My Sadie,our puppy, was hit by a truck..

 Sketch of Sadie after she ate her first snow!

Painted on ice in 4 degree temperature.

 How do I tell you-- Sadie was hit by a tractor trailer truck yesterday afternoon. She and  I were in the front yard. I heard some large trucks coming down the road and grabbed her collar. Two went by, I didn't hear anything so I let her go. Another truck came down the road. She ran and I screamed No,, She ran right in front of him and he hit her on the side. She flipped totally over and ran. RAN.. I ran, screaming NO NO.. fell in the snow.  The truck driver stopped.. He was trying to stop when he saw us.. He came out and apologized, I told him he couldn't help it.. he was so very kind. She came to us, I got her in the house. and took her to the vet. They watched her for hours and I waited. She is ok. She's sore and has one little cut but it is a miracle that she is fine. I'm still watching her and trying to make her rest but she is doing fine. OH it scared me so badly. You know how dearly I love her. If only I'd brought her in sooner.

I was going to show you this wash I did the other morning. I took my paints and water outside, I poured water onto the paper..before I could put the brush filled with color onto the paper the water had froze onto the paper.  I was painting on ice crystals.. it was amazing. Unfortunately it didn't dry so well when I brought it inside. I had planned to paint yesterday afternoon.. but that didn't happen.

Wishing each of you a safe and warm weekend. love to each of you..Diana

Birds and ESO Class

Hi,Been working on the heron head. Starting this Thursday,at the ESO in Belle Haven,Va,I'm teaching "Watercolor For the Birds". I'll be teaching watercolor painting of different birds for 6 Thursday mornings.Composition,drawing--,the first class will be cardinals. ESO is an old school that was converted into an art center. Great place,lots of different classes are available for all ages,everything from Karate with Robert Buckner,Pottery with Elizabeth Hunt,dance,so much more--wonderful opportunities for everyone.
Here are also a few sketches from my sketchbook. I"m drinking tons of water and coffee and I sure hope my headache will be manageable for the class. Will give all I've got.. take care,Diana

Cardinal and Sketchbook Page

Hi, I've been working on my cardinal, I'll brighten his red some more with glazing but am trying to allow the background to show thru. I think this makes him more interesting.

I'm showing you one of my sketchbook pages. I love feeding the birds and squirrels and any needy critter, when it's cold and they can't find as much food. It's so funny to see the squirrels sitting in the pumpkin feeder swinging and eating peanut butter and raisin sandwiches.. Provides giggles and ideas! Thank you for all your lovely support!stay warm, Diana

Ornament Sketch

HI, I haven't been blogging as much and miss it. I miss hearing from everyone and commenting on your lovely blogs. I'm still here. See the pillow with dear Rudy(the cat) on it, usually my head is right there next to her. I'm laying down still as much as I can because I still have this post lumbar puncture headache... I have a hole that will heal but it's allowing fluid from my brain to drip down and causes this horrendous headache.so far 3 weeks tomorrow..! Here is a photo of my sketchbook from last Christmas..an ornament I drew. One of my favorite movies of all times is Christmas Vacation.. so funny! We must watch it each year!! I did get to the show yesterday. I had help.. John set me up,all the racks,paintings,... and he and my mother hung everything. Then Mama stayed for a few hours, I went late and stayed until the end. It was a lovely show,so Christmasy and warm. Don and Donna Drew are wonderful people, stop by the Copper Creations soon and see their work or look them up on the web. Ed and Pat Kuhn were there with his wonderful fish carvings, Jim and Mary Ann with Jewelry and Soaps, and Dianne with ornaments and me too! I will be working on finishing my commissions this week. I hope you are doing well and my best to each of you! talk to you soon, Diana