Hocus Pocus Focus

This Spring has really been anything but so far .. (Being Canadian weather is my regular obsession!) Windy, snowing off and on..Below freezing temperatures in the days and nights.. The birds have bravely returned with their morning songs so perhaps this is a sign of sorts. My pig and hens/roosters are finally out despite the chill- reveling in outdoor time and any snacks they can uncover in the soil. I hear the pig Winston baritone grunting his way around the house. Excavating as he goes. Loosening grass and soil for delectable insects etc . The chickens carry on their clucky conversations too -I'm sure overjoyed to be outside to explore after such a long winter !

I love to watch their interactions..The pleasure they seem to derive from their dirt "baths'

I have been drawing them lately too..Well of course my own version

and Winston with his piggy back chickens..(Hmm a story there perhaps !)

I am continuing to play with media and make a little something every day in my sketchbook(s) even while working on larger more classic works..It certainly keeps the ideas flowing and I encourage all of you who make art to try this -particularly when you are stuck.

There are no mistakes ! This week I have been working from imagination and drawing from my own experience/world - Many thanks to Valentina Toro -illustrator extraordinaire for offering her techniques and expertise through Domestika !

I continue to walk daily ..down my country road with Gracie the hound and alone which has fostered the theme of "Walking" in my new mixed media paintings.

I have created four paintings on cradled wood panel so far and they will be launched and available in My Etsy shop Wednesday April 13th https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt