAAAAAAABxY/1R2RMl45rM8008yoif50f4w3a1ANyo7cQCLcBGAs/s320/284A2076.jpg%2528copy%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Reflections-Wood duck- 8 x10" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the final piece now. I think it has much more life and it will definitely be going to the show in October!</span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-61500320426291525202017-07-08T23:30:00.000-07:002017-07-08T23:30:20.106-07:00Red-tail Hawk Nest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuzkex_3-bo/WVxbArCjoQI/AAAAAAAABuI/fB2Pt1eHq_AzDv0F9xSKqHJrAcbJOEoOQCLcBGAs/s1600/284A0577%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuzkex_3-bo/WVxbArCjoQI/AAAAAAAABuI/fB2Pt1eHq_AzDv0F9xSKqHJrAcbJOEoOQCLcBGAs/s320/284A0577%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-tail hawk nest in sycamore tree</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Each spring for the past few years I have had the unique blessing of nest-watching some species of bird. I never pick the species ahead of time, but wait for the bird to present itself to me. This year I had a sneaking suspicion it might be the red-tail hawk as several of them kept crossing my path early on. Then one day in February I discovered a pair building a nest in Swallows Park, one of the parks I frequently walk in. The trees at that time were still bare and the nest was high up in a sycamore tree and easy to see if you were looking. </i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOVL1sKnawQ/WVxeSsB9qcI/AAAAAAAABuM/lotwbh6U8tQtEUrN2GsIuRW-R0lLutYQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1308" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOVL1sKnawQ/WVxeSsB9qcI/AAAAAAAABuM/lotwbh6U8tQtEUrN2GsIuRW-R0lLutYQwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3158.JPG" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-tail hawk journal page</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> Over the course of the next several weeks I watched the pair bring nesting material, mate and interact with each other. Red-tail hawks mate for life, but I had no way of knowing if this was their first nest or just one of many. At any rate it seemed to take them a very long time to build it to their liking.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Finally, on March 23rd, it was move in day! Both birds were at the nest when I arrived and as I started to take photos the female launched off the nest and came low over my head, a rather intimidating sight through the camera lens as she came at me!</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_g3n-2uu5U/WWBWRVVTpjI/AAAAAAAABuo/LtOj-P1nDkMkzglF84kOlVaulLfZSa7CACLcBGAs/s1600/284A0839-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_g3n-2uu5U/WWBWRVVTpjI/AAAAAAAABuo/LtOj-P1nDkMkzglF84kOlVaulLfZSa7CACLcBGAs/s320/284A0839-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female red-tailed hawk</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then following her, the male launched and flew over the top of me circling three times before flying off. As I soon discovered, red-tails are very territorial and protective of their nest. Were these two letting me know my presence was not welcome?</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuiKbrkQilU/WWBXkaJ9C4I/AAAAAAAABus/g52kuiG3TAQhvj_Xatx7h-ewv3nP3ZWGgCLcBGAs/s1600/284A0843-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuiKbrkQilU/WWBXkaJ9C4I/AAAAAAAABus/g52kuiG3TAQhvj_Xatx7h-ewv3nP3ZWGgCLcBGAs/s320/284A0843-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male red-tailed hawk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> As I walk in this park frequently it was easy to keep track of the birds progress. Though I couldn't see into the nest I had a clear view of it from below. By doing a little research and observing closely I was able to determine when the eggs were laid and when I might expect them to hatch. The eggs would be incubated for 28 - 35 days primarily by the female with the male taking over to give her a chance to stretch her wings. Most days there was little to see, but the female always knew I was there.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7P2ydkujNkM/WWBa0PwIrqI/AAAAAAAABu4/xinNTsvDy1wz2isO5H1VKnw2KvO6AbmOgCLcBGAs/s1600/284A0836-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7P2ydkujNkM/WWBa0PwIrqI/AAAAAAAABu4/xinNTsvDy1wz2isO5H1VKnw2KvO6AbmOgCLcBGAs/s320/284A0836-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-tail on nest</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the morning of May 1st, I observed the female standing on the edge of the nest looking in. She appeared to be feeding something then gingerly stepped back into the nest and settled down. I was fairly certain the eggs had hatched and checked again that afternoon. This time she came off the nest and joined the male circling overhead. The two birds flew together with legs dangling as when they are courting, then the smaller bird (the male) folded his wings and plummeted from the sky. Like a heat seeking missile he rocketed over my head, banked sharply and landed effortlessly on the edge of the nest where he sat looking in until the female returned. It was at this time that I got a really good look at the two birds together and discovered some clues as to who was really who. Except for slight differences in plumage color, male and female red-tails are marked the same. Males are one third smaller, but unless the birds are side by side this is difficult to discern. I had always assumed the bird I was seeing on the nest was the female, but at times it could have been the male. Now I could see that the female was darker and her breast was more heavily marked. But the best identifier was her beak. It was deformed quite noticeably with the bottom mandible too long and twisted to one side.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-POuDt1Vn0/WWBgdbmu79I/AAAAAAAABvI/kbhiM3uqSV8wKAlqe2IPKT_bmJBnDeyLwCLcBGAs/s1600/284A1451-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1369" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-POuDt1Vn0/WWBgdbmu79I/AAAAAAAABvI/kbhiM3uqSV8wKAlqe2IPKT_bmJBnDeyLwCLcBGAs/s320/284A1451-2%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Broke-beak" on her nest</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I nick-named her "Broke-beak" and as the days went by she and I got to know each other quite well. I also learned a lot about red-tail attitude when it came to their nest. If I got too close or looked too long she would come off her nest and scream at me.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asHmTliIi9g/WWBhggxKKrI/AAAAAAAABvU/yXzerhVkBZo4Lff4oDR00ej7lPL53jQ8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asHmTliIi9g/WWBhggxKKrI/AAAAAAAABvU/yXzerhVkBZo4Lff4oDR00ej7lPL53jQ8wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes both parents would be present and would circle above me hurling insults. I would try to hide under the now leafed-out trees, but I could see their shadows as they hunted for me. It was a bit intimidating! Even if I camouflaged both myself and my camera, they seemed to always see me and our dance would begin. They would circle and scream and I would hide under the trees.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMbZTH17Fv0/WWBjhJKAZZI/AAAAAAAABvc/EI-c56hpIxQrBBxD40dHFetae819VLPQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMbZTH17Fv0/WWBjhJKAZZI/AAAAAAAABvc/EI-c56hpIxQrBBxD40dHFetae819VLPQwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3161.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finally saw the first fuzzy head on May 9th and while they grew rapidly it would take them on average 42 - 48 days to be big enough to leave the nest. At this young age they are called eyasses (pronounced EYE- ess-ez) and even though they are fuzzy they already have that fierce look that all raptors have. I watched to see how many chicks there would be as they can have between 2 - 5, but the nest was deep and they stayed hidden until the later stages of development. Also, the sycamore tree had leafed out and it wasn't always easy to see without upsetting "Broke-beak". Eventually, as the chicks got bigger and more active they would sit on the sides of the nest and I determined that there were two.