AT BEAVERDAM

Beaver Dam, pastel,  17 1/4 x  11 1/2  inch © StGermain

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This beaver dam was intriguing. The reflections of the trees intrigued me even more.

The blog owner of the photo graciously gave me permission to use it for a painting. Unfortunately I can’t show
you the pic that was my inspiration, because of previous computer  issues.

Began with the reflections “above” the dam, because I wanted these in the “right” place.
The values of this part (light – dark). I kept adjusting throughout the process of the painting .
The beaverdam itself was not as difficult as imagined. The sides to the left and right were more challenging, because they framed the focus of interest and had to seal the deal, so to speak.

The flowers were really there in the pic. I only exaggerated their brightness.
On the bottom part my technique of putting layers on top of each other in the reflections and the weeds is more obvious. Had to (gladly!) buy a few more pastels for this painting.
(Whenever I have time I’ll write a separate post in the category of Pastel paintings seen on top of the page)

The dam the beavers built probably spoke to me, because they had to collect so many little twigs and branches. I am a collector at heart.

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When I opened the front door on a cloudy windy day, actually to take a pic of the sky,
I saw these were laying on the ground …

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My next thought was, oh, they would look good as Christmas decoration!

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A friend once called me “the queen of seize.” I laughed since it rhymed,
but when I thought about it some more later,
I knew he was right.

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Since I write my blog like a journal, a bit of thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving to me is like
someone bigger than life,
giving you a warm hug

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This year I have thankful feelings about my Dutch heritage: the  fact that it is a kingdom.
I really like the new king (Willem Alexander) and the new queen (Maxima)
and their three adorable  little girls.

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Pollard Willows (typical short trees) in Low Lands by the Sea (Netherlands)
shot taken in The Open Air Museum  – really worth seeing!!
From Amsterdam  via Bussum – Amersrfoort -Ede – to Arnhem 1 1/2 hrs. drive by car

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Next, the incredible creative talent that has come out of such a small country
in the past as well as the present. Without a doubt, it has shaped me as an artist.

Of course, I’m not less thankful about my food in the pantry and fridge,
a roof over my head, a car to drive, etc., etc.

with this I’m leaving you to your own thankful list

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Happy Thanksgiving to All of You!

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P.S.  This drawing has been sketched without any models

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Thanks to all the hosts
Blue Monday  *  Mandarin Orange  *  Travel Photo  *
Our World  * Nature Notes  *
ABC – T  * Outdoor Wednesday  * Water World  *
Favorite Things  * Up Down  *  Share the Joy  *
Weekend Reflection  *