Lazy August
Latest News:
There are two new original gouache paintings this month:
One is Always Welcome, an elegant black hound basking in the sun outside of his loving home. The door is open, he always has food, comfort, and love close at hand.
The second is Soaking Up The Sun, a graceful Italian Greyhound trying not to fall asleep in the warm relaxing rays that fall across her fluffy blanket.
Both of these will make their way into the store, but I need to research the best way to varnish gouache first, to protect them for the future.
In The Studio:
August has been noted by adventures in gouache. This is an in opaque watercolor, and a paint that I used to love working with. I haven’t painted with it in many years, so there has been a little relearning to get used to it again. Mostly an enjoyable process, I look forward to using it more.
Some of my studio time has been getting some originals framed and getting listings ready for them in the store.
Two of these originals were purchased by a wonderful supporter specifically to be donated to the charity auction for Galgos Del Sol. I was so honored to have my art be a part of this event, as GDS is one of my favorite charities. In fact, my own precious Podenco came from GDS and I will always be eternally grateful for all that they have done to help my boy and so many others.
At Home:
August has been pretty mellow, which I love. Enjoying some time each evening lounging in the yard with the dogs has become the highlight of my days. Sometimes we go for walks or play games or do tricks for treats, but often we just hang out and enjoy each other’s company. I watch them sniff around, chase squirrels (or sometimes cats), and soak up the beautiful weather. We’ve had some really hot days, but lately there have been many days that are more moderate, and very comfortable. Both the crickets and the cicadas have been really active lately, which are some of my favorite summer sounds. Even the hot days seem less humid, and there’s a wonderful drop in temperature as night falls. These are the days that make me wish summer could last forever.
My dogs are well and, thankfully, they seem to enjoy our low-key time in the yard as much as I do. Sometimes I feel guilty that we don’t get out and do more, but I’m trying to put less pressure on myself right now. And as the weather becomes less hot and humid, I’m definitely looking forward to more walks again, walking together brings a stress relief of its own.
I hope that all of you are enjoying the season, whichever season that may be where you are, and blessed with many serene moments with your dogs. That time together can really melt away the stress of daily life.
Jennifer