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKDhLF6QEAc/WWBmaYRh5nI/AAAAAAAABvg/HqhBMD18V88ucgP2eXTgbkAGdIHjBQOQwCLcBGAs/s1600/284A1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKDhLF6QEAc/WWBmaYRh5nI/AAAAAAAABvg/HqhBMD18V88ucgP2eXTgbkAGdIHjBQOQwCLcBGAs/s320/284A1978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young red-tail testing its wings</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> By the end of June the time came for the chicks to fledge. On the 21st I saw one standing on the edge of the nest, wings spread to a stiff breeze. I thought I would see it go, but it waited one more day. On the morning of the 22nd I arrived to find one chick had flown to a lower tree while the other called from the nest. Both parents were present to watch over the process, protect and encourage their chicks. But on this happy day, my presence was not appreciated and both parents told me about it.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1U4S8wYotw/WWGka6nPWrI/AAAAAAAABv8/W2pZM_p7bxws4BD27ZvOWtwEJHur-zZAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1U4S8wYotw/WWGka6nPWrI/AAAAAAAABv8/W2pZM_p7bxws4BD27ZvOWtwEJHur-zZAwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3163.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The second chick waited one more day and fledged on the morning of June 23rd. By that afternoon all the birds had disappeared from the nest area. It was so quiet! I walked all around beneath the nest and no adult screamed at me. Beneath the nest I found the remains of a few of their recent meals; a dead mouse, a partial bird, bones, feathers and their castings ( regurgitated pellets containing undigested parts). These were the only clues left indicating that the birds had been there at all. I suddenly felt a huge emptiness. For the better part of four months these birds had been a daily part of my life and now they were off to live their lives away from my curious eyes. But I was happy, too, in that I had been given the privilege of watching their life unfold before me and to this point their nesting had been a success.</span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_urzjJFyb0/WWGoDNQpQ1I/AAAAAAAABwE/V6yQ3hUKF7MSVdXdHvr9a3K-QQCNHk-4wCLcBGAs/s1600/284A1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_urzjJFyb0/WWGoDNQpQ1I/AAAAAAAABwE/V6yQ3hUKF7MSVdXdHvr9a3K-QQCNHk-4wCLcBGAs/s320/284A1985.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fledgling red-tailed hawk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I had witnessed the end of the story and I wished I had actually seen the chicks fly. The story, my journal and photos documenting their journey seemed incomplete without that last piece. As much as I wanted it to be different I had to settle for what I had to that point and be grateful and satisfied. But the story didn't end there. A little more time in these birds lives was granted to me because several days later I heard the chicks back near the nest area calling for food. I was able to locate them easy enough. All I had to do was listen for them calling or if they were silent I listened for the robins squawking their alarm call letting everyone know there was a predator in the area. I learned that the young juveniles would stay near the vicinity of the nest for about 2-3 weeks while they gained strength in their wings and waited for the parents to bring them food. Then in a few more weeks after that they will be hunting on their own.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpBFRZpWTqo/WWGuPLEYbjI/AAAAAAAABwQ/xoXwAF9m4Qgr650Mfe7PYJe3f2g6Z06BACLcBGAs/s1600/284A2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpBFRZpWTqo/WWGuPLEYbjI/AAAAAAAABwQ/xoXwAF9m4Qgr650Mfe7PYJe3f2g6Z06BACLcBGAs/s320/284A2023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile red-tail hawk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the last times I saw the chicks was on July 4th. I was walking in a different part of the park when I heard them calling. As I neared their location they took to the skies and thankfully I had listened to the little voice that said "take your camera today". They flew above me circling and calling giving me several opportunities for photos and I took many. In my mind they seemed to be showing me just how well they could fly, but were also telling me farewell. Then one caught a thermal and rose high in the sky as red-tail hawks are prone to do. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVa8nA_ibDU/WWGweV6v8xI/AAAAAAAABwU/I326Yw9vY0MpjxCSURsD0EnSnPX3PJ-NgCLcBGAs/s1600/284A2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVa8nA_ibDU/WWGweV6v8xI/AAAAAAAABwU/I326Yw9vY0MpjxCSURsD0EnSnPX3PJ-NgCLcBGAs/s320/284A2025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile red-tailed hawk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I smiled broadly and thought how appropriate that they should become the birds they were meant to be on Independence Day.</span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-44413363183539768452017-06-07T15:00:00.000-07:002017-06-07T15:00:06.422-07:00Hummingbird Series - Calliope Hummingbird<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUw1QDi5Sq8/WThZKUrxiUI/AAAAAAAABsU/F3IQwxp8GTkNnn-lEqKdrpQpmqFrjve3QCLcB/s1600/284A1809.JPG%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1590" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUw1QDi5Sq8/WThZKUrxiUI/AAAAAAAABsU/F3IQwxp8GTkNnn-lEqKdrpQpmqFrjve3QCLcB/s320/284A1809.JPG%25282%2529.JPG" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calliope Hummer (male) and Larkspur - 5" x 5" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finished.....finally!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems like this last pair has taken forever to complete! I struggled with this one because of my lack of good photo reference and familiarity with this tiny hummer. I had photos of a male in flight and a perched female, but I wanted to do one more set of a pair feeding at a flower. How hard can it be to come up with a composition? Well, apparently it can be harder than you think.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first started with the flying pose, but then couldn't seem to find an appropriate flower to have the bird feeding on. All my photos showed the birds at my feeder, not at flowers, because when they came through eight years ago I didn't have any flowers blooming for them to feed on. Then I thought I would just do the pair perched on something, but didn't have reference for that either, so....back to idea number one.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8CIv47mDiM/WThd8Uu8ZmI/AAAAAAAABsw/cltXn5HHVDknqOR0q2NrcLUxZH8JZV1jwCLcB/s1600/284A1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8CIv47mDiM/WThd8Uu8ZmI/AAAAAAAABsw/cltXn5HHVDknqOR0q2NrcLUxZH8JZV1jwCLcB/s320/284A1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calliope Hummer and Larkspur (female) 5" x 5" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next problem was finding the appropriate flower to have them feeding on. Since these little hummers are more common to mountain meadows at 4000 to 11,000 feet in elevation I didn't feel it would be correct to have them feeding on say, zinnias, so I packed up the dog and the cameras and headed for the mountains in Idaho to gather more reference and, maybe if I was lucky, find one of these hummers there, too. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk6sNoHiO_k/WThf25rih5I/AAAAAAAABtI/RQi7g4CHMgsqzQQ69FG6tYw9F9kGdzOuACLcB/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk6sNoHiO_k/WThf25rih5I/AAAAAAAABtI/RQi7g4CHMgsqzQQ69FG6tYw9F9kGdzOuACLcB/s320/IMG_3030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camas flowers near Moose Creek Reservoir, Bovill, Idaho</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past I have seen Calliope hummingbirds at Moose Creek Reservoir. That is where I decided to go and the photo shows the type of habitat that one might find a Calliope in. It was beautiful there and I found lots of wildflowers to photograph like the blue camas flowers in these photos.