The Swan~

This Swan was painted when I was 14 years old way, way back when. Is a Traditional Watercolor, that I won a number of contests with. I decided this morning I would offer copies for sale.

Western Mini is Finished~

I have finally finished with the Western Mini Graphite, it will be properly scanned and offered for sale at my online sites in a couple of days.
Still have to decide on a title for it.

Sunset, Roses and Oregon Hills~

Scenery in the beautiful Oregon Hills.
Sunset in the Oregon Coastal hills.
Yellow Rose with a blush, an very old Rose bush on a NW Oregon Farm.

Rose Study~

It can be hard for digital cameras to take good photos of things Red. So I decided to practice on these red & white striped Roses.

First Photography Interview~

I was privilege to have an interview done on the well know British Art site- "1st Angel & Friends", Interview with a Photographer.

To see my Interview and many other interviews of very talented people, please check out the link below.

http://1stangel.co.uk/art/interview-with-the-photographer/shari-nees

I would like to say Thank you to Beth, for the Interview.

Donkey study~

I originally went out last evening to take photos of the Sunset... which I only caught the tail end of. So I decided to play with the camera and take some close up shots of Ella my Donkey.

And the tail end of the Sunset.

Icelandic & Miniature horse inspiration~

I was asked," what inspired me to paint Icelandic and miniature horses"?
Had to think about that a bit. I guess because I love horses and I own Icelandic and Miniature horses.
These are just some of the ones that have Inspired me to paint them. Most of my Icelandic pen & ink with watercolor wash and graphite, are of these two Icelandic mares...though sometimes with a little color change.

Some photos are taken by me,,,and others by my son.

This is Freydis, a very, very high quality Icelandic mare. Though I have since sold her. She is also now mother to a beautiful filly.
Dyfra, her name means "Mist" in English. I still own and ride her.
Theia, named after a Greek godness's Mother. She is the last foal I had on my farm, almost 6 years ago now.
My Heart and mother of Theia, Maggie. Maggie and her daughter above are miniature horses. Maggie has the most endearing and sweet people loving nature.

Candid Cat shots ~

This is my fixed teenaged kitten, Nari. She is by far the most photogenic of all my cats. So I use her to practice taking photos of live animals.

Another Western Miniature horse update~

Here I am working with the man's jeans. Has been interesting getting the jeans just right, with the creases, folds and shading.
An interesting side note- in the miniature horse world, I see just as many men showing these wonderful little horses as women.

Western Mini update 2~

The Western Mini is slowly coming along. As you can see I am now working on his shirt, pants, just started some shading.



Paper I am using is hot press, "Aquella Fabriano Artistico Bright White Watercolor Paper", and the pencils I am using are the "Staedtler Lumograph" graphite pencils.
I do not really need to use the Hot press paper, any good graphite paper will do. But I feel this paper holds up very well and I like the feel of it when the graphite goes on.

American Frames~

A good place to get American made frames. I ordered three frames from them...one is the Fruit wood above. Photo doesn't do it justice. Very high quality, real wood, and nicely finished.

I live in an area of the country where all one can find is trashy frames, made with who knows what and coming from China. I did not like that, so I decided to give "American Frames" a try and very glad I did.

So if you are a painter, photographer or just someone that has a picture to frame, these folks are well worth checking out.

http://www.americanframe.com/

More Japanese Garden Photos~

I am slowly gowing through the photographs from my last Portland Japanese Garden Visit. Will post the results here.

This photo and two more below, are of the "The Flat Garden"
(Hira niwa). To learn more about that garden, Please click on this link.
http://www.japanesegarden.com/gardens/flat


This is one of the Lanterns near the Flat Garden.
Another shot of one of the gates near the "Tea House".

Roses and Pansy

This Rose is called, "PlayBoy" and really is this wild color. This photo is untouched.

Though I pride myself on taking the best possible photos and keeping them untouched straight out of the camera. Here is one, of the above Rose,, that I did play with. Took a number of hours,, and cramped my hand up but I think it turned out pretty interesting.

And one of my very pretty Pansy's,, where the lighting was just right. Is also untouched.

Japanese Garden, a sequel!

This is the main waterfall at the gardens, surrounded with the lush greenery and stone. Full photo above and close up of part of the Falls below.
Lantern in sun and shade.
Tea House and garden.

I have been spending time when I can, at the Portland Japanese garden. Not only is this a very beautiful garden, it is very challenging to me. Am learning a lot taking pictures here, with lighting issues I really can’t find anywhere else. One way to grow and Expand. Photo is taken with my Evolt 510 camera on a Tri pod and photo's are untouched.