Monday, December 31, 2007

Mule Study I 5"x5"	Mule Study II 5"x5"

Today I did a couple of small studies of the mules.     Comments

I did a bit of research to learn the major differences between mules, horses and donkeys. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. A female mule is called a "molly".

The mule resembles a donkey with its short thick head, long ears, thin limbs, small narrow hooves, short mane, absence of chestnuts (horny growths) inside the hocks, and hairless tail at the root.

In height and body, shape of neck and croup, uniformity of coat, and teeth, it appears horse-like. The mule comes in all sizes, shapes and conformities. Some mules resemble quarter horses, huge draft mules, fine-boned racing mules, shaggy pony mules and many more types. The coat of mules is similar in variety to that of horses.

Mules are preferable to horses as mules show less impatience under the pressure of heavy weights. Their skin is harder and less sensitive than that of horses, and renders them more capable of resisting sun and rain. Their hooves are harder than horses', and they show a natural resistance to disease and insects.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Bad Hair Day 12"x6"	Mule Portrait 6"x6"

Sarah and Sis photo

I haven't had a chance to work on my animal paintings lately with Christmas and my portrait commissions to do. Then on December 27 my hubby and I left for our son and daughter-in-law's in North Carolina. At the back of their property their neighbors, Calvin and his wife, graze their 2 mules, Sarah and Sis. Sarah is the larger mule on the left with a darker coat. I have photographed them and observed them many times before. My grandson also assisted in the picture-taking! After watching them for a while and taking some photos, I returned to my daughter-in-law's and did these 2 paintings. Their manes were clipped short and have started to grow back and look spiked!     Comments

Thursday, December 20, 2007

"Baby" pencil, 3"x10" private collection	"Waldo" pencil & pastel, 13"x10" private collection

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Today I worked on a couple of commissions: Baby is a 4 year-old boxer. Waldo is a 14-year-old golden. I trying something different and adding a bit of pastel color to the drawing. Check back tomorrow to see the finished drawings!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Bouncer pastel, 12"x9" private collection

I got to meet Bouncer last Thursday and she's the cutest miniature schnauzer! I have worked more on her painting and I think this captures her mischievous personality!             Comments

Thursday, December 6, 2007 I have been working on my last Christmas commission of a miniature schnauzer for the last few days...             Comments