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBBZZIMVIkU/WThhXbuLuKI/AAAAAAAABtU/RvtZce8BIHc5PXiLFekNi7HbiiYfCTjugCLcB/s1600/284A1764%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBBZZIMVIkU/WThhXbuLuKI/AAAAAAAABtU/RvtZce8BIHc5PXiLFekNi7HbiiYfCTjugCLcB/s320/284A1764%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camas flower</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I set out a hummingbird feeder while having my lunch hoping to lure one in, but had no luck with that. Instead, I had to be content with photographing wildflowers and butterflies and being pollinated by thousands of pine trees releasing clouds of pollen in the breeze.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back home I went over my photos again and finally, FINALLY, was able to come up with a composition I liked that accurately depicted our smallest hummingbird. (Did I mention that accurately depicting the size of your hummingbird next to the flower it's feeding on is another challenge when you don't have a photo that shows the size difference of the two?).</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this hummingbird series is officially finished and with this final pair my quota of thirty paintings for my upcoming show has been reached, with over half of those paintings completely new work in the last six months. This puts me ahead of my deadline and releases me to be able to paint at a more leisurely pace and to tackle my next challenge, another state duck stamp contest due in August. As a reward and a celebration for reaching my goal I think a few days relaxing in those mountains I just visited would be just what I need to recharge the batteries and refill the well of inspiration! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-43658372116313482042017-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-24T00:00:28.477-07:00Hummingbird Series - Black-chinned Hummingbird<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJBPjqZE5J8/WST_V7LtNxI/AAAAAAAABrY/eprx5errUVYtqDa9qPPvWJZUAzDqTpw9gCLcB/s1600/284A1625-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJBPjqZE5J8/WST_V7LtNxI/AAAAAAAABrY/eprx5errUVYtqDa9qPPvWJZUAzDqTpw9gCLcB/s320/284A1625-2.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-chinned and Blue Salvia-5" x 5" acrylic and casein</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Next up, couple number three is a pair of black-chinned hummingbirds. This species is more subtly colored than the first two being metallic green on the back with grayish-white on the belly.The male has a black gorget with a thin strip of iridescent purple that can be seen in good light. </i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALSjDI-jSa4/WSUBqdX8yPI/AAAAAAAABrk/cnzgzenRs20iGyRTSCSmbImxkwEbUI70QCLcB/s1600/284A1627-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALSjDI-jSa4/WSUBqdX8yPI/AAAAAAAABrk/cnzgzenRs20iGyRTSCSmbImxkwEbUI70QCLcB/s320/284A1627-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-chinned and Blue Salvia II-5" x 5" acrylic and casein</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The female is colored similarly, but without the gorget. Her throat often has subtle spotting. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Black-chinned are found in a variety of habitats, from desert to mountains. They are very adaptable and frequently found in urban habitats that have lots of flowering trees and flowers and are the species I see most often in my garden throughout the summer. I have chosen to picture them with the blue salvia that grows in my garden because I love the color and it picks up the bluish-purple shades in the males throat. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>One more species to go now, the Calliope hummer. I am still working out the composition for this one as this species is the one I see less often in my garden and have fewer reference photos for it. They are more common at higher elevations than where I live so it may require a quick trip to the mountains to see if I can find any. Sounds like a good excuse to get out of the valley! </i></span></span></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-14302463804591708892017-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-17T00:00:00.289-07:00Hummingbird Series-Rufous Hummingbird<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7bb2tkOH1Y/WRu2Sw_zPzI/AAAAAAAABqw/zUcyIghbeZ44tt3c2gDPWZx9jnIV5q8JQCLcB/s1600/284A1537-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7bb2tkOH1Y/WRu2Sw_zPzI/AAAAAAAABqw/zUcyIghbeZ44tt3c2gDPWZx9jnIV5q8JQCLcB/s320/284A1537-2.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire in His Heart - 5" x 5" acrylic - Rufous Hummingbird male</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next hummingbird in the series is the feisty and fiery rufous hummingbird. I love these little buggers! The males are bright, rusty orange and the gorget under their throat flashes shades of yellow, orange and green fire. You can't miss them when one of these flies into your yard!</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ2-VnxwRQ/WRu39V6eJZI/AAAAAAAABq8/k8lR-BRfHFwOhtR5OKL8i4Zod2VTKllLgCLcB/s1600/284A1539-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ2-VnxwRQ/WRu39V6eJZI/AAAAAAAABq8/k8lR-BRfHFwOhtR5OKL8i4Zod2VTKllLgCLcB/s320/284A1539-2.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire in Her Heart - 5" x 5" acrylic - Rufous Hummingbird female</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The female shows subtle shades of orange with an iridescent green back. She sometimes will have a small patch of fire on her throat or maybe a series of small spots. Both of these hummers have a hot temper to go with their color and can usually be found guarding a feeder aggressively. Occasionally, I have been between a rufous and a perceived sugar water thief and have had them fly close enough to feel their wings brush my hair as they "chip, chip" furiously at the intruder and give chase. It's exciting and intimidating all at the same time! </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, the first four are finished with four more to go. The next pair of black-chinned hummingbirds is on the drawing table and work is in progress. With any luck I will have them done by next week. Stay tuned! </span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-10301138243136560622017-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-16T00:00:37.302-07:00Hummer Series-Anna's Hummingbirds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7iQRmEuKc/WRprHpSRgvI/AAAAAAAABqI/49_zrWbRwsgXGfwA7ktfP4-5zVGUwulwACLcB/s1600/284A1540-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7iQRmEuKc/WRprHpSRgvI/AAAAAAAABqI/49_zrWbRwsgXGfwA7ktfP4-5zVGUwulwACLcB/s320/284A1540-2.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Looking for love"- 5" x 5" acrylic- Anna's Hummingbird male</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, hummingbirds are some of my favorite birds. I love their iridescent colors and feisty personalities. Since they are at the peak of spring migration right now and visiting the feeders in my yard, I thought it would be a great time to do some paintings of them.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIhhLrqfRuk/WRpu1MIOXsI/AAAAAAAABqU/3uBZzS1E5j4BRIeBSq-7h62Vv0gqzYuWQCLcB/s1600/284A1542-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIhhLrqfRuk/WRpu1MIOXsI/AAAAAAAABqU/3uBZzS1E5j4BRIeBSq-7h62Vv0gqzYuWQCLcB/s320/284A1542-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Looking for love, too!" - 5"x 5" acrylic - Anna's hummingbird female</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I have decided to do a series of eight small format paintings featuring the male and female of the four most common species here in the Northwest. I felt I needed some smaller, more affordable pieces for my show and these will all be </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5" x 5" in size. I also felt it was important to include the female of each species. Though nowhere near the brilliant colors of the males, the females are no less beautiful. Many still have iridescent colors though they are more subtle. It's an adaption as with most birds to protect them while nesting by helping them blend in to their surroundings.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first in this series is the Anna's hummingbird. While they are more common along the coasts of California to Washington, they are beginning to move further inland and so we are starting to see them more often on the eastern sides of Washington and Oregon and into Idaho as well. These are usually the hummingbirds I see at my feeders in November and December and what a delight they are to see in those winter months!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next in the series will be a pair of rufous hummingbirds, followed by black-chinned hummers and finishing up with Calliope. So keep a close watch on this site as you won't want to miss them! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-87869268827951629922017-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-14T00:00:14.627-07:00Osprey Montage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bll_ofwj9E/WRfK0rflucI/AAAAAAAABpQ/BB7Rl0flb9Yw6XEx6W2K0KDakJvv82kUwCLcB/s1600/osprey%2Bmontage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bll_ofwj9E/WRfK0rflucI/AAAAAAAABpQ/BB7Rl0flb9Yw6XEx6W2K0KDakJvv82kUwCLcB/s320/osprey%2Bmontage.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey Montage-watercolor, gouache, pencil</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In spite of the fact that I haven't been very good at posting lately, painting for the October show still continues, though at a somewhat slower pace. I have had to give my back a break over the past month as sitting for hours at my drawing table has caused some old spinal problems to resurface. I haven't quite figured out how to paint while lying on the floor with your feet on the couch. That was the only way I was able to make my back stop screaming at me! Made me think of how Michelangelo ever painted the Sistine Chapel while lying on his back! Anyway, I have managed to complete another five paintings in that time and this is one of them.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfUfAYF4MC8/WRfO-SNQweI/AAAAAAAABpg/OnrAn7296lUITZpOb4tmFH5_DlAP3y9aACLcB/s1600/IMG_6023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfUfAYF4MC8/WRfO-SNQweI/AAAAAAAABpg/OnrAn7296lUITZpOb4tmFH5_DlAP3y9aACLcB/s320/IMG_6023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey nesting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As I've been contemplating various ideas for my thirty paintings I decided I wanted to try some mixed media compositions. I also wanted to do a few pieces that just featured a bird in more detail and with different poses to better capture the character of that species. About this time the osprey started to return to the valley to nest, giving me some good opportunities to study them in a little more depth.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQI-wwn0rY/WRfQ_myluiI/AAAAAAAABps/Ds7w-ShvGTUwEwdbAkBcS9aF5WWEURyMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1813-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQI-wwn0rY/WRfQ_myluiI/AAAAAAAABps/Ds7w-ShvGTUwEwdbAkBcS9aF5WWEURyMwCLcB/s320/IMG_1813-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey diving</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were so many possibilities of pose combinations to include in this montage that I had a hard time settling on a composition, but eventually I had to make a decision and chose to do a head study to show that incredible raptor eye, a perched bird to show how they wait and watch for fish and a bird hovering in mid-air just before that cannon-ball dive when they spot their prey in the waters below.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I completed the piece in watercolor and gouache along with a pencil study with a watercolor wash. I did the pencil study in part because I could sit on my couch with my feet up to work on it while giving my back a break and not have to worry about getting paint all over my good furniture. I also did it just because I wanted to do a little pencil work for a change and like the look with a little watercolor on it.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the way it turned out, but as I said, there were so many possibilities with this subject that there may be another piece in the future. You'll just have to wait and see!</span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-83160329849100833532017-03-31T00:00:00.000-07:002017-03-31T00:00:10.974-07:00Saw-whet Expressions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LX8Vv8dSrQ/WNxfECRANrI/AAAAAAAABnw/Ub0I2OS1-xMsymeYMiCvl7IzHKIVRXMnQCLcB/s1600/saw%2Bwhet%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LX8Vv8dSrQ/WNxfECRANrI/AAAAAAAABnw/Ub0I2OS1-xMsymeYMiCvl7IzHKIVRXMnQCLcB/s320/saw%2Bwhet%2Bweb.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw-whet Expressions-pencil and watercolor-9" x 12"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Northern saw-whet owls are one of North Americas smallest owls. They are not much larger in size than a robin and have huge yellow eyes making them look cute. They are anything but that! Though this tiny owl can go through a myriad of cute facial expressions they are fierce nocturnal hunters, preying primarily on mice and voles. They are primarily forest dwellers, preferring conifers, but I have found many urban parks and cemeteries hosting these birds tucked in the branches of the conifers there.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CSwJAdgP9c/WNxe2G8C-qI/AAAAAAAABn8/hNxtziQJHDA3ej7hgDo_hPkmsJUpQRNuwCEw/s1600/IMG_1437%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CSwJAdgP9c/WNxe2G8C-qI/AAAAAAAABn8/hNxtziQJHDA3ej7hgDo_hPkmsJUpQRNuwCEw/s320/IMG_1437%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern saw-whet in yew tree</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to capture some of the many expressions these tiny owls can have in a simple pencil sketch. Just for fun I also included a little watercolor wash in places. I enjoy creating these types of pieces as they can generally be executed quickly, are relaxing to do and elegant in their simplicity. Once in a while it's just nice to take a break from the more complicated pieces and have a little fun! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-23828321517294746492017-03-29T19:00:00.000-07:002018-02-21T18:45:36.208-08:00Coyote Pounce<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0lStAoAvAs/WNxC7Uq--9I/AAAAAAAABnA/M7vpTF0xMqkr_0fxpkpX04Mry877bc5JQCLcB/s1600/Feel%2BFree%2Bto%2BHunt%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0lStAoAvAs/WNxC7Uq--9I/AAAAAAAABnA/M7vpTF0xMqkr_0fxpkpX04Mry877bc5JQCLcB/s320/Feel%2BFree%2Bto%2BHunt%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel Free to Hunt-acrylic 14" x 18"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The month of March is nearly over and I have been working diligently to complete my three paintings for the month. I have two done, but I had to pull off for one week to complete several remarques for the Delaware duck stamp prints. This last week isn't done yet so I may still get something quick and easy in before it's over.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The painting I'm featuring today is called "Feel Free to Hunt" and my subject is a coyote. There is a story behind this painting, of course! </span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YV1CsahZP2Y/WNxad7x3W0I/AAAAAAAABng/1tyvnW2c1Bw2UZexwd3-fpdQiCUGL7iVwCLcB/s1600/oct.2008%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YV1CsahZP2Y/WNxad7x3W0I/AAAAAAAABng/1tyvnW2c1Bw2UZexwd3-fpdQiCUGL7iVwCLcB/s320/oct.2008%2B001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyote watching me</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years back I had a day where I just needed to get away, clear my head, talk to God. I went for a drive and came across a field with a sign that said "Feel Free to Hunt" so I knew the landowner allowed access to their property. I stopped and walked into the field, sat down and talked to God for a while. It was late afternoon on a beautiful early fall day. The sun was low and the field of tall grasses glowed in it's warm light. As I sat there quietly I noticed a pair of ears coming towards me through the grass. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ears belonged to a coyote that was on the prowl for an afternoon snack. It stopped several yards from me and we sat watching each other for a little <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">while. Apparently, deciding I was no threat, it continued on it's quest. A few moments later I saw it leap into the air and disappear. When it resurfaced it had a small rodent in it's mouth<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. It then turned and trotted off with it's prize.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chj8kN8EaTQ/WNxEnkYz6kI/AAAAAAAABnY/buUFn_Zp97AnhEYxYlpzWrSGy_OBj4gSQCEw/s1600/IMG_2387-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chj8kN8EaTQ/WNxEnkYz6kI/AAAAAAAABnY/buUFn_Zp97AnhEYxYlpzWrSGy_OBj4gSQCEw/s320/IMG_2387-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Reference sketch</i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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</span></span></span>I had no camera with me that day, but the experience<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was imprinted on my mind. When I came home I immediately made a sketch along with notes about <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">what I had seen, the colors and late afternoon light</span>. I knew that at some point I would <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">paint our encounter. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">W<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">orking from my refer<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ence sketch and various other sources I set about recreating that moment in this <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">recent painting. I wanted to capture the mome<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nt that the coyote leaped into the air pouncing on it's unseen prey. I wanted to portra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y the warm light. I also thought it would be fun to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hide the sign "feel free to hunt" somewhere in the painting as it was significant to both the coyote and me. I was <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hunting for <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">answers and the coyote was hunting for food. I think we found both in that field. As alwa<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ys God provides.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-16282363183770717152017-02-25T22:30:00.000-08:002017-02-25T22:30:12.288-08:00Three for the Show<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P7CHelboro/WK5hVfBshAI/AAAAAAAABj8/Vdv_Tu7Z-lE_D3XaILvT20Wk4QdxcELRQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2357-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P7CHelboro/WK5hVfBshAI/AAAAAAAABj8/Vdv_Tu7Z-lE_D3XaILvT20Wk4QdxcELRQCLcB/s320/IMG_2357-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-crowned night heron-14" x 18" acrylic and casein</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the month of February is coming to a close I am assessing my accomplishments for the first two months of the year. So far I am on track for creating three new pieces of art a month to go towards my total of thirty for my October show. </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This first piece is a black-crowned night heron. I have been trying to get decent photos of this bird for a number of y<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ears, but they <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">like to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tuck themselves in to a tangle of trees at a ne<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">arby pond making it difficult to get good photos even with a telephoto lens. However, a few weeks ago I found this one at a different pond and relatively in the open. It seems its favorite pond <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">had frozen o<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ver and so it had to move to find food. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucky for me<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> thi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s new pond had less dense cover and</span></span> I actually got several usa<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ble photos<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Even with the g<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reat reference I had some challenges painting this one. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had an idea in mind, but <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the painting just seemed to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">want to be something other than that so I finally stopped fighting it and came up with this. My husband <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">seems to think it needs a bit of tweakin<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I am considering his suggestions as he is almost always right on with those. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So though I'm calling it done I'm reserving the right to revisit it in the future.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOpQDvnu9F8/WLISyECWJJI/AAAAAAAABkY/pI1y4nhjOsM0GWgp98Gu7yGNZAlpY2t4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2365-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOpQDvnu9F8/WLISyECWJJI/AAAAAAAABkY/pI1y4nhjOsM0GWgp98Gu7yGNZAlpY2t4wCLcB/s320/IMG_2365-2.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah Sparrow-8" x 10" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This ne<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xt piece is a Savanna<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h sparro<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">w. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While on an outing with some of my bird watching friends we came across this bird feeding in a patch of curly dock and thistle. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d the way the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">colors of the plants and background reflected the colors in the bird and how the an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gle of the light made everything glow.While the heron had challenges this one came together quickly and the color<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s just make me smile.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnV1UfzJBwk/WLIW8tGq2GI/AAAAAAAABkk/GvZxg-ziiS8EqHG4qWE7yPm9oj3uVKj-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2744%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnV1UfzJBwk/WLIW8tGq2GI/AAAAAAAABkk/GvZxg-ziiS8EqHG4qWE7yPm9oj3uVKj-QCLcB/s320/IMG_2744%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peregrine and Phalarope - 5" x 7" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>This last painting <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an accident, a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n experiment <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and a concept p<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ainting all rolled into one. While working out some problems with blending colors in the background of the heron painting I grabbed a small board<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, some of the paint I was using an<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d a blending medium to see if that would help. That wa<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s the experiment part. The accident part was that my experiment created something that looked like clouds, so I thought maybe I could use it in some way for another painting. I've been toying with the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">idea of <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">painting a pere<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">grine fal<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">con in pursuit of some shorebirds after witnessing that e<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vent last fall. This is, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in a way, a study for <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that </span>future painting<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, that'<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s it for February! <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'ll see what new creations March inspires!