Sunday, May 17, 2009

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

My house herd of Holsteins have been watching with much interest the escapades of Fred and Bessie and their travels to Iowa on Jeannelle's blog and their return to Flea in Oklahoma . My town cows also thoroughly enjoyed the Dairy Headlines from Fred and Bessie, especially the--WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT COW “FRIENDSHIP”? They wish F&B a safe trip in their bubble wrap back to Oklahoma. And now, to the reason for the title of this post.
Years ago Trudy joined my house herd as a birthday gift from a family member. She has a sweet personality and fetching pink toes. Although she always seemed a little lonely.
Then last summer, after my mother passed away, I was going through her collection of small pitchers. There were some bought as souvenirs from trips, and some received as gifts. One, called Judy, looked strangely familiar. I brought her home and introduced her to Trudy.
Notice the resemblance? My guess is, since my mother's birthday is three days after mine, the two were bought together and given to each of us for our birthday. "It was like looking in the mirror," said Trudy. "Yes," said Judy, "there is no need for a DNA test here!"
And the final order of business: Jeannelle of "Midlife by Farmlight"...see above...posted a nice photo of a blue shingled barn caught in a "drive by shooting" on her way to Fort Atkinson, Iowa. I asked her permission to use it for a watercolor painting. She was kind enough to agree. The painting is done! I took the liberty of turning the barn around and parking a Ford 3600 tractor in the pasture (since it matched the blue of the barn so nicely). This painting turned out well enough that I may frame it and enter it in our county fair. I have had work in a gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a few other small galleries. However, marketing art turns it into a lot of work, so I just put the good ones in a box, or frame them and give them away.

8 comments:

ELIZABETH said...

Who knew cows could have such fun.

Love your painting.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I just love your paintings. And as for your herd of Holsteins (!!) they are sweet - they remind me of a visit I paid some years ago to the pottery museum in Stoke on Trent in England, where they had hundreds of what we call "creamers" (that is cream jugs in the shape of a cow) - do you think that is what you herd is mad eup of?

Anonymous said...

You are so clever. I find watercolours so hard to do, and only use touches of it here and there over pencil work. I can appreciate how much work went into your wonderful painting. Your cows are so funny watching the television - now I know why you appreciate the quirky things I sometimes post about. What a find about the little cows you have from the same family! Must have made your heart so happy given the circumstances. xxx

Jeannelle said...

How nice to see your herd of cows!! I'm sure they are all good friends. The Judy and Trudy story is sweet. Belated condolences to you on the passing of your mom last year.

Leenie....I'm gazing in awe at your watercolor! It is beautiful! You are very gifted. Is there any way to get a print of it? Let me know in an email if you wish. Seriously, I would buy a print of this lovely scene. I love blues and greens together.

Flea said...

I love your watercolor! You do beautiful work!

You twin bovines are just darling. Fred & Bessie are home, but I don't know how long I can keep them here. They're chattering about their travels and staring out the window. I anticipate having to lock doors and windows to keep them home.

Laura said...

What a beautiful painting indeed!
How long does it take you to paint soemthing like that? There is a blue roofed barn just down our road, which I have been meaning to photograph, and now seeing your painting, I think I'll get out there and do it. The blue roof is so unusual. I'm thinking it will be one of those subjects you take each season...so I'll start now with Spring.

Also wait till you see what I just posted on my blog..what a huge coincidence this turned out to be :-)

Butternut Squash said...

Your painting is so soothing. It is really fantastic. You are talented in so many ways. Peace.

DayPhoto said...

Your cows are sure cute and you made a great story for them.

And what an amazing artist!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com