Miss Witch

Whisper does things her own way. She wanted to be a Witch at Halloween, just like Lily, but can Sheltie Hollow have two Witches?

Of course we can, as long as one little witch comes up with a creative way to wear her hat. Now all we need is a third little Sheltie Spook and we will be ready for the big night. Stay tuned.

Eskie Witch

Halloween is coming, and the dogs here at SHELTIE HOLLOW are getting excited. They love to hear the scratching of leaves on pavement when the wind blows, and love to sniff the wonderful rich aroma of the drifts of autumn leaves. They really seem to enjoy putting on a costume. I think they are looking forward to the Trick-or-Treat cookies they get every year. Lily, our American Eskimo dog, thinks she looks very charming in her witch's hat and orange bow. We hope you agree.

This image is available on my website as cards or as a small print.

Fall Fair

This weekend was our local Fall Fair. This is an event that we try to never miss. We love to go and see the children's art and all the produce, baking, quilts, and other exhibits in the agricultural hall, and then it's off to see the horses. We can spend hours, watching the various jumping, driving, and saddlehorse classes, and hanging over the rail at the heavy horse ring. I love the way the ground shakes when they trot past, and the sound of thunder from their huge hooves and the wild jungle of their harness. But even these giants get nervous before they go in the ring. I saw this lovely Clydesdale being quietly reassured as he was walked to the entrance of the ring.

"You'll Be Great" is a 10 by 13 inch watercolor painting, and it is available for sale.

Quiet Garden

Don't you just love Autumn? The air is crisp, with a coolness under the warmth of the sun, and there is a sort of quiet, leashed energy gathering, just waiting to burst out in another week or so with blazing colors and star-flecked frosty nights. We have been busy taking the faded summer annuals out of the garden and replacing them with pots of bright Mums for that necessary Autumn zing, and of course the Shelties have been helping by carrying garden gloves and other light things.

My painting "Quiet Garden" celebrates this wonderful time of the year. This pair of Shih Tzus are having a moment to soak up some sun while they admire a pot of bronze Mums. "Quiet Garden" is a Colored Pencil painting and is available for purchase.

A Wonderful Party

The other day, my dog "niece" went to a wonderful party. Several dog friends received invitations to this party, and they arrived dressed in their best collars, scarves, and ruffs. There were games for them to play, dog treats to munch on, , and time to just lie on the grass and visit. Their humans had treats and visit time too, which made it very nice for everyone. In fact, both humans and dogs had a howling good time.

Maybe it is time to start planning a Sheltie Party here at Sheltie Hollow.

Painted Ladies

The end of August/beginning of September is such a beautiful time of year. The fields are golden with hay stubble, the corn gleams yellow/green on tall stalks, and the grass develops a soft look. Even the light has a warm, golden glow to it.
There is a hush in the air - a feeling of waiting, as if Nature is gathering her energy for the spectacular blaze of color to come.
I often pass the field where these two Painted Ladies graze in harmony with their surroundings.
They even have an occasional Painted Lady visitor of another species.
This Colored Pencil painting is available for purchase.

Heather Anderson
www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com
www.kelpiestudio.com

Dog Days

Eastern Ontario has been pelted with a lot of rain this summer. We've been doing more inside than in the garden. Last week, we finished putting in a new floor in the studio, and already the dogs and cat are enjoying it and giving me ideas for new paintings. Here you see Lily reclining in front of the studio fireplace, probably dreaming of a dry lawn where she can get up a little more speed when chasing her sworn enemy, the Squirrel.