</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-43469009900083856802017-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:002017-02-06T00:00:10.414-08:00The Yearlings<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLvFF0PT10w/WJai2NAhLQI/AAAAAAAABjk/YRhKJ8lx4wEUTZIgpxUz-C60msxYq9XkQCEw/s1600/IMG_2341-2%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLvFF0PT10w/WJai2NAhLQI/AAAAAAAABjk/YRhKJ8lx4wEUTZIgpxUz-C60msxYq9XkQCEw/s320/IMG_2341-2%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Yearlings - mule deer - 11" x 14" acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While pondering what subjects I'm going to paint for my upcoming show I came across some photos of young mule deer that I had taken some time ago. It was late autumn in the photos, but the yearlings were already decked out for winter with their woolly ears and coats. Not sure if I was friend or foe they stared at me curiously. I enjoyed our encounter and thought it might be fun to paint them in a scene that better matched the thick coats they wore as they learned to survive in snow covered canyons. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose some poses and made cut-outs to play with composition and placement of the deer. When I was satisfied I made my sketch. I was only lacking one thing....a good background. I had not paid much attention to background or habitat when I took the photos, concentrating on the deer instead. I attempted to just "wing it" on the background, but that quickly took a bad turn and I almost ditched the whole concept. Finally, I decided to just paint the deer first and hoped the background would somehow just "speak" to me. Thankfully, it did. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Yearlings" is available through my Daily Paintworks gallery.</span></span></i></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-4346452769022301682017-02-04T22:30:00.000-08:002017-02-04T22:30:28.284-08:00Great Blue<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GjkHEqNfR4/WJaiyjDSRNI/AAAAAAAABjc/QVo8tNKNFGMg44L_5FeE9wJ2FgdSk_4SwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2329-2%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GjkHEqNfR4/WJaiyjDSRNI/AAAAAAAABjc/QVo8tNKNFGMg44L_5FeE9wJ2FgdSk_4SwCLcB/s320/IMG_2329-2%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue - 9 x 14 acrylic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The month of January ticked by rather quickly and I spent the majority of those days in the studio working on paintings for my show. I really don't mind too much as the unusually cold and snowy winter weather we've been experiencing has not made it very pleasant to be outside. I do escape on a daily basis for my walks and have had a few exciting days enjoying birds and wildlife as they cope with the winter weather as well. But those are stories (and possibly paintings) for another day. Today I'm sharing a painting that I completed a few weeks ago.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Seems that I can never get enough of painting great blue herons. They are elegant and intriguing birds surrounded by myth and legend. In Native American cultures they are symbols of wisdom and patience. Watch any great blue for very long and you can definitely see where the "patience" part comes in as they stand motionless for what seems like hours. They also symbolize self-determination and independence. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Though usually fairly wary at the approach of humans, this one stayed on it's perch and eyed me cautiously as I took photos for reference. I was a little cautious myself of getting too close as I have watched them go from this pose to spearing a fish in the blink of an eye. Connecting with that beak is not something I wanted to do. Thankfully, this one was only interested in staring me down with that penetrating yellow eye. I thanked it kindly when I left.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Though this was created for my show it is available for purchase through my Daily Paintworks gallery.</i></span></span></div>
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Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-33635637113893849392017-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:002017-01-15T17:00:09.077-08:00Lady Bluetail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WASOSk3ajw/WHwF6PVHRTI/AAAAAAAABhA/zGKRrN1Sa0Em5q5p0hZMU6Y93D0siKUDQCLcB/s1600/-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WASOSk3ajw/WHwF6PVHRTI/AAAAAAAABhA/zGKRrN1Sa0Em5q5p0hZMU6Y93D0siKUDQCLcB/s320/-2.JPG" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Bluetail-acrylic 8" x 10"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the first sighting of this rare little lady the end of December, I knew that I would be doing a painting of her. Her presence has brightened up our normally dark and drab winter and given lots of folks good reason to get up, get out and enjoy nature. It has pleased me to no end to be able to visit her on almost a daily basis while also meeting with bird watchers and nature lovers from across the country. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also pleased that this painting is the first painting of 2017 and that it will be one of thirty paintings that will be exhibited in my first one-woman show this October at the Valley Art Center in Clarkston, WA. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please look under my Events tab for further information on that.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2017 is off to a flying start in more ways than one! I'm looking forward to the days ahead sharing with you both my art and my adventures.....and maybe a rare bird or two! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-51672463863839878222017-01-10T18:30:00.000-08:002017-01-10T18:30:09.725-08:00Bluetail Madness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYa-mGYSKGQ/WHLgbUYRLFI/AAAAAAAABgQ/bn2-XQWFmnkYsMujmcXe0qBbvMOcL8_YACLcB/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYa-mGYSKGQ/WHLgbUYRLFI/AAAAAAAABgQ/bn2-XQWFmnkYsMujmcXe0qBbvMOcL8_YACLcB/s320/IMG_2719.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluetail sketch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has not been your
typical winter here in the L-C Valley this season. We got snow in the early
part of December. Not a great deal of it, mind you, but enough to cover the
ground, soften the noise, make getting around a little interesting and enough
to give us a winter wonderland we don’t normally experience. Then it got cold
and stayed that way, so the snow lingered through Christmas. As if this wasn’t
enough, our little community and Lewiston, Idaho in particular, has now become
somewhat famous. You see, a little bird landed here sometime in December that
has caused quite a bit of craziness as of late and turned our normally dull,
gray winter days into subtle shades of olive green, orange-yellow and beautiful
blue.</span></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8w87X8-pfXg/WHLhD-9NxUI/AAAAAAAABgU/s9PuHREVhhkMxKYon-7HlVZXhxIUEkIjgCLcB/s1600/-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8w87X8-pfXg/WHLhD-9NxUI/AAAAAAAABgU/s9PuHREVhhkMxKYon-7HlVZXhxIUEkIjgCLcB/s320/-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female red-flanked bluetail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the story goes
