Puddling Around . . .Adventures in Watercolour

It's been a while since I have been able to post to my blog. Life just sort of got in the way for a while, but things have settled down now, and I would like to talk about my favourite medium for a while. I just LOVE to be "Puddling Around" with watercolours! I love the way they can be delicate and fresh, or rich and lush. From the first English watercolour illustrations in my childhood books to the wonderful watercolours I see today, the medium has always ensorcelled.

At art school, I was priviledged to be taught by the legendary Canadian watercolourist, Morton Baslaw, and he gently encouraged us to be neat, clean, and precise without sacrificing the lovely flow and freedom of the medium. I always try to live up to the standards he taught.

There is always something new to learn, but it gives me satisfaction to understand my medium and to be able to call myself a Watercolourist.

Eskie Christmas

You've got to hand it to those little American Eskimo dogs - they love to have a job to do, and they dream big! It seemed natural to imagine them pulling Santa's sleigh - with a little bit of help from Fairy Dust. Maybe this year you will hear the jingle of sleligh bells and the sound of soft, excited woofs on your roof.
Our Eskie/Sheltie cross was the model for every one of Santa's Eskies. Ho Ho HO!

DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY the AMERICAN ESKIMO

Look at that little white fluff-ball walking past. (Sometimes, you may even see her stroll along on her back legs!) This is the incomparable American Eskimo!! The Eskie is a member of the Spitz family who date back to prehistoric times in Northern Europe. Initially, they were used to herd Reindeer, help on the hunt, and guard the home. They are always white, or white with cream, and they come in three handy sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Eskie came to North America with German immigrants and soon became the Circus Dogs who dazzled with their brilliant tricks. It was in 1917 that the name American Eskimo was adopted for these little German Spitz dogs. They are loyal, eager to please, and with their love of learning tricks, they are fun to be with. Depsite their fluffy appearance, they still have an instinct to guard you and your home. Gentle, respectful, consistant training will bring out the best in an Eskie. They are a sensitive little dog.
No matter what size you choose, your Eskie will be charming, loving, beautiful, athletic, intelligent, and amazingly clever about getting her/his own way.
Do I sound ultra enthusiastic about this breed? I guess it's because one of our Shelties is half Eskie, and she is wonderfully unique, sometimes frustrating, and totally adorable.

These little Dog Parade paintings are quick, original watercolour sketches measuring 3 x 4.5 inches and come matted with a 5 x 7 mat. Double or triple matting can be used to present this small painting as an important miniature treasure. Each one is $40. including shipping. If you are interested in this painting, or if there is a breed you would like to see presented here, please contact me at: www.anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca

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.