(and you may have heard it by now) a local birder was doing a
raptor survey in Hell’s Gate State Park on Dec. 26<sup>th</sup>. Somewhere in
the process of that he found this little bird in a stand of Russian olive trees
along the river. What caught his attention was the flash of blue, though she
was not marked like any bluebird he knew of. Curious, he spent the next few
hours trying to get a photograph to try and put a name to this unusual bird. As
it turned out the only bird that fit was one called a red-flanked bluetail. And
that’s when things got really interesting!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the world of bird
watching occasionally a bird will turn up in a place that is out of its normal
range. They have wings after all, and can and do fly great distances, sometimes
thousands of miles during migration. Sometimes, however, they get turned
around, blown off course by a storm or maybe they just decide to see some place
new and end up in our backyards. That’s called a “rare bird sighting” and if
it’s reported to such places as E-bird on the internet, bells and whistles and
whiz-bangers go off in cyberspace and a rare bird alert goes out. Those of us
that follow that sort of thing get a notification that says, “RARE BIRD! RARE
BIRD!” and all of our good sense flies right out the window as a form of
madness sets in. We must see this bird! Right away! Don’t delay!</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Within hours of it
being reported good folks from all over were hearing that a red-flanked
bluetail had shown up in Lewiston, Idaho. She (<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the bird is female</span>) was not
supposed to be here. She was very, very far off course and was, in fact,
supposed to be wintering somewhere in South East Asia, some place warm, not
someplace like Idaho in the midst of a kind of winter we haven’t seen in a
while. Also within hours of the report those same good folks were jumping in
their cars and driving long distances on treacherous roads, through nasty
winter weather to get a once-in-a-lifetime look at this rare beauty. Birds like
her had only been recorded in the lower 48 states about three times and NEVER
this far inland. She was a rare bird, indeed.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mH6q0c62Iqw/WHLhsNsbgTI/AAAAAAAABgY/dijRvPbAsVszV8Ud6PVkSN4-kZryHELegCLcB/s1600/284A0184%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mH6q0c62Iqw/WHLhsNsbgTI/AAAAAAAABgY/dijRvPbAsVszV8Ud6PVkSN4-kZryHELegCLcB/s320/284A0184%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first few days of
her sighting were crazy. Despite the bad weather dozens of people were showing
up every day. They came with binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras of every
make, model and size to get a glimpse and a photographic record of her being
here. They were coming from all around the Northwest at first, then, as she
lingered, they started coming from all over the country. Large groups of people
could be seen staring intently at the tangle of Russian olives she had chosen
to hide in. At first, she was quite shy and would only come out of hiding
briefly. When she did those same groups of people would scamper back and forth
jockeying for position for the best views and photo ops. I’m sure from the birds’
perspective it was quite amusing to see what she could make us silly humans do.</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She has been here
nearly two weeks now and has been seen by dozens of bird watchers and nature
lovers from all over. There’s a path worn in the snow to the spot she stays in
and she is getting more used to her multitudes of admirers, coming out to pose
on a branch in the sunshine or foraging for insects and Russian olives along
the river’s edge. It has been great fun to host her, to be able to meet with
and talk to in person some people you’ve only known from interactions you’ve
had over the internet. As we pass one another from the parking lot to her
sanctuary the question is, “Have you seen the bluetail today? Is she still
here?” Then come the questions of whether we’re local people or what part of
the country we’ve traveled from, introductions and hand-shakes and “so YOU’RE
Catherine! I’m Ben, Blair, Paul, Maire<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" </span>(or whomever else I’ve met and I’m glad
to have met you in person!).</span></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tW0dHqzDCo/WHLiWOZFNEI/AAAAAAAABgg/Yo2_V375B1Ugf50US1GNYWJHpxl4IPe-QCLcB/s1600/284A0221-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tW0dHqzDCo/WHLiWOZFNEI/AAAAAAAABgg/Yo2_V375B1Ugf50US1GNYWJHpxl4IPe-QCLcB/s320/284A0221-2.JPG" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off her pretty blue tail.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interesting how one
little bird can change so many things, from brightening up a dreary winter
landscape to bringing people together from every political, economic, or educational
background. We’ve happily come together and forgotten all our differences to
share a common interest and focus on a rare little lady. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Is this madness? Yes. Bluetail madness! </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And I hope it lasts. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-2211467679284606992016-12-16T18:30:00.000-08:002016-12-16T18:30:17.920-08:00Winter Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9Gmnwdo8U/WFR5wmwQHBI/AAAAAAAABdw/o8cve-udrYIklkdwSXoLzU-RPiJ4A9aCACLcB/s1600/IMG_2637%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9Gmnwdo8U/WFR5wmwQHBI/AAAAAAAABdw/o8cve-udrYIklkdwSXoLzU-RPiJ4A9aCACLcB/s320/IMG_2637%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sunrise over the duck pond</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">December <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is a special month for me. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is the month we official<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ly mark the beginning of winter. We celebrate Christmas and the bir<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">th of our Savior. We spend time<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> celebrating with friends and family. It is also my birth month<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTwDyuTJmA/WFR8JtdnXiI/AAAAAAAABeE/fp_BUk2swcc2p5NTTQBy_2ydngCz-xZOgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTwDyuTJmA/WFR8JtdnXiI/AAAAAAAABeE/fp_BUk2swcc2p5NTTQBy_2ydngCz-xZOgCLcB/s320/IMG_2668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First snow Hell's Gate State Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">December is when we usually see our first snow across the country. In <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the valley I live in we generally don't see very much of it<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and it usually doesn't last very long. Many people don't enjoy <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">winter be<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cause it's dark longer, it's col<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d and the snow makes getting around difficult. I'm one of those rare <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">folks that enjoy it.</span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first sn<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">owfall fills me <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with delight. I love the way it softens ev<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">erything<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">;</span> the nois<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e, the colors, the harshness. I like to go out and walk in it, breath in t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he cold freshness and allow the quiet that it brings to envelop me and invite me to slow down.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrTJUo_9YYc/WFSCN0fonAI/AAAAAAAABec/3dO8FKR2VEIGBPokGXkogg-n_gMQMrWuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9453%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrTJUo_9YYc/WFSCN0fonAI/AAAAAAAABec/3dO8FKR2VEIGBPokGXkogg-n_gMQMrWuwCLcB/s320/IMG_9453%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallows Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thought struck me the other day that we don't listen <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">very well to what winter is trying to tell us. All of nature understands that it's time to scale back it's activity, to rest, recover<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Most of the landscape goes in to hibernation and bir<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ds and animals <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">also tend to conserve their energy. But we humans go right on with our busy schedules and never find that rest and peace that winter brings.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLj2IcMIUUw/WFSE4uI0L7I/AAAAAAAABew/GElbEydOISsO0AEAmlUGQrtjcv6z7BAwgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLj2IcMIUUw/WFSE4uI0L7I/AAAAAAAABew/GElbEydOISsO0AEAmlUGQrtjcv6z7BAwgCLcB/s320/IMG_1236.JPG" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View on Hwy. 12, Idaho</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Consequently, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we often feel worn out<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, stressed out and grumpy. I know, I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'m guilty of it<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, too. So this winter, this Christmas season when all the activity around you is ma<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">king you crazy, take a <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hint from nature. Stop, slow down, s<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tep outside and breath deeply of the cold air. Let the beauty of the season bring you joy. Let the Spirit of the season <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">renew you and bring you peace.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Merry Christmas!</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-73706506990616048882016-11-15T21:30:00.000-08:002016-11-15T21:30:03.951-08:00Wood Duck Reflections<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHUjWsfh-E/WCvWF1Gd06I/AAAAAAAABa0/lvP-onLmgGczu3K7CLVq-rUYG6-FI0xPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHUjWsfh-E/WCvWF1Gd06I/AAAAAAAABa0/lvP-onLmgGczu3K7CLVq-rUYG6-FI0xPgCLcB/s320/IMG_2586.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood duck acrylic painting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm happy to say I've ticked another item off my "to do" list today. I just completed this 8" x 10" acrylic study of a male wood duck. I am entering another duck stamp contest for the state of Washington and felt I needed to get a few more waterfowl paintings under my belt before I did that. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAuALCR78os/WCvc3FbGYNI/AAAAAAAABbc/_Ki5z4hnSdcCfQEHoL_F9QRDPkRbjHQZACLcB/s1600/IMG_2097-2%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAuALCR78os/WCvc3FbGYNI/AAAAAAAABbc/_Ki5z4hnSdcCfQEHoL_F9QRDPkRbjHQZACLcB/s320/IMG_2097-2%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Duck Reflections - Acrylic 8 x 10"</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I chose to paint a wood duck for several reasons. First, they are incredibly beautiful birds with every color of the rainbow in their feathers. Under the right light they glow with iridescence. I thought it would be a great challenge to try and capture that iridescence with paint. Second, while duck hunting recently my husband harvested a male wood duck, so along with my reference photos I had a bird in hand to study up close. It's always so much easier to understand the colors, textures and details of the feathers when you can see them in 3-D as opposed to a flat photo. </span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roy4Vekcd3k/WCvd9s7BcwI/AAAAAAAABbo/6vk4aOsGUakNT7ffH0LUmqpv6-8VPXLKwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2015%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roy4Vekcd3k/WCvd9s7BcwI/AAAAAAAABbo/6vk4aOsGUakNT7ffH0LUmqpv6-8VPXLKwCLcB/s320/IMG_2015%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of a female wood duck</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third reason came to me as I sat down to write this. A memory from my past floated to the surface that I haven't thought about in years. My father raised exotic birds in our backyard when I was a child and had purchased a pair of wood ducks for my sister and I to raise. Mine was the male. Sometimes we took these birds to game bird shows where they would be judged for prizes much like the animals are judged at fairs. Our pair of wood ducks got first prize one year. I even got a trophy! </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Wood Duck Reflections" is currently available through my Daily Paintworks website. <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/catherine-temple/wood-duck-reflections/534432">http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/catherine-temple/wood-duck-reflections/534432</a> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With the holidays just around the corner it might make a nice present for a waterfowl hunter or bird watcher. </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498006364037736594.post-78614157993224959362016-11-12T17:30:00.000-08:002016-11-12T17:30:16.422-08:00Painting Away<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M79J3s6d2uc/WCepleYtbaI/AAAAAAAABaE/MkbuSW3PuesdWsBBKcPea-wb4QxAfBUPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M79J3s6d2uc/WCepleYtbaI/AAAAAAAABaE/MkbuSW3PuesdWsBBKcPea-wb4QxAfBUPwCLcB/s320/IMG_2568.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood duck painting in progress</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life continues to be a little crazy around here lately and I find myself working on multiple projects at once. Not only have I been signing the duck stamp prints, but I have also been working on one of two large commissions for Christmas and trying to get a few smaller pieces done for another duck stamp contest and something for my Christmas card. The month of November is going by way too quickly and I'm feeling just a tad overwhelmed that I won't be able to complete everything on my list before the deadlines and still try to squeeze in a life in between. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have also sent three of my paintings to the Valley Art Center in Clarkston, WA. for their annual Snake River Showcase show. It will run through the month of November. My piece "Dawn Patrol" took a blue ribbon in the watermedia catagory.</span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8wP4jOSlW8/WCetSOL46WI/AAAAAAAABaY/MmvMC6QHR_YvHGgXXLWQKMkcTolPrknfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1657%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8wP4jOSlW8/WCetSOL46WI/AAAAAAAABaY/MmvMC6QHR_YvHGgXXLWQKMkcTolPrknfQCLcB/s320/IMG_1657%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn Patrol-prairie falcon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> While at the opening reception I was approached about teaching a workshop some time next year. I'm touched that they would consider my abilities worthy of being taught to others, but, holy cow, I'm not sure I'm ready for that! I'm really not a large group person and don't enjoy being front and center so I will have to think long and hard about this. I have some time before I have to give them an answer. In the meantime, I have more pressing things to do like paint, paint, PAINT!! </span></span></i></div>
Catherine Templehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13392447238434685259noreply@blogger.com